Serving Two Masters:  An Example from Christmas

In the book of Matthew we find this verse:

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

During the Christmas season it is not uncommon at all to see a church hold a Christmas celebration for the children that attend that church. However, many churches make sure that a certain character visits this event and it’s not who you would think. The mysterious guest is often times a man with a white beard and a red suit, the man we recognize as Santa Claus.

Think for a moment. Christians are usually the first ones to point out that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” However, some of these very same Christians have no problem allowing the marketing genius we know as Santa Claus to visit with their children and give them a gift. However, the Christmas season is about God sending the world a gift, the gift of Jesus Christ.

The question is, then, who are we really teaching our children to adore? Sure, God sent the world a wonderful person, but Santa gives out presents. Think about young children you know; which do you think will excite them more?

This passage also brings to mind that we cannot serve both God and money. Look at it this way, Santa makes a child Happy by bringing him a toy which costs money. God gives the child the chance at salvation. If the child does not know what salvation is or what it is truly worth, why would he recognize Jesus over Santa?

Jesus taught we can only serve one master. Think about a child you know. If he had to choose a master right now, who would he choose? Perhaps the church needs to help children out and make it clear that Santa Claus, at least the fictional portrayal of him, is a person who does not need to be in churches.

The truths found in this writing were provided by the word of God.

Written by Timothy Hegerich / Edited by Vicki Hill