[Sissy]

Matthew 18
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!

For those interested:
Here’s a nice link that discusses the origin of Santa in the different cultures and the effects it has on children.
It’s long and has photos.

http://www.av1611.org/othpubls/santa.html


The thing I like the most about the link is how it uses scripture to turn the Santa figure into a Christ-like figure. (Just like we try to rationalize a pagan festival into a Christian festival).

For example:

The most common images we give our children of Santa:

Santa has snow white hair (Rev 1:14).
Santa dressed in red (Isaiah 63:2).
Santa has always existed (the ancient of days - no beginning, no end).
Santa sees and knows who has been good (Proverbs 15:3).
Santa rewards those that believe in him.
Santa coming down the chimney (Rev 1:15).
Santa’s house in the North Pole (Eze. 8:14).
Santa says Ho Ho Ho (Zec 2:6, Isa 55:1).
Santa loves little children to come to him (Mark 10:13-14).
etc…


Who do we know that tries the hardest to be the great imitator of GOD?


Quote from the link:

If the Christian world had, even a small drop of the faith the average child has in Santa – we’d have revival overnight!

Have we brought up our children with the notion that Satan, I mean Santa, is God-like?