Naughty or Nice?

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We’re examining the theology of Christmas carols this week—and today we’re looking at a secular song, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”

Consider the lyrics of this song: Santa’s making “naughty and nice” lists, and he sees everything you do, so he knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake!

This song attributes being all-knowing and all-present to Santa. But those are God’s attributes!

It also tells us to be good just for “goodness’ sake”—or the hope of reward. But the Bible says, “be holy for I am holy.” And for what’s “good” and what’s “naughty”? Who defines that?

Ultimately, only God.

Dig Deeper

• Can We Be Good Without God?
• Christians and Santa Claus: a Biblical View