A Hard-Hitting Expose of Santa and other Mysterious Christmas Symbols

A Hard-Hitting Expose of Santa and other Mysterious Christmas Symbols

Ok, now that I have your attention, I want to share my true intent with this month’s newsletter. As far as certain methods of celebration take us away from the original joy of Christmas, Jesus’ birth, I share some believers’ concerns. But, the notion that certain symbols are to be avoided or are evidence of the “world” stealing Christmas from us is another thing entirely.

Though a very small minority of Christians today take issue with Santa Claus, I find it difficult to be threatened by him. More so, I doubt the magnificence of our Heavenly Father is going to be eclipsed by the shadow of a fat fellow in a flying sleigh. Beyond all the tactless tinsel of commercial Christmas, the historical understanding of Santa Claus reveals something that God would have pervade the spirit of all mankind.

Nicholas of Myra, located in modern Turkey, was a “saint” because he was a follower of Jesus and was titled a “Saint” by the church’s recognition of his love and good works. It is this same Nicholas, known as “Saint Nicholas” who, through the ages comes to us as “Santa Claus”.

He was known for taking Jesus’ words to heart about giving to the poor: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:3,4

Saint Nicholas was very generous to the poor, but most often anonymously. The most famous story concerns three young women whose destitute father was going to force them into prostitution in order to survive. To prevent this heinous crime, Nicholas, on three different nights, anonymously went to their father's house and threw a bag of gold though an open window. The bishop's miter and fur trimmed red winter garments eventually became what we recognize as Santa's outfit, while Saint Nicholas's generosity was transferred to the "jolly old man" who delivers gifts anonymously on Christmas Eve.

Perhaps I should leave Santa Claus behind and tackle some other of the Christmas symbols.

What about all the wreaths, poinsettias and other greenery. Those have to be pagan, don’t they? Wiccans are well known for their nature worship. Let’s examine it together. Wreaths combine several Christmas symbols including holly, fruit, mistletoe, evergreens, tinsel, and so on, all of which retain their symbolism on the wreath. The word wreath comes from an old English word, meaning to writhe or twist. Greens twisted into a circle made "crowns" for kings, military leaders, and athletes. Because wreaths, due to their circular shape, symbolize eternity, the circle of life, and endless hope, they began to be used at Christmas and hung. Because a wreath has neither beginning nor end, but is a continuous circle, it symbolized God Himself.

Holly, with its spiked leaves and red berries symbolizes Jesus’ suffering for the world and the crown of thorns He wore.

How about something as simple as tinsel? A legend tells of a poor, faithful family who wished to decorate a Christmas tree in honor of the Christ Child but who had no money for decorations. In the night, spiders came and spun webs across the tree. Then the Christ Child, honoring the family's faith, turned the threads into silver. When we want to give our all to Christ, but we think that we have nothing of value to give, God gives value to our offerings. God does not measure worth by worldly standards but by spiritual ones. Give Christ your all and He will consider it more precious than gold.

The Christmas tree itself did not originate until About the year 1500. Martin Luther, inspired by a snow covered fir tree, brought a small tree indoors and decorated it with candles in honor of Christ’s birth. Because it is green year-round, the evergreen tree represents hope. Its needles and its narrow crest point upward, turning our thoughts to heaven. And topped with a star, it reminds us of the star of Bethlehem. Because the tree is cut down and then erected again, it is a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.

But what about X-MAS! It is not a pagan or worldy attempt to “x” Christ out of Christmas as. the word actually is an abbreviation for Christmas. Christ was often written as "XP" or "XT" and the Greek letter Chi X stood for Christ in the ancient Greek symbol for Christians. The “X” itself reminded those early believer of the cross of Jesus itself.

Hmm…perhaps this Christmas I’ll join the masses who celebrate Jesus’ birth, follow Him with all my heart, and remember the “X” means “Christ” and His cross where He died for me. At Christmas time let us heed this reminder: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) and celebrate what is originally behind the symbols of Christmas.