As each December rolls around, a jolly old man brings a huge red sack of holiday cheer. Saint Nicholas is a legendary hero known to kids all around the world.

The idea of this holiday icon has been around since the 4th century, and was originally depicted as a skinny and scary saint of children. Over the years his identity has evolved into a chubby and cheery old man. He now appears in malls, parades, and television screens across America.

“When I was little, I always looked forward to the coming of Santa Claus,” John Stevenson, ’04, said. “My sister and I would put cookies and milk on the fireplace, hoping they would be gone in the morning. Santa Claus’ arrival was an exciting time at my house.”

Flying through the sky on a magical sleigh to bring gifts to young children, Santa bears a resemblance to a superhero. In the popular culture, he has become an icon of the season.

Television advertisements featuring Santa Claus began with the Coca Cola commercial in the 1930s. From this starring role, he has developed into an infamous character representing the Christmas cheer of gift giving.

Although Santa Claus has become a huge part of Christmas in our society, the church continues to celebrate the birth of our Savior as the reason for the season. This heaven sent gift was one intending to be cherished forever. Many churches uphold traditions celebrating Christ’s birth through the Advent and other similar customs.

“I feel that the church does a great job of remembering the true meaning of Christmas,” campus pastor, Scott Falk, said. “Although our culture seems to praise Santa Claus during the holidays, baby Jesus is still very alive to the church. Society can keep their icon of Santa Claus and its ok with me.”

The word, Christmas meaning “Christ’s mass” has transformed from a Christian celebration of Christ’s birth to the worldwide tradition, honored by several faiths. To some it is nothing more than a period of crowded malls, traffic jams, Christmas trees and Santa Claus.

With the advancements that have occurred over the past decade, the common theme of love has remained true. Many will agree that December brings about a feeling of friendship, love and unity to homes everywhere.

“Christmas is a great time for unity among families,” Emily Boyko, ?05, said. “Every year my family gets together to fellowship with one another over a huge dinner and the opening of presents. I love the closeness and holiday cheer this season brings.”

Looking past the gift giving and feasting, a sense of love is felt all around. The real reason for the holiday is discovered through the family unity in many homes at Christmas time.

“We must keep the Christ child raised high above the glitz and glamour of this holiday,” Pastor Clarence said in a sermon posted on www.sermoncentral.com. “We must lift Him above the toys, above noise, above the false hopes that often accompany this time of the year. We must lift Him up so that His entrance may be visible and undeniable. The world needs to see Jesus Christ, not Santa Claus.”

Even more ancient than the story of Santa, is the birth of Jesus Christ found in Luke 1:26-33. God loved us enough to send His son down to Earth to be born, live a perfect life and then sacrifice his body so we may have life.

Although traffic jams, long lines and back orders so often depict the Christmas holiday, the true importance lays in the story of a baby king born in Bethlehem. Lets all take some time to remember this glorious day that changed the world forever.