From Rachel Held Evans "Evolving in Monkeytown" (Zondervan: 2010) pp. 32-33
Skeptic:
How do you know that Santa is real? Have you ever seen him?
Me:
No, I haven't. But Santa leaves enough evidence of his existence to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Every year I find presents from him under the tree and little crumbs all over the kitchen table where I left his plate of cookies. I might not see Santa himself, but these things point to him, as bending trees point to the existence of wind.
Skeptic:
How come there's a different Santa in every department store?No, I haven't. But Santa leaves enough evidence of his existence to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Every year I find presents from him under the tree and little crumbs all over the kitchen table where I left his plate of cookies. I might not see Santa himself, but these things point to him, as bending trees point to the existence of wind.
Skeptic:
Me:
Those are Santa's helpers, who, with his permission, disguise themselves as Mr. Claus in order to more efficiently compile a list of what the children across the world want for Christmas.
Skeptic:
Skeptic:
Everyone knows that reindeer can't fly. How does Santa get around?
Me:
Yes, it is true that most reindeer cannot fly. However, reindeer empowered by the Holy Spirit can do anything God tells them to do, and those are the kind of reindeer Santa owns. For a prototype, read the story of Balaam's donkey in the book of Numbers.
Skeptic:
How can one person make it to every rooftop in the world in just one night?
Me:
Who says Santa is a person? Although Saint Nick is not mentioned by name, the Bible clearly points to the existence of supernatural angelic beings whose primary directive is to protect, inform, and bless humans. If Santa is an angel on a mission from God to reward the good children of the world, he's likely to boast supernatural strength and speed.
Skeptic:
Skeptic:
What about those kids who say they saw their parents sneaking presents under the tree on Christmas Eve?
Me:
Unfortunately, these kids may be telling the truth. You see, the scope of Santa's power in our lives is ultimately dependent upon our willingness to accept it. Parents who choose not to believe in Santa forfeit the blessing of his visits forever, and so they must rely on their own methods for supplying kids with presents at Christmas.
Skeptic:
Why do bad kids still get presents?
