An Inkling
How did a 4th century Bishop from Myra, in modern day Turkey, get morphed into a fat guy in red at the mall with kids in his lap? It’s hard to imagine.
Many have written in recent years tracing the course of the Santa legend. Bishop Nicholas was known for his generosity, and thanks to a couple of miracles associated with his ministry, he was designated a Saint. Over the centuries legends accrued about St. Nicholas, with each country giving the legends their own flavor. For example, the Dutch came up with the story of Sinterklaas (a “dutchification” of St. Nicholas) filling Dutch children’s shoes with nuts and candies, according to his magical knowledge of their behavior. Other spins on the story found curious combination in America’s melting pot culture, setting the stage for a formative twist on Santa, Clement Clark’s 1822 poem, “The Night Before Christmas.” From there it was but a hop to Coca Cola’s artistic embellishments of Santa’s rotundity, and then to his throne at the mall, where Santa is orbited by tearful children, fawning parents, and a photographer. While the steps are traceable, it’s still amazing how we got from the good Bishop to the photo prop Santa.
What a striking contrast to another story, one that has remained constant across the centuries and cultures – the story of Jesus’ birth. There have been some cute stories that have grown up beside the Christmas story, such as that of the drummer boy. But the central story of Jesus’ birth has remained the same since the gospels first told it. It’s hard to improve on the truth!
Parents often worry about whether Santa will eclipse Jesus at Christmas. They need not. Santa can’t compete. Certainly we must make sure that Santa is not all that our children hear. But when they hear the story of Jesus’ birth, they will surely be drawn to its wondrous mystery.
O come let us adore Him!
Keith
