This is the right way to introduce Christianity.
Steve Lantz, a multifaceted individual with roles as an actor, pastor, and church planter within the Presbyterian Church in America, grappled with the idea of embracing the persona of “Santa” amidst his convictions. Despite never endorsing the existence of Santa to his own children, he pondered the potential conflict this portrayal might pose to his beliefs.
Seeking resolution, Lantz delved into the historical roots of Santa, tracing back to St. Nicholas. Admiring St. Nicholas’s legacy of rescuing individuals from dire situations, his charitable acts, and selflessness, Lantz found alignment with this embodiment of Santa’s original inspiration.
Hired to portray Santa at a Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne tree-lighting event in Florida, Lantz leveraged his skills as an actor, drawing on his stature and experience to embody an authentic Santa. He fused his performance techniques with a profound intention to emulate Fred Rogers’ individual-focused approach, aiming to provide personalized attention to each child he encountered.
This venture to embody Santa wasn’t merely a performance but a mission opportunity for Lantz, merging his roles as a pastor and actor, seeking creative avenues to share the Gospel.
In a poignant moment during one of his Santa appearances, a 3-year-old declined sitting on Santa’s lap. Unfazed, Lantz respected her choice, affirming her feelings and engaging with her while she stood. Unbeknownst to him, this interaction was filmed by the child’s mother and went viral, earning him praise for his respectful handling of the situation.
The subsequent media attention from outlets like the “Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” and Fox News brought more visibility to Lantz’s approach. Firm in his conviction, he stood by his response to the child, emphasizing the importance of respecting children’s autonomy and dignity.
Beyond just entertaining, Lantz saw his role as Santa as an opportunity to support his church’s fundraising efforts and as a means to connect with diverse audiences, intending to shed light in darkness by bringing the essence of Jesus to those encounters.
In essence, for Lantz, portraying Santa wasn’t merely an act; it was a purposeful engagement to spread joy while upholding values of respect, dignity, and the essence of his faith.