In some reading on a Lutheran discussion website in the past week, I came across a resource that might be of value to some of your families. The website is http://hausvater.org/ and its stated purpose is to "promote a Biblical Vision for Family, Church and Society in the Spirit of the Lutheran Confessions". The name of the website is "The Hausvater Project". The german word Hausvater is a noun that mean literally housefather and can be referenced to mean "head of household".

The Hausvater Project answers basic questions to help equip Christian men and women for complementary vocations in family, church, and society in light of Holy Scripture as proclaimed by the Lutheran Confessions. The programs include articles, audio & video, Bible studies, book reviews and much more.

Northwestern Publishing House has an archive of articles on Lutheran Parent topics. Recently, I found a good article on Christmas that reminds us of the reason for the season.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

To hear Christian parents discuss the Santa Claus tradition, you'd have to conclude they came from two different planets. Maybe Santa isn't so much the problem as the way we approach the issue--as two sides: one right, the other wrong.

First, let's concentrate on where we agree: Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, our Savior; he belongs at its center. Symbols of Christmas, like Advent wreaths, lighted evergreen trees, manger scenes, and carols help us remember our reason for celebrating Christmas.

Enter Santa Claus. Instant controversy! Suddenly the questions and judgments begin. You've heard the comments: "How can someone be so heartless as to deprive children of Santa?" Or, "How can Christmas remain Christ-centered when we promote Santa?" On one hand, the Santa tradition appears to be innocent, even useful. On the other hand, some of the concerns are legitimate faith issues and, depending on how Santa is presented to children, can become more than just an innocent family tradition.

The Santa Claus legend

The Santa Claus tradition originated with Bishop Nicholas of Myra, about 350 miles from Bethlehem, over 1,700 years ago. Nicholas secretly helped the poor, giving them food, clothing, and sometimes money--usually at night. After his death on December 6 in a.d. 343, the legend of "Saint" Nicholas began to spread around the world.

Gift giving in the name of Saint Nicholas originated in France in the 12th century. The Calvinist Protestants of northern Germany changed Saint Nicholas to Pelez Nicol (fur-clad Nicholas) and later Kriss Kringle.

Whatever the name, Father Christmas (Great Britain), Sinterklaas (Amsterdam), Pere Noel (France), Papa Noel (Brazil), or Grandfather Frost (Russia), the origin of each region's version of the Jolly Ol' Elf can be traced to Saint Nicholas.

The Saint Nicholas legend crossed the Atlantic with Dutch settlers to New Amsterdam--New York. Washington Irving's writings in the 1800s, Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" ('Twas the night before Christmas . . .), and the drawings of Thomas Nast (a political cartoonist during the Civil War) established the myth as we know it. Today, Santa's popularity transcends cultures because of the universal values of caring and generosity that he projects. Throughout the centuries he has been a symbol of Christmas to countless families.

So, what's the controversy?

Are these values bad? No. But, some would say, presenting a myth to children as fact is tantamount to lying to them; it damages parental integrity. For others, the real objection is the way in which Santa has been used by businesses to replace Christ as the central figure of Christmas.

Each concern raises a valid point. Proverbs 12:2 reminds us of how God views lies and deception. But isn't it possible to have visits from Santa without lying to our children?

Some families let Santa into their homes without "selling" him as a real person. They tell the truth and explain their tradition. The Bible doesn't speak on the matter directly, so this is a judgment call each family must make for itself.

But the Santa Claus tradition poses a more serious problem for Lutheran parents. The words of a popular song express the danger:

You better watch out,

You better not cry,

Better not pout. I'm telling you why--

Santa Claus is coming to town.

He sees you when you're sleeping,

He knows when you're awake,

He knows if you've been bad or good,

So be good for goodness sake!

A legend can reflect fundamental religious beliefs. In this case, the song expresses a motivation for children to be good that runs directly counter to what the Bible teaches. In the song, Santa takes on Godlike omniscience, knowing good deeds and bad, and he rewards children accordingly. The message is clear: Behave and you'll get more gifts; misbehave and you'll get nothing.

The problem for Lutheran parents is that if we believe that's how things really work, there isn't much room for grace. The step from believing that Santa or parents reward good behavior with gifts to believing that God gives gifts as a reward for not sinning is not a very big step. And to take the concept of grace out of the Christian's belief structure is to undermine the foundation of the structure.

The simple truth is that God gave Jesus as his great gift to the world, not because we are good, not because we deserve his gifts, but because he loves us. Our "goodness" is an expression of thankfulness, not an attempt to get more gifts by being good.

Christmas is all about grace. Can we focus on grace and still carry on the Santa Claus tradition? For some the answer is no; others will argue it can be done. If we make certain that our children know what Christmas is, if we read the Christmas story to them, display meaningful Christmas symbols and explain them, pray, sing hymns and carols, and attend church, children will know the truth.

Passing judgment on one another is destructive. We benefit from knowing and understanding what the issues are, making wise choices, and joining together--Santa or no Santa--with Christ at the center of our Christmas celebration and our lives.