The True Essence of Christmas: Christ, Not Santa Claus

Father Christmas, also known as Saint Nicholas, was historically recognized for his generosity toward children and the poor. His acts of kindness became legendary, inspiring communities to celebrate his giving nature. Yet over time, the figure of Santa Claus—or Father Christmas—has shifted the focus of Christmas from the birth of Jesus Christ to gift-giving, festive celebrations, and human-centered joy. While generosity is admirable, the heart of Christmas has been increasingly overlooked, leaving many to celebrate in ways that honor culture rather than Christ.

Interestingly, the Bible warns us about a group called the Nicolaitans, mentioned in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 2:6, the Lord says, “But this you have: you hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate,” and in Revelation 2:15, He adds, “So you also have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” The Nicolaitans appeared to do good—acts of generosity and service—but their deeds often entrapped people spiritually, subtly leading them away from God’s truth. In a similar way, the traditions surrounding Santa Claus, while seemingly innocent or enjoyable, can blind people to the true meaning of Christmas, redirecting focus from the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Christ.

The essence of Christmas is not about exchanging gifts or celebrating human generosity. It is about receiving the gift of God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, who came to dwell among us, to take our place in sin, and to offer eternal life. Many have lost sight of this, and the consequences are evident. On Christmas Day, some engage in drunkenness, immorality, and sinful acts, forgetting that this day was set apart to honor the Lord. The commercialization of Christmas, the emphasis on Santa Claus, and the cultural focus on feasting and celebration have robbed the day of its spiritual meaning.

God has always warned against profane acts that disregard His principles. Just as He said of Esau in Malachi 1:3, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,” we see that what God hates is not merely a person but profane actions and disregard for spiritual truth. The Nicolaitans, in their time, profaned what was holy by blending acts of apparent goodness with compromise and disobedience to God. Similarly, when traditions, entertainment, or cultural practices overshadow Christ during Christmas, the heart of the celebration is profaned.

It is important to note that this does not mean Christians should abandon Christmas or reject joy. On the contrary, Christmas is a day to celebrate Jesus Christ, acknowledging the miracle of His birth, His ministry, and His sacrifice for humanity. The true gift of Christmas is Christ Himself. Everything else—gift-giving, celebrations, feasts—must point back to Him and remind us of His love and purpose. When we lose sight of Christ, we inadvertently allow Nicolaitan-like influences to steal the focus of the season.

As the Church, we have a responsibility to reclaim Christmas. It is a day to teach, to share, and to witness the real story: the birth of the Savior who came into the world not for glory or personal recognition, but to bring redemption and salvation. Celebrating rightly means keeping Christ at the center, emphasizing spiritual reflection, worship, and the acknowledgment of God’s greatest gift to mankind.

Christmas is not about Santa Claus. It is not about exchanging gifts merely for the sake of tradition. It is about receiving, honoring, and celebrating Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became flesh and dwelt among us. The story of Christmas must be told correctly, and we, as the Church, must lead in proclaiming its true meaning. Let us guard this story carefully, ensuring that Nicolaitan influences—whether through secular traditions, commercialization, or distractions—do not steal the heart of Christmas from us.

This season, let us remember why we celebrate. Let us give thanks, worship, and rejoice in the true gift—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. When Christ is at the center, Christmas fulfills its divine purpose, and the season becomes a moment of spiritual reflection, joy, and eternal significance.