TEACHERS TALKING
Talk 4 | Christmas – What a Relief?
It’s nearly the end of the year – what a sense of relief. Examinations are over, the HSC papers are being marked and reports have been completed. It seems like the focus on achievement has run its course – holidays are nearly here and Christmas is coming. But let’s think of the Christmas story as told in our commercialised culture.
By all accounts the legend of Santa Claus began in the 4th century in modern‑day Turkey, where Saint Nicholas, the bishop of a village called Myra, was renowned for his kindness and generosity toward children, a scarce trait in those days. He was canonised and was the patron saint of many European countries. But it was in The Netherlands where we see some semblance of our familiar Santa Claus, a nickname for Saint Nicholas. Each year the much‑loved saint was honoured during the Feast of St. Nicholas, where parents would leave gifts out for their children, supposedly left by St. Nicholas himself during the night. In their version, he rode a donkey and so the children would leave their clogs filled with straw for the animal, and milk and cookies for Saint Nick.
Like most legends, it evolved and in 1664 it travelled to the Dutch Colony of New Amsterdam, now known as New York City. A book containing the history of New York contained versions of Dutch traditions and stories. There were many references to ‘Sinter Klaas’ (easily translated to Santa Claus), an adaptation of ‘Sint Nicholaas’. He flew in a wagon and dropped presents down the chimney for good boys and girls. The English settlers combined this tradition with celebrating Christmas. In 1822, Teresa Chris wrote the Story of Santa Claus. The wagon became a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. Clement Moore wrote a poem ‘A Visit from St Nicholas’ which became known as ‘The Night before Christmas’. But what did Santa look like? Fast forward to the 1930’s. In 1931, Coca‑Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom, to create a wholesome and approachable Santa. For his inspiration, he used Clement’s poetic description of a ‘jolly old elf’ dressed in red furs, who goes down chimneys to give children their gifts. These days, Santa can be emailed directly and tracked online through the skies.
But sometimes Santa will ask the children, “What do you want for Christmas?”, followed by “Have you been a good boy/girl this year?”. How many times have you heard a parent say, “if you are not good, Santa won’t bring presents”, or, “Santa’s watching you know!” Now even Santa’s generosity has to be earned!! Ahh … the achievement myth raises its ugly head again.
The history of education is littered with examples of Christian schools and universities that were born out of a vision grounded in the Bible and surrendered to voices hostile to the Gospel. Let us stand and not surrender to the idol of achievement. For, as we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate that God came to dwell with us in the person of His Son, full of grace and truth. In our Beloved, we are loved and called to a life of worship, set free to love Him and to love our neighbour through service. Let us finish the year reflecting on Him, for He alone gifts us grace‑filled lives, no longer to be masters of our own destiny through our achievement.
In 1976, Shadrah Mershach Lockridge, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in California, where Dr Martin Luther King Junior was a member of his congregation for a time, preached a sermon “That’s My King”.
Here is an extract:
The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews. He’s the King of Israel. He’s the King of Righteousness. He’s the King of the Ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of Glory. He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. I wonder, do you know Him?
My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. Do you know Him?
He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Saviour. He’s the centrepiece of civilisation. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He’s the only one qualified to be an all-sufficient Saviour. I wonder if you know Him today?
He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathises and He saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captive. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent. And He beautifies the meek. I wonder if you know Him?
He’s the key to knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. Do you know Him?
His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. And His yoke is easy. And His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you.
He’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hand. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without him. Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
Yeah! That’s my King, that’s my King.
Amen ! [1]
From the TEC team we trust you have a grace‑filled Christmas as you celebrate the living Christ. May we, together, face the opportunities and challenges that the New Year brings, with the courage that comes from our God who dwells with us and whose love never fails.
Grace & Peace
The Excellence Centre Team
[1] Accessed on 27 October 2007 from: