Motivated by a local council Christmas celebration that starred Santa Claus but not Jesus, Simon Camilleri sat down and wrote a book for the sort of kids who were there. “When Santa learned the Gospel” is a hit breaking through the barrier of Christian reluctance to talk about Santa and becoming an effective gospel tool. Camilleri is now offering free resources to help everyone tell the story.
It started as a self-published, Kickstarter-funded book, Camilleri tells theothercheek. “I was blown away by the response when it first came out. In the first year, the book sold around 6,000 copies and got the attention of a Christian publisher in England called 10ofThose. From there they took it around the globe and over the last 5 years around 70,000 copies have been printed worldwide.”
“I was inspired after attending a local council-funded community carol where the climax of the event was Santa arriving,” Camilleri recounts. “He asked the kids, ‘Who here’s been a good boy or girl?’ and all the kids screamed ‘Meeeee!’ and then he asked jokingly, ‘And who here’s been a naughty boy or girl?’ and hilariously, all the kids screamed again ‘Meeeeee!’ After an awkward pause, Santa then said, ‘Oh well… I guess you’ve tried to be good.’ and proceeded to throw out toys to the kids.
“That moment was very funny but it also made me reflect on Santa’s good/naughty message and how what happened there was very similar to how many people think God relates to us. He wants us to be good but in the end, trying to be good is good enough and he’ll throw us presents either way.
“I had often critiqued the message of Santa, but I wondered, what would happen if Santa himself was confronted with the true gospel – the message that none of us is good enough and we all need forgiveness and that Jesus came to rescue those on the Naughty List… including Santa.”
Santas love the book
The most surprising response is from the Santa community in the US. A number of those professional Santas are Christians. They love the book. And buy it by the box.
Jamie Dozier, one of those Santas wrote to Camilleri: “As a professional Santa that loves to put Christ in Christmas, I love to read and use this amazing book. I use it at photo shoots (to read and use as a prop for the children) and I use the book and the
PowerPoint presentation at churches. I have had pastors, deacons, grandparents and parents come up to me after the church service. They all thanked me for this amazing story and how it ties into how Christ is first and how Santa learned about Jesus. I give this book out at all events and to family and friends. As I learned in some Santa schools and colleges, Santa can help spread the Word of Jesus.”
Starting conversations
The book and a video Simon Camilleri made of it are great conversation starters, Gavin Dickson a Scripture Reader working with British soldiers and their families, reports. “In a café in one of the army camps, I met a young army wife with a two-year-old son. I introduced myself to her and as we talked about her situation and I got to talking about Jesus. She said she was a Christian and I asked her son if he would like to watch a video about Santa hearing of Jesus. His wee face lit up. As I talked to his mother we listened to parts of the book and this lead me to talk to her about God’s grace…
“Normally I don’t like mixing Jesus and Santa, but the book is so moving and has a great way of showing God’s grace. I will be praying that many will be moved by God through this book and the public readings of it.”
Fired up by the response to his book, and with a “can do” attitude Camilleri has gone on to try out new ideas. from a parody version of a song from Hamilton to a three-hour dramatic reading of the entire Book of Job. He’s got two more children’s books on the way.
“When Santa learned the Gospel” carols pack is free at https://www.santagospel.com/index.php/carols-pack/
Even more free stuff https://simoncamilleri.com/free-christmas-ministry-ideas/
I have followed Simon Camilleri’s creative work since he first published “When Santa learned the Gospel” – he’s shown guts and determination in setting up his ministry. You can support him at https://www.patreon.com/simoncamilleri