Another Pastor Confesses!

I have an embarrassing confession to make . . .

For a number of years I have been engaging in activity that some Christians believe is spiritually inappropriate and compromising, especially for a pastor. I once had a family leave the church because they caught me performing this horrifying habit. It's not a problem most of the year, but I give in to the temptation early in November every year. This has been going on for at least seven years . . . or maybe it started . . .

In 1992, while between pastoral positions (waiting for “the big church” to call), I took a job as a Santa in the nearby mall. I was working as a certificated sub in a local school district, trying to make ends meet. So, playing Santa during the Christmas vacation was a good economic decision. It was tough work, but I enjoyed it!

About 10 years later, two years after arriving in Templeton, I was asked to play Santa at the “Cowboy Christmas” sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in the local park. I rode in on a restored stage coach. Hundreds of people cheered and waved as I belted out my best “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!” I was hooked!

For the past three years I’ve been Santa for Christmas activities hosted by a local foster care, family-intervention agency.

This year I will make a total of four appearances as Santa Claus. I work full-time in a secular job. I fill many nights and all weekends with my pastoral ministry. Do I really have time to hop around in a red suit hollering “Ho! Ho! Ho!”? So, why do I do it? SOMEBODY, PLEASE TELL ME WHY!

They line up and wait. One at a time, the children come forward. I squint at each one (a “Santa smile”) and say “Hello, thank you for coming to see Santa!” For a moment, each kid has my attention. I ask them if they’ve been good and encourage them to help their family with chores. I ask them about school and tell them an education is important. Of course, I ask them what they want for Christmas. I tell them to keep up the good work. And then I wish them a Merry Christmas . . . something you won’t hear in many places today!

Being Santa for foster kids is especially rewarding . . . the experience is almost inexpressible. Imagine asking a little boy what he wants for Christmas, and he says, “I want my mom to get off drugs.” Imagine a little girl saying, “I want my family to be together again!” When I volunteer with the foster care organization, I actually tell the kids, “Merry Christmas and God bless you!”

So, I play Santa because I believe. I believe I’m a good Santa. I believe I’m telling fellow members of the Chamber of Commerce that Reverend Purdy and his congregation care about the community. I believe I’m doing something that is strangely akin to Jesus taking the children in his arms and blessing them. Each child reminds me that the Kingdom belongs to “such as these.” I believe God is pleased with my service as a Santa.

That’s why I do it.