True belief

The Santa Claus Syndrome worries me.

Here we have Santa....people talk about him. They hang up pictures about him, even sing songs about him. They do more than acknowledge him - they exchange gifts in connection with his image, and they will even have parties based upon the example he sets. They'll teach their kids about him.

Probelm is, he doesn't change their lives, because they don't really believe that he exists.

Here we have Santa....people talk about him. They know his history. The thought of himmakes them feel good inside. They hang up pictures about him, even sing songs about him. They do more than acknowledge him - they exchange gifts in connection with his image, and they will even have parties based upon the example he sets. They'll teach their kids about him.

Problem is, he doesn't change their lives, because they don't really believe that he exists. They compartmentalize his effect on them, because overall, he doesn't mean that much to them.

Here we have Jesus....people talk about him. They know His history. The thought of Himmakes them feel good inside. They hang up pictures about Him, even sing songs about him. They do more than acknowledge Him - they gather and socialize and talk about His life, and they will even have celebrations based upon the example He sets. They'll teach their kids about Him.

Problem is, He doesn't change their lives, because they don't really believe that He exists. They compartmentalize his effect on them, because overall, He doesn't mean that much to them. Their lives haven't changed.

And that is a tragedy.