Does God look like Santa?

Some children might conflate Santa and God - Becky Peacock helps us and our families see how very different they are

Every school child knows that Christmas has something to do with God. Despite the obsession with presents and decorations, twinkling lights and fancy food, every shopper knows that fundamentally Christmas is about God. And so, it’s therefore not much of a leap to picture that friendly white bearded old chap who sits in garden centres welcoming all, giving gifts, and jollying his way through this stressful season as an image of what God looks like. So, are we right? Does God look like Santa? And if not, then what does God look like?

Isaiah describes him in red clothes (Isaiah 63:2), Jesus teaches that he gives gifts to his children (Luke 11:13), and he supernaturally distributes the appropriate gift to each person (1 Corinthians 12:4). So maybe it isn’t such a leap to assume that the old man in the red suit is an image of God the Father after all. When our children are buzzing with excitement and chattering about Father Christmas this week, how much can we really say he looks like God? Let’s explore……

The armchair

When we visit Santa in his grotto, we usually find him ……