What Santa Claus got to do with Christianity?

Answer 1

Are you joking? You are, right??

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.


Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

Answer 2

The meaning of santa claus is actually Saint Nicolas a Russian saint who lived in abject poverty and spent his time helping the very poor, however nowadays santa is associated with capitalism and this in no small part because of coca-cola.

Answer 3

Nothing.

There was a Saint that I understand was the model for Santa, but Santa Claus in general is silly.

Answer 4

The answer to your question depends on which version of the story you want to accept...

The 4th century St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra actually has quite a bit "to do with Christianity." One account that ties the activities to those of the "modern Santa" tells of a poor man whose three daughters had no dowries - Bishop Nicholas left gifts of money under the cover of night so that the girls could be married.

In northern Europe - long before its conversion to Christianity - various figures traveled the winter nights, exhibiting Santa-esque traits.

Odhinn rides through the winter nights, and gifts of hay for his steed were left by children... Odhinn left gifts for the children in return. (Milk and cookies, anyone?)

Julbok (the Yule Goat), likewise, traveled through the winter nights - in some areas, carrying a figure that would become known as the Yule Elf or Christmas Elf... who also visited homes, accepted gifts from the families, and left his own in return. The fact that this tradition has a goat as a central figure shows a connection to Thorr as a Santa-figure as well.

Frau Holle (or Holda) also traveled the winter nights. Frau Holle is associated with the home and family, and when she would travel the night, children would leave examples of their hard work (for which they would receive rewards) for her inspection. While the industrious were rewarded, the lazy and cruel were punished. (For the record, her punishments were much worse than lumps of coal, too.)

Then, of course, you have the modern "classic" image of Santa... you know, the one on all the Coca-Cola posters...

The only thing that Santa has to do with Christianity is whatever Christian parents want him to have to do with it. If they want to make him St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra... cool for them! If they want to teach their kids he's an evil, capitalist, un-Christian creation... well... that may cause problems for little kids among their peers - but that's a decision they, as parents, have to make.

Answer 5

Nothing. Santa Clause, or St. Nicholas, was a 5th century Roman Catholic bishop that lived life of charity and because he secretly gave out gifts around the time of the pagan celebration of the birth of Sol (sun god) the legends regarding him have sprung up into our current "santa claus". Christmas in general is a pagan holiday (holy day) to worship the sun god. The Catholics were the first to borrow many pagan customs to try to convert them into the catholic faith. No non-catholic,, literal Bible believing, christian should celebrate christmas (christ mass). The traditions of christmas precede christianity going way back to the ancient Egyptians. The Bible is very explicit in its admonition to not practice this holiday...or adapt any other faiths holidays for "christian" use.
Jeremiah 10:2-6: "Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen .... For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
"Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them [the pagans in their customs] ... that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Eternal, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods" (Deut. 12:30-31).

Answer 6

Pretty much the same thing Christmas in general has to do with Christianity... and basically the only thing the 2 have in common is extracting $$ from the masses by means of a lie (or series of lies).

Answer 7

nothing. personally i think santa clause is a huge distraction from what christmas is all about. --The birth of Christ into this world to save us from sin. Santa Clause make everything about me me me me me me me me. When I have kids, there will be no Santa.

Answer 8

nothing... in fact christmas has so little to do with christianity it was banned in England in early American in the 1600's

Answer 9

jesus is actually santa claus

Answer 10

nothing