Part of the series Who says…
Written by Léo Gaumont, published on 2014-12-22.
Taking a short break from our journey through educational strongholds, let’s apply our questioning to other established cultural icons.
Building on a foundation that God is, that He created the universe and that He ultimately is responsible for our children’s being, should provide ample substance upon which to build our faith. This lengthy series will identify the secular thinking that has eroded that faith.
Bible Reference: Eph. 4:14
What a silly question! Of course there is a Santa Claus! I always thought that he is some incredible fellow, being visible in hundreds of malls, while answering scads of letters and preparing to deliver the loot to every house that made him welcome with milk and cookies. No wonder he is so fat! I am still a bit perplexed by his insistence on descending chimneys that not only couldn’t possibly accommodate his ample frame, but would be sure to heat him up a little in the process, when doors have long been invented. Then there is the tale about the flying deer that move him from house to house at what would have to be incredible speeds to accomplish all that he has do to in such a short time. Supersonic celestial reindeer, one of whom has a cold, denying themselves to give unto others, while Mrs. Santa Claus bakes oatmeal cookies for their eventual return.
Santa is usually a joyful old fellow, although there was a rumor that he lost his composure one year, got thoroughly ticked off and instead of doing what was expected of him on Christmas eve, he stayed home, had a jolly old time with Mrs. Claus, drinking copious amounts of Christmas wassail and enjoying a BBQ of reindeer steak after Rudolph had complained one too many times about his cold. He had apparently taken issue with the taxman over not allowing him to use tax free hay for his reindeer and decided to strike in protest. Christmas was canceled all around the world that year. Obviously no one took note and proceeded on without him. The following year, after declaring his sovereignty over the governing authorities, it is said he beat all odds, to once again deliver more presents than ever, in spite of his advancing age. Some believe that he discovered that his CEO was actually part timing for the Grinch. After dispatching this snake-in-the snow, he proceeded to fire all his elves, who had unionized and reduced production to an intolerable ineptitude, characteristic of most bureaucracies. While doing so, he discovered that one of them was a computer genius called Webian, who unlike the rest, seemed eager to think for himself. Santa encouraged him to create a database and website enabling parents and children to have direct access to Claus Central. Now emboldened by a vision for better efficiency, he went on to replace Mrs. Claus, along with her insistence on using antiquated technology, with Pray, who had a better idea and hired a lady called Aid and a fellow called Research to assume some administrative duties. He went on to find the best facilitators in the world to help him do the job with the least possible paperwork and intrusions. Now, he was ready! Putting his reindeer out to pasture, the newly created, Santa Claus and Company Inc., invented and perfected a way to do all the work digitally, using the world wide web and with Webian’s creative genius, every gift was delivered simultaneously with just a single click of a mouse. Christmas has never been the same!
I trust you don’t believe a word of that yarn! This is just a crazy story composed by someone who never ceases to be amazed by what can be advanced and just how readily people are willing to accept and defend, as truth. Stories are either true or they are not. If they are true, like the birth of the Christ child, we are wise to believe them, but when they are not true, they should never be accepted as such even when “upheld” by “science”, “fact”, or other “supporting evidence”. There are no lack of stories almost as crazy as this one, being advanced as true today. If a story is fiction, we can still learn from it, but it can never replace the truth. It is up to each one of us to question what we are being told to make sure that it is the truth and not some facsimile.
Who says there is no Santa Claus? Sound reason should, but for those who can profit in some way from the perpetuation of such stories, it is “true” even if at the peril of the unfortunate who fall victim to their myths.
Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you.