Santa Claus Through the Centuries

Christianity Today is running an old piece by Anthony McRoy entitled “The Face of Christmas Past.” (It originally appeared in the CT publication, Christian History.

McRoy traces the story of Santa Claus or “Father Christmas” through English history. He argues that Saint Nick has always been a spiritual figure:

It is not historically accurate, therefore, to associate “Father Christmas” purely with material concerns. Father Christmas was essentially a spiritual figure who emphasized the saving import of Christ’s birth. He called people not simply to mutual “goodwill” but to the thankful worship of God.