Santa Claus(e)-The pianist. asked:
Why do we give our kids toys,games,bikes,dollies and all of that good stuff when the wise men never presented gifts that were toys to Jesus,
Jesus was never given a baby doll,Nintendo Wiis,books, or a Krusty the clown doll, do you think baby Jesus would approve of the custom of exchanging gifts?
what do you think?
Kirk
Why do we give our kids toys,games,bikes,dollies and all of that good stuff when the wise men never presented gifts that were toys to Jesus,
Jesus was never given a baby doll,Nintendo Wiis,books, or a Krusty the clown doll, do you think baby Jesus would approve of the custom of exchanging gifts?
what do you think?
Kirk
March 31st, 2007 - 3:47 am
St. Nicholas was a real person, who handed out presents to poor children. I think that is how the tradition started.
“[St. Nicholas] had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and is now commonly identified with Santa Claus.” - wiki
April 1st, 2007 - 7:19 am
the tradition began on St Nicholas day (Dec 6th) who is the patron saint of children, amoung other things.
April 4th, 2007 - 1:12 am
Yes Jesus approves exchanging gifts. In the end, toys are gifts, plain and simple.
April 7th, 2007 - 4:47 am
It’s a pagan custom that Christians integrated.
Legacies of Saturnalia in contemporary holiday celebrations
Religious Rituals — joining in spiritual community to honor the Divine.
Honored Figures — Santa and Father Time — Saturn; Holy Mother — Ops.
Sacred Flames — candles lit and new fires kindled to represent new Solar year.
Greens — Holly given with gifts, homes decorated with wreaths and garlands.
Time Off from Work — government, schools, businesses closed; multiple days off.
Peace — dispensing of punishments suspended and courts closed; wars ceased.
Relaxing with Family and Friends — renewing bonds, sharing celebration.
*****Gift Giving — dolls to children, candles to friends; fruit symbols representing increase. ********
Feasting — sharing food with family and friends; on-going eating and drinking.
Helping Less Fortunate — class distinctions suspended; food for all; masters waiting on servants.
Exhuberant Play — masquerades, gaming, gambling, mock king, jokes, partying, letting loose.
Paper Hats — soft hats (pilei) worn at Saturnalia banquets to signify informality.
Dancing in the New Solar Year — music and dancing.
April 8th, 2007 - 12:48 pm
All gifts given at christmas represent the gold, frankincense and myrrh reputedly given to jesus at birth.
Toys just happen to be a bit more like realistic gifts for kids!
April 8th, 2007 - 6:47 pm
Toys are very important to the growth of children’s minds and bodies. Depending on the toy, it can help with cognitive development, social development, gross motor development, fine motor development, psychological development.
As for the baby jesus, do you know any baby that would reject a toy? For that matter, do you know any baby that would have an opinion about it one way or the other?