AP article compares Santa to Jesus, Angels

A recent AP article compares belief in Santa with belief in Angels and Jesus. (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,238498,00.html) After listing different statistics about Americans' beliefs in Santa the article describes Americans belief in Angels, as if they are in the same category. Towards the end of the article, belief in Jesus is also compared to belief in Angels with the following quote: "'When you are a little child you go to Santa and after that you move over to Jesus," she said. "I think it kind of goes together.'" For many in the media, belief in Jesus is similar to belief in Santa: both lack factual evidence but are great stories worth passing on because they inspire hope.

Let me be clear, there can be no more dangerous a view of Jesus than this. Santa is a myth, and the history of the development of his myth is plain to everyone. Jesus, however, was a real historical person. Hundreds of eye witnesses actually saw him ascend into heaven. In addition, not believing in Santa has no real consequences. Not believing in Jesus is serious, for Jesus himself claimed "I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me." The true miracle of Christmas is that God became a man so that he could pay the punishment that all of us deserve. This is the only way to have a relationship with God. A relationship with God is not just a hope for some cool stuff on Christmas morning, it is a hope for eternal life, purpose in existence, and everlasting peace. The good news is that it is real news, not a "Santa for adults." Merry Christmas to all!