There are two narratives told this time of the year. Which one will be the foundation of your families Christmas story?

First, there’s an Israelite teenager named Mary, betrothed to a boy named Joseph. Before the wedding, Mary declares she is pregnant, and Joseph is not the biological father. Instead, an angel has visited Mary and announced that God appointed her to carry His son, Jesus. Amazingly, Mary gives birth to this prophesized child, who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. At His birth, He is hailed by angels as the savior for all people of every nation, for all time. 

Then there is the story of the jolly, fat man, Santa. He dons a bright red suit trimmed with white fur and watches from his home at the North Pole, for children who are both naughty and nice, rewarding them accordingly. Santa has a hard-working team of elves helping him all year, making toys, to satisfy the wishes of those who are good. On Christmas Eve, Santa rides away on his beautiful sleigh pulled by reindeer on his worldwide mission to deliver presents to every good boy and girl.

Which of these two Christmas narratives have you chosen to put forth as the foundation for your children and grandchildren? A fictional story that offers a temporal gift for those who are good, or the truth that offers great hope and the unconditional eternal gift of life for all humankind? 

I know which story I’ve chosen.