12-22-24 “The Name Above All Names” Scriptures

Article 1: According to the Bible, Jesus is the reason for the season, but according to Wall Street, Santa Claus is the economic engine that keeps the season going full throttle from Black Friday until Christmas Eve. When it comes to influencing hearts, minds and wallets during the Christmas season, who really rules—Jesus or Santa? Santa does not wield more influence than Jesus; however, believers and non-believers alike concede that Santa Claus is a powerful marketing tool that comes with the season. Christian parents admit that Santa Claus has a stronger presence than Jesus during the Christmas season. Whether it’s on television, in commercials or on billboards. So why does Santa Claus, arguably, have just as much—if not more—influence as Jesus during the Christmas season? Jesus doesn’t sell toys; so when it comes to influence, if you’re talking about selling toys, Santa has more influence. Santa Claus is a less controversial symbol for people to receive, accept and promote. On the other hand, to an unknowing and/or unbelieving world, Jesus is totally controversial in His message, method and even in His death, burial and resurrection— to the unknowing, everything about Jesus Christ is controversial. Like Jesus, Santa is always watching. However, unlike Jesus, Santa does not give to the undeserving. Santa is a lot pickier and more selective when it comes to who he will give gifts to than Jesus. In the Bible,

Philippians 2:10 states: “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth.” In the name of Santa, American consumers should shop on Thanksgiving Day and every day thereafter until Christmas Eve.

Article 2: Christmas was unknown to the early church. In fact the festival of Christ's birth wasn't invented until 312AD, and not by a peaceful disciple, but by a military leader, the Roman Emperor Constantine. Following his battlefield conversion, Constantine established Christianity as the official religion of Rome, and he decided that Christ's birth should become a major focus of the Christian year. At the same time he radically reinvented Christianity for his own military ends. In an old list of Roman bishops, compiled in A. D. 354 these words appear for A.D. 336: ‘25 December natus Christus in Betleem Judeae;’ translated: December 25, Christ born in Bethlehem, Judea. This day, December 25, 336, is the first recorded celebration of Christmas.

Mark 10:45; For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

James 1:17; Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

2^nd Corinthians 9:15; Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Isaiah 55:8; “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” declares the Lord

Continuation: Now, no one is sure just when the Christmas tree came into the picture. It originated in Germany. The 8th century English missionary, St. Boniface, Apostle to Germany, is supposed to have held up the evergreen as a symbol of the everlasting Christ. By the end of the sixteenth century, Christmas trees were common in Germany. Some say Luther cut the first, took it home, and decked it with candles to represent the stars. When the German court came to England, the Christmas tree came with them. Puritans forbade Christmas, considering it too pagan. Governor Bradford actually threatened New Englanders with jail or fines if they were caught observing Christmas.

Jeremiah 10:3 ~ 4; For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. 4 They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple.

1^st Corinthians 6:20 & 7:23; For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.

Revelation 21:6 & 22:17; 6 Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost … 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.