Vicar says, ''I believe in Santa''

20th December 2004

MEDIA RELEASE

Vicar says, ''I believe in Santa''

Every Christmas, Christian churches get a little concerned that the meaning of Christmas – the baby Jesus – is being taken over by Santa Claus.

This year however, one Anglican vicar from Auckland is standing up and declaring his undying belief in the jolly old elf.

“Many people take a low view of Santa,” says Rev Glynn Cardy, vicar of St Matthew-in-the-City. “Santa is often a problem for Christians.”

In an article recently published in the church’s email magazine, SMACA, Rev Cardy describes his high view of Santa.

Rev Cardy says the best thing to remember about Santa Claus is his meaning. The legend of Santa grew out of the true story of “Saint Nicholas” the Bishop of Myra, who lived in the 4th Century AD.

“I simply believe in Santa Claus,” says Cardy. “Santa means giving. Giving to others. Giving to those you don’t know. Giving with no strings attached.”

“Santa is about dreaming that nothing is impossible when it comes to helping and sharing. No elf, no chimney, no amount of snow, or consumerism, or cynicism, is going to stop it. This is why I believe in Santa.”

”Santa inspires and encourages the best in humanity, the best in you and me - self-less giving to others.”

Santa Claus himself will of course be dropping in to St Matthew-in-the-City’s Kids Christmas service at 7.00pm on Christmas Eve.

For more information about St Matthew’s Christmas services, phone the church office on 09 379 0625, or visit the web site www.stmatthews.org.nz

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