Is it wrong for a Christian to hang up pictures of Santa Claus or tell their children about him?
The Bible teaches that each Christian must live out of his or her own conscience. Many times one Christian will have a conviction that something is wrong while another Christian won't.
Both of them could be sincere and of a pure heart, but have different insight on that particular subject (Rom. 14:1-23). I think the Santa Claus issue falls into this category.
For one Christian it's no big deal, and for another it's wrong. We have to learn to live by our own conscience, not judging others who may see things differently than we do.
My wife and I decided not to tell our children that Santa Claus brings them gifts. From the beginning we told them that Santa Claus was make-believe. We buy them gifts, and they know that they are from mom and dad. We do this because we don't want to overshadow Jesus and His birth.
However, we don't have a problem with anyone who chooses to emphasize Santa Claus. It's wonderful to live in the United States of America, and have the freedom of choice. It's also wonderful to know that we only have to answer to God and not man.
It's important that Christians don't try to make other Christians, or non-Christians, live up to their standards. Let me close with this wonderful section of Scripture.
It is written: "As surely as I live," says the Lord, "every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God." So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
(Rom. 14:11-13 NIV)
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally, reaching over 30,000 people each month.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.
