The Kneeling Santa

A few years ago as both of our parents were preparing their wills they asked us (and our siblings) to identify any of their possessions we might want upon their passing. Yeah I know, it's kind of morbid in one respect, but in another it's really smart. I could have chosen anything, but the one item I wanted more than anything else has adorned my mother-in-law's mantel every Christmas for years. It's called the "Kneeling Santa". It's a Santa figurine kneeling in prayer at the manger. I remember when Aunt Joan gave it to Mom (her sister) one Christmas many years ago. It caught my eye and heart immediately. It still does.

Now I know there are a few "anti-Santa Claus" Christ-followers and that's okay. I respect their choice and would hope they would respect my view as well. Fantasy and innocent fun have never been a problem for me. I grew up writing letters to the North Pole and we never hesitated to get a picture of our kid's with the jolly red-suited man at the mall. But let me be clear, in my formative years and with our own children, Santa was never a substitute for Christ at Advent. For me, this figurine represents an appropriate attitude toward Advent. It conveys an attitude of humility, submission and it centers upon the Christ-child. The kneeling Santa reminds me of Paul's words at the end of his beautiful "Hymn to Christ" in Philippians:

...so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I can handle a St. Nick who humbly kneels at the manger and reverently bows to pay homage to the Christ-child---the real Reason for the Season. The red-suited guy who's consumed with, or is used to peddle affluence, presents and possessions is fun, but it seems we have used him to woo our hearts from the One whose coming we celebrate. There are several websites you can browse to research the real St. Nicholas. The Bishop of Myra who came to be known as St. Nicholas embodied the ideals of Advent: charity, concern for the poor, the less fortunate and children. Now there's a Santa I can believe. I'd love to hear your views on Santa.

Stay tuned as the Advent journey continues!