Grace Garden Preschool

It’s often said that the notion of Santa and the story of Jesus's birth just don't mix. Santa represents commercialization, greed, our need for more. Jesus would be appalled at what Christmas has become, these holiday purists say, and that’s probably true. But I do believe there is a place for Santa when we talk about Jesus, and for me, it boils down to gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The three kings of Orient, the Magi, the three Wise Men. There are different names for and stories about these men who came from the East to visit Jesus after his birth. Many believe they traveled to the manger to pay tribute to the newborn king. Others say it was several years after his birth that these visitors paid homage to the young Jesus.  Tradition says they were kings, biblical scholars believe they were astrologers.  There were three, or perhaps more – no one is certain. But this much is: They came bearing precious gifts, gifts that are inextricably linked to the Christmas story.

Gift-giving at Christmas has gotten out of control. In our effort to make sure everyone on our list gets something, we do forget the “why” of what we’re doing. Are we buying gifts to honor the newborn king? What would Jesus think about the frenzy that surrounds this time of year? Further, what would Santa think?

The legend of Santa Claus starts with Sinterklaas, who was inspired by a real man named Saint Nicholas who lived in the 4th century. Saint Nicholas gave all he had to the poor, food and money and clothing, to keep them from falling into lives of despair. Nicholas was a selfless, giving man who lived out every day what is means to be a Christian.  It was no surprise that he was canonized – or that he became the inspiration for the bearded man in red.

I think the three wise men and Santa would have a lot to talk about. They’d probably discuss how gifts aren’t meant to fulfill our materialistic needs. They’d shake their heads at our need to buy, buy, buy at the risk of making ourselves exhausted and unhappy. To be sure, they’d want us to remember that when we give gifts, we do so to honor the person to whom we're giving the gift, not to add to their trove of material possessions.

A friend passed along O. Henry’s classic Christmas story, “The Gift of the Magi” for me to read to my children. It’s a beautiful tale of love and sacrifice. At its heart, it captures what Christmas is really about. The true blessing of Christmas, the story teaches us, isn't in the receiving but rather in the giving.

Tomorrow morning at Breakfast with Santa, our kids will get to experience the joy of giving when they bring toys that will be passed along to children who lost everything in the Bastrop fires. It is in this generous and selfless spirit that Santa comes to visit us, and why the wise men traveled so many miles so long ago. The gift of the Magi is the same gift Santa brings every Christmas. It’s the gift of loving others more than we love ourselves.

Fondly,
Ms. Kym