I need to begin with a disclaimer: I am a fan of Santa Claus. I have fond memories of writing wish-list letters to him as a child and bringing our sons to visit him at the mall when they were children.
My purpose this morning is not to criticize the commercialization of Christmas, but to explore a different though related topic.
How important is religion to Americans?
In the latest Pew Research Center report, 20 percent of those surveyed named “religious faith” as the “most important” source of meaning in their lives.
Here’s the good news: religion received more votes than any source except “family.” Here’s the bad news: in a nation where 72 percent of the population identifies as Christian, a large majority of those claiming to follow Jesus do not find meaning in life primarily from their relationship with him.
He may be part of their lives, but he is not central to them.
How to get along with God
Of all life’s priorities, which should come first? Here’s God’s answer: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me’” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of putting the Lord first in our lives (cf. Matthew 6:33; Exodus 20:3; Colossians 3:2). God does not share his glory. If he did, he would be committing idolatry.
Years ago, I heard a preacher warn: “If you want to get along with God, stay off his throne.”
However, such single-minded commitment to our Father runs counter to the secular culture we inhabit. It’s fine if you want to make Jesus part of your life. But if you choose to make him your Lord and tell others they should do the same, you risk being branded as bigoted and intolerant.
Consider Santa Claus as an example.
From “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays”
Santa is the perfect symbol for American…
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