Born in Patara, a land that is part of present-day Turkey, circa 280, St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop who helped the needy. After his death, the legend of his gift-giving grew. St. Nicholas transformed into the legendary character called Santa Claus, who brings Christmas presents to children around the world. Www.biography.com
My wife, Karen loves Christmas movies. I think we must start watching them in July (could be March). It was interesting to me the overwhelming number of Christmas movies featuring Santa Claus when compared to those that have any mention of Jesus. I began to wonder what the historical Saint Nicholas would say if we could ask him directly. Since St. Nick was a kindhearted, Christian man, I am sure he knew the scripture stating every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he would be very happy to bow to Jesus and give Him the glory for Christmas.*
It was that thought that inspired me to write this little book in the hope it would give parents a fun way to open a discussion with their children concerning the true meaning of Christmas without necessarily ruining the fun associated with Santa Claus.
Then, as I read the proof of this little book to my 5 year old grandson, I realized we so often associate the fun of Christmas with Santa and become very serious when we start discussing things concerning Jesus and His birth. After that realization, I added a page in an effort to show that Jesus also wants us to have fun and enjoy our lives every day, as well as at Christmas. He says in John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” I also found joy mentioned, I believe, 187 times in scripture. It was a great study. It is hard not to be happy when you finish reading the Psalms that even the hills, flocks and valleys shout for joy. I am so glad my Savior not only provides salvation and eternal life through His birth, death and resurrection, but I can also experience a joyful daily relationship with Him.
I hope you have as much fun and feel the blessings reading "Arnold's Christmas Question?" as I experienced while creating it.
Bill Slentz
*Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:9-11
My wife, Karen loves Christmas movies. I think we must start watching them in July (could be March). It was interesting to me the overwhelming number of Christmas movies featuring Santa Claus when compared to those that have any mention of Jesus. I began to wonder what the historical Saint Nicholas would say if we could ask him directly. Since St. Nick was a kindhearted, Christian man, I am sure he knew the scripture stating every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he would be very happy to bow to Jesus and give Him the glory for Christmas.*
It was that thought that inspired me to write this little book in the hope it would give parents a fun way to open a discussion with their children concerning the true meaning of Christmas without necessarily ruining the fun associated with Santa Claus.
Then, as I read the proof of this little book to my 5 year old grandson, I realized we so often associate the fun of Christmas with Santa and become very serious when we start discussing things concerning Jesus and His birth. After that realization, I added a page in an effort to show that Jesus also wants us to have fun and enjoy our lives every day, as well as at Christmas. He says in John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” I also found joy mentioned, I believe, 187 times in scripture. It was a great study. It is hard not to be happy when you finish reading the Psalms that even the hills, flocks and valleys shout for joy. I am so glad my Savior not only provides salvation and eternal life through His birth, death and resurrection, but I can also experience a joyful daily relationship with Him.
I hope you have as much fun and feel the blessings reading "Arnold's Christmas Question?" as I experienced while creating it.
Bill Slentz
*Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:9-11