What Does Santa Claus Have To Do With Jesus?

What does santa have to do with jesus

How does Santa Claus relate to Jesus?

Historically, Christmas was and continues to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus, which commemorated the Son of God becoming a human being, whereas December 6th was dedicated to St.Nicholas, who was the historical inspiration for the character of Santa Claus.St.

1. Nicholas was transformed into Santa Claus, and the commercialization of the holiday began to clash with the religious celebration of Jesus’ birthday.

Does Santa have anything to do with Christianity?

Santa Claus has partial Christian roots in Saint Nicholas, particularly in the high church denominations that practice the veneration of him in addition to other saints. Saint Nicholas is also known as the ″Father of the Year″ in some circles. As a result, the figure has occasionally been the subject of heated debates over the holiday and its connotations.

What does Santa have to do with Christmas?

Santa Claus is a mythological person who is the traditional patron of Christmas in the United States and other nations, and who is known for delivering presents to children. His well-known picture is based on legends related with Saint Nicholas, a Christian saint who lived in the 4th century. In several European nations, Father Christmas fulfills the role of Santa Claus.

Does Jesus have anything to do with Christmas?

December 25th is observed as a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God. The term ″Christmas″ stems from the celebration of the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (also known as Communion or the Eucharist) is a moment for Christians to remember that Jesus died for our sins and subsequently rose from the dead.

Is Christmas actually Jesus birthday?

Was Jesus, however, truly born on December 25th?The quick answer is that it does not.It is not widely accepted that Jesus was born on December 25, the day on which Christmas is celebrated across the world.

1. Instead, according to The History Channel, Christmas was chosen as a suitable celebration day since it fell on the same day as a pagan event that marked the equinox of the winter solstice.

Is Santa Claus real in 2020?

To summarize, the simple answer is YES, Santa Claus is real in every manner that matters. Not only is Santa trustworthy, but he is also renowned!

Was Jesus born Christmas or Easter?

In reality, throughout the first three centuries of Christianity’s existence, the birth of Jesus Christ was not commemorated in any way whatsoever. The most important religious holidays were Epiphany, which took place on January 6, commemorating the arrival of the Magi after Jesus’ birth, and Easter, which took place on April 1, commemorating Jesus’ resurrection.

Is Santa a religious symbol?

But Santa Claus is not a religious character or symbol; rather, he is an amalgam of elements from Christianity, pre-Christian paganism, and modern, secular myth-making that has come together through the centuries.

Why do we celebrate Jesus birth on December 25?

Christ’s conception, according to the Roman Christian historian Sextus Julius Africanus, occurred on March 25 (the same day on which he believed the world was founded), which, following nine months in his mother’s womb, resulted in his birth on December 25, according to Christian tradition.

How old is Santa Claus?

(I’m going to assume you’re sitting down.) The short answer is that Santa Claus has been around for 1,750 years (albeit that is a youthful age for an elf! ).

Is Santa in the Bible?

Santa is said to exist according to the Bible. We learn about this surprising discovery via a letter from Dr. Jasper Bumgartner, a scientist stationed at the North Pole, which we have translated here.

Who invented Santa Claus?

When Civil War cartoonist Thomas Nast created Santa Claus for Harper’s Weekly in 1862, he depicted him as a little elflike person who was a supporter of the Union cause. Nast proceeded to sketch Santa for another 30 years, gradually modifying the color of his coat from tan to the red that is now recognized as his signature.

Have we lost the true meaning of Christmas?

Over the years, Christmas has lost a great deal of its significance. Giving and getting presents has replaced everything else, particularly for younger children. The entire concept of Christmas has nothing to do with the genuine purpose of the holiday. We rejoice because Jesus was born on this day, and many youngsters are likely to be unaware of this fact.

What does the Bible say about a Christmas tree?

One text now deals with the use of trees in worship in a more festive manner. Moreover, you must take on the first day the fruit of magnificent trees, the branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and the willows of a brook, and you shall celebrate before the Lord your God for seven days, according to Leviticus 23:40.

When was Jesus actually born?

The Virgin Mary, who was nine months pregnant with the son of God, would have given birth to Jesus on the winter solstice, nine months after the conception of the child. From Rome, the celebration of Christ’s birth spread to other Christian churches in the west and east, and by the end of the fourth century, the majority of Christians were commemorating Christ’s birth on December 25.

The Real Santa Claus and Jesus’ birthday? (Video for Kids)

This is video number four of twelve in the What’s in the Bible?series.Blog Tour for the 12 Questions of Christmas.

1. Check out What’s in the Bible?
2. for more information.
3. every day in order to discover the location of the next video in the series These Christmas video clips would be wonderful to watch as a family during the holiday season.

I’m going to show them to our children in Children’s Church, most likely.You may find links to the remaining 10 days from this page.

What does Santa Claus have to do with Jesus’ birthday?

From Genesis to Revelation, What’s in the Bible?is a new 13-DVD series from VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer that takes kids and families on a journey through the Bible from beginning to end.DVDs 1-4 (Genesis – Ruth) are currently available for purchase.

1. Note from the editor: This contest has now concluded, and the winners have been contacted by email.
2. Thank you to everyone who shared their Christmas memories, and thank you to What’s In the Bible?
3. for providing such wonderful rewards.

As part of this campaign, the folks over at What’s in the Bible?have generously donated four copies of this DVD for us to give away on our website.You must leave a comment below informing me about your best Christmas memory in order to be eligible to win.If this is your first time posting a remark on the site, please be patient as it may take several hours to appear.We screen new commenters to ensure that they do not post spam.On Friday, December 10, 2010, I will choose the four winners using the Random.org website.

There is one restriction: we may only mail the DVDs to addresses within the United States.Thanks for watching, and I look forward to hearing your Christmas experiences in the comments area below.There’s more…hold on a sec…You may browse through all of our Christmas Lessons and coloring pages that are available for printing.Our free resources are ideal for use in your church, home, or educational setting.

There is no price, and you are free to make as many copies as you like.The following is the new Sunday School curriculum: Our Bible teachings are designed to hold the children’s attention while also demonstrating how God’s Word may make a difference in their lives.Every series is adaptable enough to accommodate a diverse age range while remaining reasonably priced for small congregations.Download a free Bible lesson in pdf format, or have a look at our most recent Sunday School curriculum for children.

What does Santa Claus have to do with Christianity?

St. Nicholas is a Christian saint who has partial Christian origins, notably among the high church groups that practice the adoration of him in addition to other saints. Other nonconformist Christians decry the materialistic emphasis of current gift-giving and regard Santa Claus as a symbol of that society, as does the Church of the Holy Spirit.

How does Santa Claus relate to Christianity?

Nothing about Santa Claus is distinctively Christian or religiously inclusive in any way. […] Because, while Christmas may be a religious festival for many faithful Christians, the holiday in the larger American culture is not religious in any way. The truth is that it cannot be done.

What does Santa have to do with Jesus?

Christmas was and continues to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus, which commemorated the Son of God becoming a human being, while December 6th was dedicated to St. Nicholas, who was the historical inspiration for Santa Claus. St. Nicholas was transformed into Santa Claus, and the commercialization of the holiday began to clash with the religious celebration of Jesus’ birthday.

Who is Santa Claus to Jesus?

St. Nicholas, a real-life historical devotee of Jesus Christ who gave liberally to people in need and followed the Biblical precept to love your neighbor, is the inspiration for Santa Claus, who is mostly based on his life.

Is Santa friends with Jesus?

When I was younger, I used to wonder what the relationship was between Santa Claus and Jesus Christ. In reality, there is no substantial relationship between the two. On the contrary, the entire ″Santa Claus″ enterprise that exists today is more diverting than anything else from the message of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Is Santa Claus still alive?

The terrible news is that Santa Claus is unquestionably no longer alive.Archaeologists in southern Turkey claim to have uncovered the grave of the original Santa Claus, also known as St.Nicholas, beneath his namesake cathedral near the Mediterranean Sea, which they believe was previously unknown.

1. Saint Nicholas of Myra (now Demre), noted for his anonymous gift-giving and kindness, was a patron saint of the city.

Who invented Santa Claus?

Nicholas: The Real Santa Claus, as the saying goes. The origins of Santa Claus may be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas, who lived around the fourth century. A.D. 280 at Patara, near Myra, which is now part of Turkey. It is thought that Nicholas was born there somewhere about this period.

Is Christmas actually Jesus birthday?

Christmas is on the 25th of December… The day of Jesus’ birth is not recorded in the Bible on December 25; in fact, the Bible remains quiet on the day or time of year when Mary was claimed to have given birth to him in Bethlehem, according to tradition. His birth was not commemorated by the first Christian communities.

Why is Christmas Jesus birthday?

The Roman Christian historian Sextus Julius Africanus assigned the date of Jesus’ conception to March 25 (the same date on which he believed the world was formed), which, following nine months in his mother’s womb, resulted in his birth on December 25, according to the calendar of the time.

Was Jesus born Christmas or Easter?

Was Jesus, however, truly born on December 25th?The quick answer is that it does not.It is not widely accepted that Jesus was born on December 25, the day on which Christmas is celebrated across the world.

1. Instead, according to The History Channel, Christmas was chosen as a suitable celebration day since it fell on the same day as a pagan event that marked the equinox of the winter solstice.

How did Santa Claus die?

What is more, was Jesus indeed born on December 25th, as some believe?Short and simple answer: no.Although Christmas is celebrated across the world on December 25, it is not widely accepted that Jesus was born on this day in history.

1. As a result, according to The History Channel, Christmas was picked as a suitable celebration day since it fell on the same day as a pagan feast commemorating the winter solstice.

Is Santa real in real life?

It’s true that Santa Claus is based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas, who was…… ‘Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop who served the ancient Greek seaport city of Myra in Asia Minor during the period of the Roman Empire… ‘

Whats the difference between Santa and God?

When I was little, I used to wonder what the difference was between a God and Santa Claus. Santa Claus is a mixture of tales that have been added to the true story of Saint Nicholas, who handed Christmas gifts to needy children in their stockings by the fireplace. … God, on the other hand, is NOTHING like that since God is the creator of everything, both visible and invisible.

How old is Santa Claus?

DiscoverHow old is Santa Claus? In the year 270 AD, Saint Nicholas was born. That would put him at the age of 1,747 years.

When was Jesus actually born?

He was born between 6 and 4 BC, according to some researchers, who believe this is based in part on the biblical account of Herod the Great.

Is Santa a God?

″Santa Claus is typically depicted as an elderly stranger who visits children once a year and offers them presents…. It is a deity that has been presented by parents who take pleasure in the fact that their children believe in it – and the longer they have believed in it the better.

Was Christ Born on Christmas? And What Does Santa Have to Do With It?

Greetings, Father Kerper: Someone informed me that the 25th of December is not the birthday of Jesus Christ.I believe this to be incorrect.Is it true that Christ was born on Christmas or not?

1. If this is the case, why has the Church maintained that Jesus was born on December 25 for so long?
2. And how could people get themselves into such a tangle about something as vital as this?
3. First, we must evaluate our current idea of birthdays and how it differs from that of the early Church in order to provide a satisfactory solution to your question In our society, we place a strong emphasis on ″marking″ the exact anniversary of everyone’s birthdate on a calendar.

Rather than merely commemorating and celebrating the person’s birth, we celebrate and remember him or her throughout their whole life.For example, when we commemorate the birthday of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, or any historical figure, we reflect on his or her whole life, rather than simply the day of his or her birth.Early Christians had a totally different approach to the subject.It is true that they disliked birthday celebrations because they were associated with ″old faiths″ that dabbled in astrology and the occult, which they considered to be evil.Early Christians tended to celebrate a person’s genuine birthday on the day of his or her death, in order to distinguish themselves from pagan traditions that had influenced them.This mirrored the Christian idea that a person’s physical birth was insignificant unless it resulted in everlasting life, which begins at death, and that death was the beginning of eternal life.

A holy death, rather than a merely physical birth, is worthy of tremendous joy.This method led Christians to begin linking saints’ feast days to the anniversaries of their deaths, rather than the dates of their birth (with the exception of Mary, Mother of Jesus (September 8) and Saint John the Baptist (July 3)).(June 24).This gets us to the answer to your question: Is the 25th of December the true birthday of Jesus Christ?Yes, assuming you’re referring to the day on which Christians have nearly uniformly commemorated the birth of the Lord since the beginning of time.There is no clear documentary evidence to support this, and Sacred Scripture makes no reference of a specific date for Jesus’ birth.

As a result, the Church has never definitely preached that Jesus was born on December 25.That there is a paucity of evidence should come as no surprise to us.When it comes to births, deaths, and weddings, we place a high importance on meticulous documentation.However, ancient people did not, especially among ordinary people like Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, who did not.

The majority of individuals in Palestine were likely unaware of their actual birthdates, and illiterate parents had no method of keeping track of their children’s birthdays as they grew older.While they may have recalled the season in which the kid was born, they are unlikely to have remembered the day or even the year.When it comes to Christ, we must constantly remember that the Gospels were ″written in backward″ — that is, they begin with the events of Christ’s life that took place towards the end of his life, such as His Passion, death, and resurrection.The well-known Christmas writings of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke were all written after the events of the Passion narratives were completed.

1. Furthermore, even if these Christmas stories, which we like, had never been written or had been lost, our trust in Christ would not have been altered in any way.
2. After all, the Gospels of Saint Mark and Saint John include absolutely no information regarding the birth of Jesus and his family.
3. Certainly, the Christmas scriptures enrich our knowledge of Christ and provide magnificent color to the tale, but they are not required reading.
4. As a result, we are not required to know the exact date of Christ’s birth.

Let us now shift our attention to the long-held conviction that the 25th of December is, in fact, the birthday of Christ.The date chosen was not chosen on the spur of the moment or on a whim.It is founded on a solid theological foundation.It was around AD 360 (or maybe even earlier) when Roman Christians began to commemorate the birth of Christ on December 25th.Christians in other parts of the world, on the other hand, had set his birthdate for January 6.

(in conjunction with the Epiphany).Others had it on April 20th and May 15th, respectively.Gradually, though, the date of December 25 became nearly universally recognized.Why was December 25 chosen as Jesus’ birthday if he didn’t have a birth certificate?Because of its proximity to the winter solstice, which marks the transition between light and darkness in nature, it is known as the Winter Solstice.Some ancient theologians thought that the events of Christ’s life were inexplicably timed to coincide with the motions of the earth’s atmosphere.

1. The following passage from Saint Augustine serves as an excellent illustration of this type of thinking: Let us celebrate together, my brothers!
2. It is a joyous occasion for us as well as for all of the nations of the world!
3. Rather than the sun, which we can see, the Creator, who we cannot see, has made this particular day unique and memorable.
4. When exactly did this occur?

When a Virgin Mother flowed out from her fertility, without the assistance of her genitalia, the One whom we could see, this was the moment of salvation.All of this was made possible by her unseemly Creator, who we will never meet.It’s as nice a day as any, Saint Augustine declares later in his life.The Winter Solstice is upon us.The transition from autumn to winter.

• The shortest day of the year.
• Every day that passes brings with it a longer period of daylight— Isn’t it possible that this represents Christ’s work?
• In contrast to Sacred Scripture, Saint Augustine and other Doctors of the Church deduced the exact date of Jesus’ birth by classical theological reasoning, rather than from the Bible.
• However, while the musings of holy theologians like as Saint Augustine are clearly deserving of belief, they do not constitute a conclusive statement.
• And finally, there’s another cause to celebrate on December 25th: The ″old″ Roman religion also suggested a link between nature and its own gods, but this was rejected by the Church.

Romans commemorated this event with a feast known as Natalis Solis Invincti, which honored the ″rebirth″ of the sun at the winter solstice.Many academics have suggested that Christians merely baptized this ancient pagan holiday, substituting the sun for the Son of God as a result of their conversion.As far as Christian worship and prayer are concerned, Christmas Day — December 25 — is the single day on which everyone may come together to celebrate the birth of Christ, the One who would suffer, be crucified, and be raised from the dead.On December 25, as we commemorate the Lord’s birthday, we join our efforts with hundreds of believing generations spanning many centuries.Surely, the Lord must now view December 25 as His one and only actual birthday, because on that single day, millions of people wish Him a happy birthday.

The True Story of Saint Nicholas

During early infancy, many children are exposed to both fairy tales and Bible stories at the same time.As a result, when a kid grows up and loses interest in fairy tales, the stories about Jesus may begin to lose their credibility as well.In the midst of this tangle of childhood recollections, one must discern between fancy fabrications and historical realities entrenched in tradition.

1. Let’s start with the jolly old elf himself.
2. In the year 350, we know for definite that a man called Nicholas was born in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), served as bishop of Myra, and died.
3. He was immediately recognized as a great saint and canonized.

Despite the fact that we lack accurate historical documentation, it is quite likely that he aided the destitute, cured the ill, and interceded with God on their behalf, among other things.Over time, stories of Nicholas’s kindness and giving traveled throughout Europe and other areas of the world, inspiring people everywhere.Santa Claus is derived from both the Latin term sancta (saint) and the final part of the name Nicholas, and was first used to refer to Nicholas of Myra, who was a saint at the time.So, strictly speaking, Santa Claus/Saint Nicholas was a real person who lived in the past.He is nothing like the tooth fairy or the Easter Bunny, to put it mildly.In a way, Santa Claus/Saint Nicholas continues to function in the world today anytime individuals emulate his goodwill and generosity by giving presents to others, particularly children, even if they do so unwittingly.

After all, every loving act has its origins in God, who is love, and when someone like Saint Nicholas stimulates gift-giving, we might claim that he is somehow actually participating in the act of giving.Now we come to the Christmas narrative, which you probably learnt alongside the story of Santa Claus when you were a youngster.At first look, it appears to be the same story: a historical tale with a legitimate historical basis, but with incorrect and fantastical elements thrown in for good measure.However, the Christmas narrative, or at least the portions of it that are told in Sacred Scripture, varies fundamentally from fairy tales such as the full-blown Santa account in terms of content and structure.First and foremost, Christmas commemorates a genuine historical event: the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, who is widely regarded as the Messiah and the Son of God.Today, there isn’t a single competent historian — believer or nonbeliever — who would call into question the reality of God.

Despite the fact that the documentation is scant, it is convincing.While the Gospel authors focused primarily on the story of Jesus’ birth, they also added several subsidiary elements, such as the star of Bethlehem and the presence of shepherds, magi, and angels, among other things.They go far beyond ″raw history″ by stating truths of faith about Jesus, such as His genuine family connection with King David, His life and death as the final fulfillment of Israelite prophecy, and His mission to the Gentiles, to name a few.All of these characteristics of the biblical Christmas tale are in stark contrast to the fancy legends about Santa Claus.

Consider the poem ″The Night Before Christmas,″ which was penned by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822 and is still widely read today.Moore’s poem was written with the intention of entertaining and delighting small children.His lovely tale of Santa’s nighttime visits on Christmas Eve is completely fictitious and has no connection to the real figure of Saint Nicholas.The biblical Christmas tale, on the other hand, is not only a piece of children’s entertainment, but rather a vital element of Sacred Scripture that reveals fundamental truths about Christ’s origin and identity.

1. However, I hasten to point out that much of the customary imagery connected with the Christmas tale goes much beyond what is recorded in the Gospels.
2. Figures in nativity scenes such as the little drummer boy, talking mice, and the kneeling Santa Claus are all modern inventions that do not appear in the biblical narrative.
3. They can be confusing to youngsters since they blend the fantastical with the biblical, despite their cuteness.
4. This explanation, which I hope will help you remember as the Christmas season approaches, is that God, who is love, gave His Son to us and that everyone who is united with Him — including Santa Claus/Saint Nicholas, your parents, and you — has the ability to transmit divine love into the world.

Note from the editor: This article is adapted from a chapter in Fr.Kerper’s A Priest Answers 27 Questions You Never Thought to Ask, which is published by Sophia Institute Press and is available for purchase.Image courtesy of Shalone Cason on Unsplash.

Amazon.com: Santa, Why do you come on Jesus’ Birthday?: 9781886528994: Daniels, Kimberle A.: Books

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

The product was reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2018.Verified Purchase If I had the option, I would give this book a zero-star rating.When did the Wise Men begin to follow the North Star in the first place?

1. The ″star in the east″ is mentioned in my Bible as being the direction they took.
2. Furthermore, bad children are not given presents.
3. They must repent and ask to God to pardon them.

There was a genuine chance for this narrative to be true, and I understood it was fiction, but the biblical information may have been factual, which is unfortunate.Reviewed on January 7, 2016, in the United States of America Purchase that has been verified Beautiful story for Christians who don’t want their children to ‘believe’ in Santa Claus or other holiday spirits.In this narrative, Santa listened to Jesus and followed His instructions on who he should marry and what he should accomplish with his life.Santa has always enjoyed giving and making others happy, which is why God chose him to be the giver of presents to children all around the world.It brought a tremendous grin to my face to read to my grandson, and it will become a Christmas tradition for me to read to him and my next grandchild, who will be coming soon!According to the United States government, on April 14, 2018, Purchase that has been verified meaningless book that could have been written so much better It was reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2015 and the purchase was verified.

This is a very cute book!I believe it’s a fantastic narrative, and it’s a wonderful way to tie in the story of Baby Jesus with the story of Santa.It will be a hit with my Grandchildren!Thank you really much:) On June 21, 2019, a review was conducted in the United States.I would love to have this book to share with our children if we had any younger ones (ours are all grown up).The pictures are excellent, and the tale is simple enough for a young child to comprehend.

I am grateful to the Daniels for taking the time to give this small book that explains the history of Christmas to children.-Michael Carrier, author of ″Michael Carrier″ On December 3, 2021, the United States will conduct a review.I received two copies of this book as a gift from relatives and soon tossed both of them out.I didn’t even want them to be picked up from a thrift store by someone else.

In order to get gifts from Santa, you must first ask for forgiveness.Certain items can be extremely poisonous when used together.Depending on their experience with Santa, children might very well be steered AWAY from the Christian faith.Wow.

1. On November 30, 2015, a review was conducted in the United States.
2. A wonderful and well-balanced book that maintains Christ at the heart of Christmas while still including the classic narrative of Santa Claus, the elves, and the reason why He visits on Jesus’ birthday, among other elements.
3. It is really simple to read and to comprehend.
4. This is a book that everyone should read.

You’re going to adore it!On November 30, 2015, a review was conducted in the United States.This book is fantastic!If you are a Christian and wish to explain why Santa visits on Jesus’ birthday, I strongly advise you to read this book.This book does an excellent job of teaching via the use of stories and illustrations.

Every Christmas season, my son looks forward to reading this book with his family!I’m going to order more copies for my friends and family members.

Is Santa Claus a God?

Doctor Jim Davies, associate professor at Carleton’s Institute of Cognitive Science, discusses how the concept of Santa Claus fits (and doesn’t fit) with what anthropologists consider gods in religion in this blog entry for Nautilus Magazine.Dr.Jim Davies is an associate professor at Carleton’s Institute of Cognitive Science.

1. Santa Claus holds an unusual position in the Christian worldview.
2. On the one hand, it appears that only children truly think he exists; on the other hand, he receives far more attention than many other claimed supernatural creatures, such as angels or Satan, who are also mentioned.
3. Is Santa Claus considered to be a god in the Christian religious tradition?

A wide variety of supernatural entities can be categorized as ″gods,″ depending on their anthropological background.In part because Christianity prides itself on being a monotheistic faith, Christians are more inclined to say no than others.I say ″styles itself″ because there are various ways in which it appears to be rather polytheistic in its appearance.For example, while there are many Christians who believe in only one God with a capital G, there are also those who believe in angels, saints, devils, and even ghosts—and this is without taking into consideration the more complicated example of the Trinitarian Godhead.However, despite the fact that Santa would qualify as a supernatural figure if people believed in him, only a small percentage of individuals over the age of 71 believe in him.The essence of the Santa Claus story, on the other hand, has some remarkable similarities to the gods of many other religions.

There is a clear resemblance in that Santa Claus is thought to possess magical abilities, such as the ability to fly around the world and visit an unlimited number of households in a short period of time.He also has other magical entities at his disposal, including as elves and flying reindeer, who work for him.For the same reason that other god faiths do, he comes with an explanation for why we don’t see him: He arrives in the middle of the night when everyone is asleep (with the department store’s ″Santa″ serving as an interesting exception to this general rule).Most intriguingly, Santa has a commonality with the other gods in the sense that he has special access to information about people’s moral behavior.This is referred to as ″strategic knowledge″ in the field of psychology.The moral conduct of people is regarded to be more important to gods, even if they are believed to be all-knowing.

For example, the average amount of kibbles your dog consumes every week and a half is believed to be more important to gods.Santa, like many other gods having access to strategic knowledge, is connected with unique rites and traditions.These customs include the hanging of stockings as well as the giving of gifts such as cookies and milk.Gods who possess strategic knowledge are also more likely to employ it in some capacity, whether to punish or reward mankind.

Additionally, the Santa myth supports this in that Santa gives well-deserved gifts to his young believers: toys for the good and coal for those who have been mischievous.Strategic knowledge is also the type of information that individuals are more inclined to spread amongst themselves through word of mouth.Various theories have been advanced to explain how both gossip and religion interact to maintain people treating one another nicely.Many people contribute to the perpetuation of the belief that Santa exists, in part because they believe it will motivate their children to be good citizens.

1. According to psychologists such as Jesse Bering and Jonathan Haidt, religion developed (either culturally or genetically) to persuade individuals not to defraud one other when no actual human being is there to witness the act of cheating.
2. However, according to Justin L.
3. Barrett, a researcher in the cognitive psychology of religion, the fact that there is no Santa Claus cult and that he does not have a significant community of sincere believers may prevent him from being a true god.
4. Even though Santa is not a deity, there is no denying the parallels between him and the gods: He sees you when you are asleep.

He knows when you’re awake and when you’re asleep.He can tell if you’ve been evil or good, so try to be good for the benefit of others.Jim Davies is the author of Riveted: The Science of Why Jokes Make Us Laugh, Movies Make Us Cry, and Religion Makes Us Feel One with the Universe, all of which are available on Amazon.He is a cognitive scientist who lectures at Carleton University.Wednesday, January 21, 2015 |

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Santa Claus

Top Questions

What does Santa Claus look like?

Where does Santa Claus live?

Where did Santa Claus come from?

When does Santa Claus arrive?

Is it possible to meet Santa Claus?

Traditionally associated with Christmas in the United States and other nations, Santa Claus is a mythological person who distributes presents to children across the world.His well-known picture is based on legends related with Saint Nicholas, a Christian saint who lived in the 4th century.In several European nations, Father Christmas fulfills the role of Santa Claus.

1. New Amsterdam (now New York City) is credited for bringing the tale of Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) to the United States, along with the custom of distributing presents and sweets to children on his birthday, December 6, which is celebrated in the Netherlands.
2. In 1863, cartoonist Thomas Nast created drawings of Santa Claus for Harper’s Weekly, which became the basis for today’s representation of the character.
3. Nast’s Santa was heavily influenced by the description provided in the poem ″A Visit from St.

Nicholas″ (commonly known as ″’Twas the Night Before Christmas″), which was originally published in 1823 and is considered to be the origin of the holiday tradition.Illustration Haddon Sundblum’s iconic Santa Claus advertising for the Coca-Cola Company, which first appeared in 1931, contributed to the image’s development even further.A portly white-bearded guy dressed in a red suit with a black belt and white fur trim, black boots, and a soft red hat, Sundblum’s Santa was played by Jeff Bridges.During the year, Santa Claus is claimed to reside in the North Pole with his wife, where he works with his elves to create presents for children across the world.He receives messages from youngsters begging for Christmas presents at this location.Christmas Eve finds him filling his sleigh with presents and flying across the world, driven by eight reindeer, stopping at each child’s house; he slides down the chimney and leaves gifts, refueling himself with milk and cookies set out for him by the children of each family.

Those in charge of editing the Encyclopaedia Britannica Adam Augustyn was the author of the most recent revision and update to this article.

Two Christmas stories: An analysis of New Testament narratives

Instead of just one Christmas story, the New Testament has two.Both Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 include references to them.There are several things they share in common.

1. However, there are significant distinctions amongst them in terms of characters, narrative, themes, and tone.
2. Mary and Joseph are on their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem, according to the traditional account of the Christmas narrative.
3. At order to accommodate the lack of space in the inn, the infant Jesus is born in a barn and then put in a manger.

Choirs of angels and shepherds gather to celebrate his humbling birth, during which he is lavished with presents from the enigmatic Three Kings.This version incorporates a great deal of information from both biblical stories.It has been memorialized in Christmas carols and stable scenes, as well as in the liturgical cycle of readings that takes place during the Christmas season..My objective in writing this is not to critique the merging of the two Christmas tales, nor is it to question the historical accuracy of the events described in both.It is my intention, however, to demonstrate that by harmonizing the two tales, we may be overlooking details that were particularly significant for Matthew and Luke, respectively.Additionally, I believe that understanding each biblical story independently may offer up fresh views on the infant tales for those living in the present day and age.

We, along with Marc Z.Brettler and Peter Enns, explore how each of our three religious traditions—Jewish, Evangelical, and Roman Catholic—tries to bring together modern historical-critical readings of the Bible and contemporary religious faith and practice in our book The Bible and the Believer: How to Read the Bible Critically and Religiously.Of course, there are significant distinctions between us.Some ideas, however, are shared by us all, such as the need of interpreting biblical texts in their original historical contexts, the necessity of rigorous consideration of the literary qualities of each text, and respect for what appears to have been the original author’s objectives.By applying these concepts to the two Christmas stories in the New Testament, we will be able to see their historical relevance, distinctive literary character, and theological treasures with more clarity and understanding.Matthew’s Gospel was written in the late first century CE, possibly in the city of Antioch, Syria.

He was a Jewish Christian who wrote largely for fellow Jewish Christians, which was his primary audience.The purpose of his presentation was to demonstrate that the tradition of historical Israel was best fulfilled in the community that grew up around the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.Now that the temple in Jerusalem had been demolished and Roman rule over Jews had been tightened even more, all Jews were forced to confront the question of how the legacy of Israel as God’s people would be preserved.Matthew’s response consisted of emphasizing Jesus’ Jewishness as a central theme.

This context helps to explain why Matthew chose to tell his Christmas narrative in the manner that he did.Starting with a genealogy that links Jesus to Abraham and David, he goes on to include numerous women of dubious character who, while noting the new thing God was doing in Jesus, still emphasize the new thing God was doing in Jesus.His next explanation is how the virginal conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit fulfilled the prophesy of Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14), and how Jesus the Son of God was transformed into the legal Son of David via the intercession of Joseph.Joseph, in addition to Jesus, is the most important character in Mathew’s Christmas tale.

1. He, like his biblical namesake, is guided by dreams, and he is the divinely chosen defender of Mary and her infant Jesus.
2. It is important to note that the Magi tale in Matthew 2 is part of a longer sequence in which the newborn infant and his parents are in peril.
3. When King Herod learns that the child ″King of the Jews″ is a potential rival for his position of power, he seeks to have Jesus killed as soon as possible.
4. Because of this, the family escapes to Egypt, while Herod orders the killing of all boys under the age of two in the Bethlehem region.

The family does not return to the Land of Israel until after Herod’s death, and they do so to Nazareth rather than Bethlehem this time.Throughout their journey, the family is directed by dreams and passages from the Jewish Scriptures to help them along the way.Matthew wants us to understand who Jesus is (the Son of Abraham, the Son of David, and the Son of God) and how he traveled from Bethlehem to Nazareth in his Christmas account.His actions confirm Jesus’ Jewish identification while also foreshadowing the mystery of the crucifixion, as well as non-Jews’ acceptance into the church.The tone is solemn, gloomy, and solemnly serious.

Luke’s Gospel was written about the same time as Matthew’s Gospel (although at a separate location), in the late first century CE.A biography of Jesus’ life and death (the Gospel according to Luke) and a history of the development of Christianity from Jerusalem to Rome were written by him in two volumes (Acts of the Apostles).The dynamic between the two books is highlighted by the lines ″a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel,″ which are borrowed from Isaiah (42:6, 46:13, and 49:6) and are now found in Luke 2:32: ″a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.″ While Luke demonstrates his mastery of classical Greek in his prologue (1:1-4), he turns into ″Bible Greek″ in his infancy story, which is written in the style of the narrative books of the Old Testament in their Greek translations, in his nativity account.In addition to Jesus, there are several other characters, including Zechariah and Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Mary, and Simeon and Anna, as well as other angels and shepherds, among others.These individuals exemplify the pinnacle of Jewish piety.As a result, Luke paints an idealized portrait of the Israel into which Jesus is born.

1. Luke appears to be interested on drawing parallels between John the Baptist and Jesus in the overall framework of his infancy tale.
2. In essence, he is saying that while John the Baptist is wonderful, Jesus is much better.
3. This is matched by an equally important announcement: that of John’s birth as a forerunner of Messiah, which is followed by an equally important announcement: that of Jesus’ birth as Son of God (1:5-25; 1:26-56).
4. As a result, the story of John’s birth and name is counterbalanced by the account of Jesus’ birth and naming as Savior, Messiah, and Lord (1:57-80; 2:1-40).

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, Jesus and his family are shown as being attentive to Jewish rules and practices.Meanwhile, there are subtle ″digs″ at the Roman emperor and his acclaim for the divinity of his subjects.In between the episodes, victorious melodies of joy are interspersed.Magnificat (1:46-46), Benedictus (1:68-79), and Nunc dimittis (Nunc dimittis) are well-known by their traditional Latin titles (2:29-32).These are parodies of words and phrases from Israel’s Scriptures, and they are intended to exalt the God of Israel for the work he was accomplishing in and through the person and ministry of Jesus Christ.

• Luke’s intention with his infancy account is to ground Jesus in the highest traditions of Israelite devotion while also hinting at Jesus’ relevance for all peoples of the globe.
• Therefore, the genealogy of Jesus in Luke (3:23-38) extends beyond Abraham all the way back to Adam and his father, Seth.
• The tale of Luke’s childhood has served as the foundation for the conventional ″Christian narrative.″ It has an uplifting, festive, and even romantic tone to it..
• I’ve demonstrated one method of reading the Christmas accounts in Matthew and Luke.
• It is a method that recognizes and respects their historical circumstances, literary abilities, and intended outcomes.

It is not the only alternative.To be sure, during the course of this Christmas season, I shall (God willing) be commemorating the traditional Christmas tale in each of the two parishes where I am a regular member of the Catholic clergy.In this article, I aim to have demonstrated that there is much more to the biblical Christmas tales than what is typically included in the conventional version.

Forget Stamps, You Can Reach Santa Claus By Phone

Send him a message on his personal phone number.No issue if you don’t have any stamps.After all, it appears that a good old-fashioned pencil isn’t the only method to get in touch with Santa Claus these days.

1. Children may now communicate with the big man at the North Pole by telephone!
2. To be exact, Kris Kringle has a direct phone number, which is (951) 262-3062.
3. You shouldn’t be surprised if your call goes straight to voicemail because Santa is obviously extremely busy during this time of year.

Those toys don’t just appear out of nowhere, believe it or not!Callers to Santa’s personal line are greeted with the traditional ho, ho, ho!, which comes as no surprise.″Merry Christmas!″ he exclaims once more.You have reached the personal hotline of Santa Claus, who says, ″This is Santa Claus.″ He goes on to explain that he has been very busy producing gifts that would be delivered on Christmas morning to the children.Santa then reminds the youngsters that their parents adore them and advises them that it is vital to pay attention to what they have to say.As he adds, ″When you hear the tone, please send me your Christmas wish list as well as seasonal greetings.″ Isn’t it amazing?

The FreeConferenceCall.com hotline is sponsored by the company, which established it in 2009 as a promotional tool for their services.According to the company’s president, Dave Erickson, ″the way that children interact with Santa is evolving, and we are delighted to assist link today’s next generation of communicators to Santa over the phone.″ ″The way that children engage with Santa is developing,″ Erickson said in a statement.Traditionalists will be delighted to discover that you can still send letters to the North Pole through the United States Postal Service; just be sure to send your lists in by December 15th if you want to receive a response!

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem

Located 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem, on the spot that has been designated by Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus since the second century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth a visit.There was originally a church there, which was completed in 339, and the edifice that rebuilt it following a fire in the 6th century still has magnificent floor mosaics from the previous structure.The property also comprises churches and convents belonging to the Latin, Greek Orthodox, Franciscan, and Armenian faiths, as well as bell towers, terraced gardens, and a pilgrimage path.

1. The following description is accessible under the CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 license.

Lieu de naissance de Jésus: l’église de la Nativité et la route de pèlerinage, Bethléem

The property is located about 10 kilometers south of Jérusalem on the grounds of the locations that Christians have revered as the site of Jesus’ birth from the second century AD, according to Christian tradition.It was here that a church was built in 339, and the building that replaced it after a fire that occurred in the sixth century still has remnants of the former structure’s floor, which were created from mosaics.The complex also includes a number of churches and monasteries, including Greek, Latin, Orthodox, Franciscan, and Armenian structures, as well as cloisters, terraced gardens, and a pilgrimage path across the area.

1. The following description is accessible under the CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 license.

مهد ولادة يسوع المسيح: كنيسة المهد وطريق الحجاج، بيت لحم

A total of 20 years have passed since the beginning of the project. Three hundred and forty-nine dollars and thirty-nine cents A spokesman for the company said: ″The company is committed to providing the best possible service to its customers.″ . source: UNESCO/ERI The following description is accessible under the CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 license:

耶稣诞生地：伯利恒主诞堂和朝圣线路

这一入选遗产位于耶路撒冷以南10公里，自从公元二世纪以来，就被基督教传统认定为耶稣的诞生地。 公元339年，在此建成第一座教堂，公元6世纪的火灾后，在此基础上重建的教堂保留了原有建筑精美的马赛克地板。 这一遗产地还包括拉丁、希腊东正教、方济会和亚美尼亚修道院和教堂，以及钟楼、露台花园和一条朝圣路线。 source: UNESCO/ERI The following description is accessible under the CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 license:

Базилика Рождества Христова и тропы паломников

The location is around 10 kilometers from the city of Seychelles.Beginning in the second century A.D., this location is revered by the Slovak people as the site of the birth of исуса ристa.When the city was first established in 339 A.D., it was known as the ″Egyptian City of Peace.″ Following oap in the 6th century n.y., she was renovated, and as a result, it was possible to collect a variety of unusual musaacs.

1. The list includes католиеские and равославне, including ранисканские and армнские, монастри and еркви, as well as колоколни, террасне сад, and тро аломников.
2. ект also includes католиеские and UNESCO/ERI is the source of this information.
3. The following description is accessible under the CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 license.

El Lugar de Nacimiento de Jesús: Iglesia de la Natividad y ruta de peregrinación en Belén

Located about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem, the registered site is believed to be the location where Jesus Christ was born, according to Christian tradition.A first church was built in 399 B.C., but it was demolished by fire and replaced by another in the sixth century, which was demolished by fire again in the seventh century.Suelos de mosaico extraordinariamente elaborados, originating from the original structure, have been preserved in the current church.

1. The site also includes conventos and churches of several denominations, including latinas, Greeks, Orthodoxes, Franciscans, and Armenians, as well as campanarios, terraced gardens, and a pilgrimage route.
2. UNESCO/ERI is the source of this information.
3. The following description is accessible under the CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 license.

イエス生誕の地：ベツレヘムの聖誕教会と巡礼路

エルサレムの南方10kmに位置する生誕協会は、2世紀以降人々によってイエスの生誕地と考えられてきた場所に立つ。 339年に創始され、6世紀の火災後に再建されたもので、初期教会建築の顕著な例。 構成資産には、巡礼の最終目的地である生誕教会に向かう巡礼路や鐘楼、ひな壇式庭園のほか、ラテン・ギリシャ正教・フランシスコ会・アルメニア教会の修道院や教会なども含まれている。 生誕教会の建物の損傷が激しいことから、危機遺産にも同時に登録された。 NFUAJ is the source of this information.

Geboorteplaats van Jezus: Geboortekerk en pelgrimsroute, Bethlehem

This location is located 10 kilometers to the south of Jeruzalem, on the site that has been recognized as the birthplace of Jesus by Christian tradition since the second century after Christ’s death and resurrection.In 339, a church was dedicated for the first time in history.In the sixth century, a brand was established.

1. The current church, which retains the original vernacular, still has the whole set of vloermozaeken from the original church.
2. There are also Latijnse, Greek-orthodox, Franciscaanse, and Armeense churches and chapels in the vicinity of the Geboorteplaats van Jezus’ burial site.
3. As well as caves and tornadic sites, you may find a pilgrimage trail and terrasvormige gardens.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization)

Outstanding Universal Value

A succinct summary Bethlehem is located 10 kilometers south of the city of Jerusalem in the lush limestone hill area of the Holy Land, 10 kilometers south of the city of Jerusalem.Historically, people have thought that Jesus was born at the location where the Church of the Nativity presently stands (Bethlehem) from at least the second century AD.In one specific cave, over which the first Church was erected, there is a long-held belief that the actual Birthplace of Christ took place.

1. When it comes to pinpointing the Nativity, the location is significant since it both represents the beginnings of Christianity and is one of the holiest sites in all of Christendom.
2. Parts of the ancient basilica church (St Helena), which was built in 339 AD and is still standing below ground, were designed such that the cave was encircled by and visible from the building’s octagonal eastern end.
3. This church is covered by the current Church of the Nativity, which dates mostly from the mid-6th century AD (Justinian), but it has undergone some modifications since then.

It is the world’s oldest Christian church still in continuous use.Since the early Middle Ages, the Church has gradually been assimilated into a larger complex of other religious structures, mostly monastic in nature.As a result, it is now part of an extraordinary architectural ensemble that is overseen by representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church, the Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Church, all of whom are bound by the provisions of the Status Quo of the Holy Places, which was established by the Treaty of Berlin.Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity have been, and continue to be, a popular pilgrimage destination for more than 1700 years, at various times in history.Known as the Pilgrimage Route, this section of the traditional route from Jerusalem to Bethlehem connects the traditional entrance of Bethlehem, near King David’s Wells, with the Church of the Nativity and continues along the Star Street, passing through the Damascus Gate, or Qos Al-Zarara, the historical gate of Bethlehem, and on to the Manger Square.Year after year, at Christmas festivities in Bethlehem, the Route is commemorated as the path taken by Joseph and Mary on their journey to Bethlehem, and it is ceremonially followed by the Patriarchs of the three churches at their various Christmas celebrations and formal trips to Bethlehem.

The link of the Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem, with the birthplace of the founder of a major religion, which for Believers saw the Son of God become man at Bethlehem, gives the church and the pilgrimage route an exceptional worldwide significance.As well as for the manner that over 1500 years, the fabric of the Church of the Nativity and its affiliations have come together to represent the immense spiritual and political effect that Christianity has had on human history.The Church of the Nativity is a remarkable example of an early church within a remarkable architectural ensemble; it illustrates two significant stages in human history in the 4th-6th centuries AD: the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity, which resulted in the development of the Church of the Nativity on the site believed to be associated with the birth of Jesus; and the power and influence of Christianity during the Crusades, which resulted in the construction of the Cathedral of St.Peter in Rome.Criterion (vi): The Church of the Nativity, as well as the Pilgrimage Route leading to it, are directly associated with the birth of Jesus, an event of outstanding universal significance, as evidenced by the buildings of the church, which were built in the 4th century AD and re-constructed in the 6th century AD, respectively.These are a powerful symbol for the more than 2 billion Christian believers across the world, and they are considered sacred by both Christians and Muslims.

Integrity The Church of the Nativity and its architectural ensemble, which includes the Armenian, Franciscan, and Greek Orthodox Convents, as well as an area of terraced ground to the east and a short portion of the Pilgrimage Route, are all included in the purchase of the property.As a result, it encompasses all of the structures that serve as the focal point of pilgrimage, as well as the cave that is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.As a result, it encompasses all of the structures that serve as the focal point of pilgrimage, as well as the cave that is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.Known to include as yet rigorously unexplored and generally untouched archaeological evidence of habitation and burial dating from the early centuries AD back to at least the mid-2nd century BC is a small tract of land to the east that is directly related with the ensemble.

The approach to the Church through Star Roadway and Paul VI Street has retained the width and line of the street that have been preserved by urban development from around 1800 AD.Additionally, in addition to delineating a functional roadway in a bustling city, this ″width and line″ now serves to define a commemorative path for a religious rite.The classic 19th and 20th yellow limestone buildings either side of this path feature traditional design and look, with residential accommodation above and workshops at street level extending out on to the street.These trees are not a part of the land, but they constitute an important component of the approach to the church and should be safeguarded and conserved.

1. Without regular maintenance and repair, the roof structure of the main Church is extremely vulnerable to damage.
2. As a result of the dramatic growth in the number of vehicles, insufficient parking, and the presence of minor companies inside the old town, a polluted environment has developed that is damaging the façades of the Church of the Nativity as well as other structures along the Pilgrimage Route.
3. The presence of significant urban pressure in the surrounding metropolitan regions, which is mostly due to unregulated tourism and transportation, has been highlighted.
4. New buildings, some of which are vast in scale, are disrupting the traditional urban fabric in the vicinity of the Church of the Nativity, resulting in a detrimental impact on views to and from the property, as well as on its feeling of place and spiritual connections.

Authenticity The Church of the Nativity, which has stood on the location believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ for more than 2000 years, has been considered one of the most hallowed Christian places in the world since at least the 4th century AD and continues to be so today.The three churches that have taken up residence on the site are responsible for maintaining its sacredness.In 339 AD, a church was built over the grotto, and it was rebuilt again in 533 AD to mark the birth of Jesus.This commemoration and rebuilding bear witness to a seventeen hundred year-old tradition of believing that this grotto was, in fact, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.Beginning in the 4th century AD, the area that was supposed to be the birthplace of Jesus has been associated with the Christian faith, and since then, additional structures have been erected to it in order to increase its religious importance.

Most of what is left of the existing church today dates back to the 6th century AD, but a portion of the 4th century floor and some of the church’s walls and columns have survived, as well as 12th century and later additions, as evidenced by the icon painting that can be seen on the columns of the church today.The Crusades, which resulted in one of the most significant increases in pilgrimage activity, are reflected in the additions made in the 12th century.For centuries, monastic groups have backed the church, and there is plenty of historical documentation to support this claim (see below).The buildings of one of the monastery complexes date back to at least the 12th century, and there is evidence of earlier monastic structures beneath the other complexes that date back to the 12th century.With the exception of the Armenian Convent, the majority of their existing visible constructions originate from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.To ensure that repair and restoration work respects as much as possible the existing fabric, which is critical to understanding the church’s significance, it is necessary to clearly identify all elements of the church associated with the original church, its re-building in the 6th century, and its alterations in the 12th century, and to agree on a conservation plan to ensure that repair and restoration work respects as much as possibl