Dr. Terry Koehn: I Can’t Help But Wonder About… The Real, Real Santa

The Beach Boys make it sound easy in their song, but it’s not so simple to pin down the “real” Santa Claus. 

We do know there was a historic figure named Saint Nicholas, associated over the centuries with several “Santa-like” deeds. We also know there’s an idealized figure who comes bearing gifts for children. And we can make some biblical connections to the good things Santa represents. 

Perhaps these “Santa” insights will help you better understand this Christmas character.

From history, the most likely person at the root of the Santa tradition is St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (in present-day Turkey), about 300 years after Jesus. He was known for his care for the needy and has since been named the patron saint of children, sailors, and Russia. A colorful character and a man of faith, Nicholas has cast a bright light down through the centuries.

Over time, the ideal of gift-giving attached itself to “good St. Nick.” His feast day (December 6) is marked by giving gifts in many parts of the world. The legend behind this tradition tells of Nicholas secretly giving three bags of gold to a poor family so their three daughters would have the dowries needed for marriage. Tossing the bags of gold through their window, he hoped to remain anonymous, but was spotted—and so his name became linked with generous giving.

In many European cultures, a Santa-like figure brings gifts to children. The Dutch “Sinterklaas” is the most likely source of our familiar “Santa Claus,” a name derived from “Saint Nicholas.” Another name for this gift-bearer is “Kris Kringle,” meaning “Christ Child,” which closely links Christmas and gift-giving.

So, is Santa in the Bible? Directly, no. But there are some wonderful connections to this beloved Christmas figure. Take a few minutes to look up these verses:

 - He wears red (Revelation 19:13)  

- He comes at night (Matthew 25:42–44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2)  

- He loves children (Matthew 19:14)  

- He brings gifts (James 1:17)

At his best, Santa Claus reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas: giving and loving, receiving and believing. Like the season for which he is a spokesman, Santa points beyond himself and our traditions. 

Like lighted trees and mistletoe, candlelight and evergreens, the Santa-symbol directs us to the “greatest story ever told”: the God of the universe, longing to be close to us, became one of us in Jesus of Nazareth so that we might know and love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

So, Merry Christmas to all! And…

Keep dreamin’ God’s dreams!

Pastor Terry