Jesus Claus

I saw a thought-provoking ad from the United Church. My thoughts were provoked. The ad was a simple picture: a "Jesus" person sitting on Santa’s chair in a mall with kids on his lap. I don’t remember the caption, but the image is all it took to raise the question – what is the appropriate relationship between Jesus, Santa, Christmas Trees and Tonka Trucks.
I remember a writer from a generation ago described art as a lie that forces us to contemplate the truth. In this 21st century world, art and advertising images are usually one in the same thing. Jesus in a mall is a Lie that forced me to contemplate the Truth.
There is a competition of images going on in my mind. A number of years ago local Christian bookstores sold a bunch of Kneeling Santa images. "That’s more like it," we evangelicals said. "Santa has to pay homage, has to worship at the manger too." Is that image any better? It is the same mixture; sacred/secular; Christ and Culture; Christian/Pagan. I decorate a Christmas tree. I buy gifts for my family. I eat (too much) turkey, wear red sweaters and wonder what to do with the "Just Like…" cologne from Aunt Betty. Have I lost the Christ in Christmas?
What would Jesus do if he were here today? I don’t think he’d spend much time in a mall’s concourse, sitting on an elaborate throne nestled between the Gap and La Senza having kids sit on his lap. I see him sitting on a curb downtown, sitting with children from single moms and street kids. I believe that the point of the incarnation is (almost) equally undermined by a sentimental image of a manger or as Santa Claus.
Jesus came (the first Christmas) for two reasons, as far as I can tell. The first was to usher in the Kingdom of God. That kingdom is/is going to be one of justice and love. The church’s job is to partner with God, through the Spirit and follow the example of the Son and bring justice and Love to our world. Buying a Tonka Truck for a child of a single mom as part of a ministry effort just might be the most Christ-like thing we can do. The second reason (in no particular order) was to die. Neither of these are particularly sentimental.
But, if a sentimental image of the nativity brings us back to discussing Jesus and his mission, maybe it is a good thing. If in image of Santa reminds us to buy a gift for a homeless man, or a needy child, then let’s have images of Santa around. And if an image of Jesus sitting in Santa’s chair sparks conversation about Christmas, let’s have more images. (Even if the image bugs me. But wasn’t that their point?)
Hope and Peace and Merry Christmas.