Are You Worshiping the Jesus of Scripture — or a Santa-Claus Jesus?
- Ken Kalis
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
I knew the real Jesus and met Him when I was a boy.
He came and healed me, and I knew His love.
But I had no room for Him, I was too wise in my own eyes.
He did not give up on me, but He chastened my through pain and sorrow.
But when I came back to Him He embraced me and said,
Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. - John 6:37
“What think ye of Christ?” — Matthew 22:42
Advent is upon us. Lights are going up, carols are playing, stores are crowded, and everywhere you turn, you hear the word Christmas.
But here is a searching question for every believer — a question Jesus Himself once asked:
“What think ye of Christ?” (Matthew 22:42)
Not What do you think of Christmas? Not What do you think of the season? Not What do you think of religious tradition?
But what do you think of Christ? Who is He — to you?
Because in our culture, two different “Christs” are competing for the throne of the human heart.
One is the Jesus of Scripture. The other is what we might call the Santa-Claus Jesus.
And the difference is eternal.
The Santa-Claus Jesus
This “Jesus” is very popular.
A Jesus who exists to make me happy.A Jesus who never says “No.”A Jesus who comes once a year with blessings but never interferes with my life.
A Jesus who says nothing about sin, holiness, repentance, or the cross. A Jesus who exists to “affirm,” “accept,” and “approve” — who never confronts, never corrects, never commands.
A Jesus who is… nice.
This is the “Christ” many people prefer:
predictable
cheerful
unthreatening
undemanding
and above all, safe
A Jesus who hands out gifts but never claims allegiance. A Jesus who promises heaven but asks nothing on earth.
A Jesus shaped in the image of our desires — not in the glory of God.
The Jesus of Scripture
Then there is the real Jesus.
The Jesus who walked dusty roads in Galilee.The Jesus who turned over tables in the Temple.
The Jesus who called fishermen, rebuked Pharisees, cast out demons, fed multitudes, restored the broken, forgave the sinful, and confronted the proud.
The Jesus who said:
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,and take up his cross, and follow me.”— Matthew 16:24
The Jesus who taught that the gate is narrow, the road is hard, and few find it.
The Jesus who warned:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…”— Matthew 7:21
The Jesus who wept over Jerusalem — and then judged it. The Jesus who saved the thief on the cross — and warned the religious elite.
The Jesus who healed bodies — and demanded obedience.
The Jesus who said:
“Ye must be born again.”— John 3:7
The Jesus who died for sinners, and the Jesus who will return as King of kings and Lord of lords.
This is not a seasonal Jesus. This is not a sentimental Jesus. This is not a background Jesus.
This is the living Christ —the One before whom every knee will bow.
Advent as a Mirror
Advent is a season of waiting:
waiting for the Messiah,
waiting for the Light,
waiting for the King.
But Advent is also a mirror — it shows us which Jesus we truly want.
Do we long for the Jesus of Scripture, who calls us to repentance and obedience? Or do we prefer a Jesus who simply sprinkles spiritual glitter over our lives?
Are we drawn to the Christ who came to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21)? Or do we prefer the one who came to save us from feeling guilty?
Do we bow before the Jesus who claims our whole life? Or the one who fits conveniently beside our other comforts?
These are not small questions. The answer determines everything.
Symptoms of the Santa-Claus Jesus
You might be worshiping “Santa-Claus Jesus” if:
Your Jesus never contradicts your desires.
Your Jesus never confronts your sin.
Your Jesus exists mainly to give you blessings.
Your Jesus does not call you to holiness.
Your Jesus never offends anyone.
Your Jesus is sentimental but not sovereign.
Your Jesus comforts but never commands.
Or this:
You feel warm at Christmas —but cold the rest of the year.
If your Jesus disappears on December 26, He is not the Christ of Scripture.
What the Real Jesus Brings
The real Jesus gives something far better than seasonal cheer:
Forgiveness — for every sin.
New birth — a transformed heart.
Purpose — a life taken up into His kingdom.
Peace — not as the world gives.
Power — the Spirit dwelling within.
Hope — not “holiday spirit,” but eternal life.
A cross — the glorious burden of discipleship.
A crown — in glory with Him forever.
This Jesus is not “safe” —but He is good.
He will not be molded into anyone’s preferred shape.He will not be domesticated or sentimentalized.
He is Lord. And He is enough.
A Prayer for Advent
Lord Jesus,Deliver me from a sentimental, seasonal faith.Strip away the illusions and bring me face to facewith the Christ of Scripture —the Christ who lived, died, rose, reigns, and is coming again.
I confess that I have often wanted You to bless my plans instead of surrendering fully to Yours. Teach me to worship You as You are —not as the world remakes You, not as my heart imagines You,but as Your Word reveals You. Be my Savior,my Lord,my King. Amen.
Question for Reflection
Which “Jesus” are you preparing for this Advent —the cultural one, or the biblical One?
What one step can you take today to draw nearer to the Jesus of Scripture?
*****************************
HALLELUJAH! WHAT A SAVIOR
Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
--Philip P. Bliss, 1875
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief. Isaiah 53:3
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