THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS: Christ, Counterfeits, and the Call to Discernment** By: Prophetess Gladys Dark
INTRODUCTION — A SEASON IN NEED OF DISCERNMENT
Christmas is one of the most celebrated seasons in the world, yet it is also one of the most spiritually compromised. What was intended to commemorate the incarnation of Jesus Christ has been overtaken by fantasy, consumerism, and cultural idols.
1 John 4:1 (KJV)
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”
This study is not about condemnation.
It is about discernment, truth, and lordship.
I. JESUS AND THE FALSE DATE — TRUTH ABOUT HIS BIRTH
The Bible does not tell us Jesus was born on December 25th.
Biblical indicators:
Shepherds were in the fields at night (Luke 2:8) — unlikely during winter
No Scripture commands the Church to celebrate His birth on a specific date
Most scholars place Jesus’ birth between spring and early fall (4–6 BC).
December 25th was officially adopted around 336 AD, when the Roman Church attempted to merge Christian worship with existing pagan festivals rather than dismantle them.
John 4:24 (KJV)
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
The issue is not remembrance — it is mixture.
II. PAGAN ROOTS OF DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS
Before Christ was attached to December 25th, the Roman world celebrated:
1. Saturnalia (Dec 17–23)
Honored Saturn (god of agriculture)
Marked by:
Gift-giving
Excess
Feasting
Role reversals
Self-indulgence
2. Sol Invictus (Dec 25)
Worship of the “Unconquered Sun”
Celebration of light returning after winter solstice
When Christianity became the state religion, the framework remained, only the name changed.
Jeremiah 10:2 (KJV)
“Learn not the way of the heathen…”
III. THE EVOLUTION OF SANTA CLAUS — FROM MAN TO MYTH
A. Saint Nicholas (4th Century, Myra – modern-day Turkey)
A real Christian bishop
Known for secret generosity
Helped the poor, widows, and children
Never sought worship
Never judged behavior
Never replaced Christ
B. Cultural Transformation
Sinterklaas (Netherlands, 16th century)
Father Christmas (England)
Imported to America by European settlers
C. The American Reinvention (1800s–1900s)
1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”:
Introduced reindeer, chimneys, night visits
Coca-Cola ads (1930s):
Standardized the red suit
Created the global Santa image
Santa became:
All-seeing
All-knowing
Behavior-judging
Gift-rewarding
This is where the danger begins.
IV. SANTA AS A COUNTERFEIT SPIRITUAL SYSTEM
While the letters in “Santa” do not perfectly rearrange into “Satan,” the concern is not spelling — it is substitution.
Santa reflects a counterfeit spiritual system:
Omniscience (“He sees you when you’re sleeping”)
Works-based righteousness (“Naughty or nice”)
Fear-based obedience
Material reward as salvation
2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV)
“Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
This subtly trains children in:
Performance over grace
Rewards over relationship
Fantasy over faith
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved… not of works…”
V. THE TRAGEDY — CHRIST REPLACED BY A CHARACTER
Christmas today often centers on:
Santa before Savior
Gifts before the Gospel
Shopping before worship
Children learn Santa songs before Scripture.
They fear disappointing Santa more than grieving the Holy Spirit.
Romans 1:25 (KJV)
“Who changed the truth of God into a lie…”
This is spiritual displacement.
VI. THE DANGER OF LYING TO CHILDREN
Teaching children that Santa is real:
Normalizes deception
Undermines parental credibility
Confuses faith with fantasy
When children learn Santa isn’t real, many subconsciously ask:
“If Santa was a lie… what about Jesus?”
Matthew 18:6 (KJV)
“Whoso shall offend one of these little ones…”
This is not harmless tradition — it is formative discipleship.
VII. PERSONAL OBSERVATION — A GODLY ALTERNATIVE
“When I was raising my children, I made sure they did not believe in Santa Claus. I emphasized that Jesus made a way for a single mother to work and buy toys, clothes, shoes, and provide a meal.”
This teaches children:
God is the source
Provision comes through obedience and diligence
Parents are instruments of God’s care
Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
“My God shall supply all your need…”
That is real faith training.
VIII. PRACTICAL WAYS CHRISTIANS CAN HONOR JESUS
1. Center the Birth of Christ
Read Luke 2 together
Teach why Jesus came
2. Explain Gifts Biblically
Gifts reflect love, not behavior
Jesus is the greatest gift (John 3:16)
3. Replace Santa Traditions
Acts of kindness in Jesus’ name
Family prayer and worship
Serving the needy together
Acts 20:35 (KJV)
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
4. Reject Excess & Consumerism
Fewer gifts, more meaning
Less spending, more gratitude
Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
“Set your affection on things above…”
IX. FINAL PROPHETIC CALL
This is not about legalism.
It is about lordship.
Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve…”
Will Christmas glorify:
Christ the King
or
A cultural counterfeit?
CLOSING DECLARATION
We choose truth over tradition.
We chooseChrist over culture.
We choosediscipleship over deception.
Honor Jesus — not a lie.