WHOSE Birthday? Contest #14

Each year we try to show in art the tension between faith and culture. Faith is symbolized by Jesus and culture by Santa Claus. The art is approved by our ecumenical Editorial Committee.

Art's tricky. One way to focus the imagination is to use a caption, which we have done with some covers.

On the cover for 2000 that tension was more subtle than usual. We received more comments about the "Prayerful Santa" cover than any other since the current staff has been in place (1995). Some saw Santa and Jesus together as inappropriate. Others saw Santa being subservient to Jesus or asking for forgiveness for consumerism.

So, we initiated a "contest," asking, "What does this picture mean to me?" as a way of getting people to talk about what Christmas really means to them.

Here are a few representative responses. All responses were helpful. We identify the responses by city and state to protect peoples' privacy.

We received numerous requests for the art as a poster, which is only available from the photographer, Phil Claeys - 712/252-1335. One large denominational news service put the picture on their web site and numerous regional publications printed it.

We provide greeting cards and bumper stickers to advance our mission under the theme of "Send a Message!" People have a hard time testifying to simpler living, even in a Christian context, so we try to provide tools.

Use the new art below or "Prayerful Santa" for discussions this year if you find them helpful. Send us your responses.

Discussion Questions

1. Who do you see in the mirror?
2. What are the men at the sides holding in their hands? What kind of expressions do you see on their faces?
3. Do we also try to dress up Jesus as Santa Claus?
4. What caption would you give this drawing?

Responses to "Prayerful Santa"

The specter of Santa Claus reverencing the Christ Child either raises the Santa myth to a level of legitimacy it never deserves, or it brings the incarnation down to the level of fairy tale. - Greensboro, NC

My caption - "Do you remember which one is Real?" - Lexington, KY

The child in the crib with the shadow of the cross falling upon him is a more authentically Christmas statement. - Sunbury, PA

Every Knee Shall Bow. - Wildwood, FL

What an interesting visual satire. Santa is kneeling before Jesus asking him for advice about what consumer products to buy for the kids. - M. G.

I find the cover art totally objectionable and totally out of line with Alternatives' message. Santa Claus theology ("gonna find out who's naughty and nice") of rewarding children for "good" behavior is contrary to the message Jesus brings us. Santa has become the "patron saint of commercialism." He is a symbol of everything that is wrong with our celebration - greed, selfishness, the oppression of the poor. - Omaha, NE

In prayer I ask You to grace me to remember You in each loving NEW face met in this season and that in these gifts and through them You ALONE ARE KNOWN. - Towson, MD

This page last updated 20 October 2012

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