Sometimes people see things through a tight lens when the possibility of a long lens or wide lens would take in more. Santa is like that for me. He has become a hero because Jesus has used this man’s testimony through seventeen centuries to teach the world about heaven and heavenly values.

Santa started as a loving Christian in about 300 AD. His parents died and left him wealthy. His generosity became his fame. His acts of faith and faithfulness, especially toward children and sailors, had the Catholic church proclaim him a saint so his testimony would not be lost and would continue to inspire others.

He became associated with Christmas giving and was known through many cultures and many diverse costumes as the epitome of Christmas. Germans gave him a name which translates to “Christ Kind.” Yet, he was kicked out of the church by protestants who did not want anything to do with Catholic saints, changing him to Father Christmas and other secular titles. His mission didn’t change or his message, whether in the church or out.

Santa came to America through the Dutch and Germans. We settled on the Dutch name, translated as Santa Claus. He has lots of historical involvements with many places, even Jacksonville, Florida a long time ago, being named for St. Nicholas. Lincoln even considered Santa Claus an advantage to the union during the Civil War. He has been an ever present representation of Jesus’s life and values.

Santa took on a particularly hard challenge during the early 1800s. Christmas was an unruly time of drunkenness. American leadership wanted the season to become family friendly, especially as children were beginning to be recognized as their own stage of life and in need of protection. Santa was made for that job. He was one of the main influences that brought Christmas back in to the home for children and families.

Santa’s next feat was evangelism to the church. Santa helped the church bring Christmas carols and Christmas traditions into their celebrations and Sunday Schools to reach families with the message and life of Jesus. He went from Christian to bishop to saint to secular to church evangelist representing the heavenly qualities of Jesus life the entire time. And this is just the tip of a seventeen centuries long story.

We know the qualities of heavenly values through the fruit of the Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV Jesus has used the testimony of Nicholas the Bishop across cultures, across nations, even nations at war with each other, to teach His message to all persons, believers and unbelievers for centuries. Amazing. Jesus loves us and works to reach out to us continually in ways beyond our imagining and through people who might surprise us. Celebrate Jesus this Christmas. He loves you more than you can know.