Read the Christmas story, How Santa Claus Came to Simpson's Bar. After reading it, make one of two arguments:
Jesus approves of the story
OR
Jesus does not approve of the story.
You must provide logical reasons and textual evidence to support your position.
How Santa Clause Came to Simpson's Bar begins in Thompson's store because of the flood waters referred to as being "as large as the State of Massachusetts." It is a sort of communal gathering where people were consuming drinks but not conversating until the "Old Man" appeared. The Old man continued conversating with the people at Thompson's store until he offered them shelter at his own home, which is where the real story begins.
ReplyDeleteThe group then follows the old man to his house for shelter where they are welcomed in by the Old Man's son, Johnny. Turns out that Johnny is riddled with health issues and needs alcohol to heal his rheumatiz , but the group of people consumed all of it other than a few drops. It can be assumed that Dick feels bad about his actions and goes off to get more alcohol after he overhears Johnny and the Old Man's confusion on what Christmas is. Dick then returns after shooting himself in the arm with a pack full of toys for Johnny telling the Old Man to inform Johnny "tell him Sandy Claus has come," an act of unnecessary kindness in the worst of times for someone in need. That is how Santa Clause came to Simpson's Bar.
Because there are no references to religion in this story it can be assumed that the Old Man and Johnny do not follow any particular religion, yet they let the people come into their own home because it is the right thing to do. I am sure that everyone can agree that Jesus would approve of these actions because a similar situation occurred with the good samaritan, they had the choice between doing the moral action and immoral action and they elected to choose the moral action to house these people. There is a possibility that Dick might be familiar with Christianity, but based on the fact that he returned with gifts revealed he has some sort of skewed image of what the Christian holiday of Christmas is. Regardless of that he still chooses to encourage acts of giving and goes beyond the limits to go out and collect gifts for Johnny. Overall, although they do not seem to be Christian, I believe that a good action is a good action regardless so, I do believe that Jesus would approve of their actions.
Christmas time should be about the birth of Jesus, but in this particular incident it appears that the people of Simpson's Bar did not know of Christianity or had a skewed vision of what it is. Regardless of that, they decided to make moral decisions and help others even though they did not need to which is why I believe that Jesus would ignore their focus on material items and focus on their goodwill. Advent and Christmas isn't just about gift giving, it's about Jesus and benefitting society and the characters of this story do two of the three things.
You have created a extremely good argument. I agree with your very well supported opinions.
DeleteI like that you mentioned the Good Samaritan because it gives your argument the validation it needed to prove your point. As always, great job!
DeleteThis argument was very well constructed and I like how you went into a lot of detail with the story. Merry Christmas!
DeleteThis Christmas story, “How Santa Clause Came To Simpson’s Bar”, was moving to say the least. Bret Harte is the author of the beautiful heartfelt story of “How Santa Clause Came To Simpson’s Bar.” I believe, after reading “How Santa Clause Came To Simpson’s Bar” that Jesus would probably approve of the story.
ReplyDeleteFirst, one can assume when Johnny said, “‘Yes," said Johnny, with some slight abatement of interest, “I’ve heerd o’ HIM before’” that “HIM” is referring to Jesus. Even though the writer did not include what the Old Man had say, using context clues it seemed somewhat apparent. They did not just mention that Christmas is a time for Santa, it is a time for Jesus. Even though they still talked about Santa Claus, it shows a sense of childlike wonder. As Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Allowing for “How Santa Clause Came To Simpson’s Bar” to include the childlike wonder reminds us of Matthew 19:14.
One could argue that Jesus would not like this story. Possibly people arguing for the opposite side would say that “How Santa Clause Came To Simpson’s Bar” goes against the second commandment. They may also talk about Dick and the others gossiping. They may even talk about the “connection” to the “eastern star” and say that that is part of Free Masonry. However, looking at “How Santa Clause Came To Simpson’s Bar” as a whole, it not about any of that meaningless commentary, it is about helping others.
Finally, the most obvious reason of why Jesus would approve of this story is because of the trying to make one boy smile on Christmas. Dick fought tooth and nail to bring those three, small, tarnished presents to Johnny. Dick just wanted to make one sick child’s life happy for one day. Dick literally died to get the presents to the small boy. He did it all selflessly stating, “Tell him," said Dick, with a weak little laugh -- "tell him Sandy Claus has come." The three toys could also be compared to the three gifts given to Jesus at his Nativity.
I believe that Jesus would have approved of this story. It shows self sacrifice for what many may look at as “meaningless.” It is suppressing that a short story like “How Santa Clause Came To Simpson’s Bar” can make such a huge impact. As stated in Matthew 25:40, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Dick really embraced Matthew 25:40 as he was going through his trying sacrifice for Johnny.
I like your use of Biblical quotes. They help support your argument of Jesus approving the story. Your blog is well put together and creates a strong argument.
DeleteI enjoy your use of biblical quotes and I never realized that Johnny said "o' HIM" until I put further research into it and found that in other versions it's also printed that way. Nice eye! I would have never caught that if you hadn't mentioned it in the blog.
DeleteI like the comparison of the the three toys Johnny recives and the three gifts of the Magi. I never thought about it that way before and wouldn’t have caught it if you hadn’t written about it. Nice work! It shows you really put time and thought into the piece.
DeleteThis Christmas season has been filled with numerous arguments. People fighting over playing Rudolph and other Christmas music on the radio, fighting for racial and sexual inequality with Santa and snowman, and the never ending “keeping Christ in Christmas” debate. All of these block people from seeing the selfless acts of kindness that people do during this time of year like Dick in “How Santa Clause Came To Simpson’s Bar.”
ReplyDeleteThis story focuses around the Old Man, his son Johnny, and the people at Simpson’s bar. The Old Man is at the bar enjoying a few drinks on Christmas Eve. He then invites to continue the party at his house. The guest are welcome by a little boy named Johnny, the Old Man’s son. As the party’s goes on the Old Man goes off to check on his son. He realizes his son is not doing well and tries to comfort his son. Johnny talks to his father about his hopes of Santa Clause coming. Dick, outside the room, over hears this and want to help out. He travels into town to pick up some toys. He turns with a few toys some are broken and missing part, but here it is merely the thought that counts.
This is what Christmas is all about. Someone going out of their way to help someone else in need. This is exactly what Jesus wants people to do. Christmas is a time in which people should be thanking God for sending His Son to die for mankind to free people from sin, and what greater way to do this than to help someone in need. God looks down upon Dick in “How Santa Clause Came To Simpson’s Bar” with a smile and great joy as he spreads the jot of Christ’s coming.
Christmas is a beautiful time of year, but many people miss the main idea. The many small acts of kindness that people perform this time of year is truly what God wants. The act of kindness that dick performs shows how these act of kindness help people understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Thank you for mentioning selfless acts of kindness in your blog as they aren't as popular as they once were. It seems everyone has lost their morals in society and are rather focused solely on materials and selfish desires. I enjoyed reading your blog.
DeleteI think you had a very good understanding of the story and you certainly proved that throughout your argument. Great job!
Delete“How Santa Claus came to Simpson’s Bar” certainly is a story to put one in the Christmas spirit. The story opens on a group of people in a bar- Simpson’s Bar. One of the main characters, the Old Man, decides to invite the people in the bar back to his house for a few more drinks. Upon arrival, the group meets the Old Man’s son, Johnny. Johnny is sick with rheumatiz. He needs alcohol to heal it, but the group had drunk all of the alcohol in the Old Man’s house. While the Old Man is trying to help Johnny feel better, the group overhears a conversation between Johnny and the Old Man.
ReplyDeleteThe conversation moves one of the members of the group from the bar, a man named Dick. He hears Johnny asking the Old Man about Christmas, what Christmas is about, and about Santa Claus because he has never heard of him before. After the Old Man’s short replies, Johnny says, “I've heerd o' HIM before.” The story doesn’t come right out and say who the “HIM” is, but it can be inferred that the “HIM” is referring to Jesus Christ.Dick begins to feel bad for Johnny and goes out in search of more alcohol and presents from Santa Clause for Johnny. Dick then sacrifices quite a bit for Johnny in order to make sure the boy has a truly meaningful Christmas that year.
Although the story is related to the more secular side of Christmas, I do think that Jesus would approve of the story. I say this because the story helps to reveal the meaning of Christmas. Even though Jesus isn’t one of the prime focuses of the story, the selfless actions of Dick and what he does for Johnny shows that others should be at the heart of the season. Much of Jesus’s teachings were about loving and serving your neighbor before yourself. This is what Dick did. He went out of his way to make sure Johnny was okay and happy during the Christmas season. In this way, he emulates Jesus and his teachings.
Even thought the story doesn’t outright mention Jesus, it’s undertones hint at Jesus and his overall message to the world. Even though Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus and his coming, it is also important to serve others as well. Jesus would approve of the story because its overall message compliments Jesus’s own. The story helps the reveal the true meaning of Christmas behind all of the secularism of the season.
Great Job Sophie. It was a very well written Blog and you tied it all together nicely at the end. Merry Christmas.
DeleteBen's^
DeleteThe story of How Santa Claus Came to Simpson’s Bar is filled with vulgar language and shooting. Although this is true, Jesus would approve of this story because of the good intentions and actions of Dick Bullen on Christmas Day.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is the season of giving rather than taking or receiving. It is a time where goodwill should take the place of evil thoughts and intentions. It is a time where love should be discovered and shared. In this story, a wicked man named Dick Bullen, a man who would have typically sworn if an empty bottle of whiskey was offered to him and stolen if he saw something he liked, found deep inside his heart a small spark that ignited the flame to what the true meaning of Christmas actually is.
Because the true meaning of Christmas was discovered, Jesus would approve of the story even though it did not seem Christian-like in the beginning.
In the beginning of the story, chaos was everywhere. The river had flooded, and many roads were impassable. Many gathered together in Simpson’s Bar with similar emotions of annoyance, anger, and frustration. Then the Old Man entered. After a few words were exchanged, Dick and his crew invited themselves to the man’s house where they spoke with sick little Johnny and learned more about Christmas and “Sandy Claws.” During this short time with the Old Man and Johnny, Dick learned something about the hope of a child, which inspired him to do something that Christ would surely approve.
Although Dick Bullen was not the brightest man alive, he had a heart that would bring him to fight the pain of a bullet to deliver a few broken and soggy presents to a little boy with hope. Christ would not be opposed to a man sacrificing his time and energy in order to bring a smile to a little boy’s face. Therefore, Christ would be overjoyed with acts taken by Dick.
The story of How Santa Claus Came to Simpson’s Bar would certainly be approved of by Jesus. There were moments when evil was present, but in the end, Dick Bullen sacrificed himself to make a happy Christmas for Johnny just like Jesus sacrificed himself to save everyone from sin.
I love your comparison of the sacrifice Dick makes to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I’d have never made that comparison if you hadn’t pointed it out. Another great job.
DeleteThis is a nice argument, Reg. I also made the sacrifice comparison, but I like how you wrapped it up with that. It made for one last "bam!" Good work and Merry Christmas!
DeleteHow Santa Claus Came to Simpson’s Bar opens with a gathering at Thompson’s store so people escape the rushing flood waters that was rapidly overtaking their city. Despite the flood, people still enjoyed themselves, having drinks but oddly keeping to themselves. Nobody was talking until the “Old Man” showed up, and he eventually invited the flood-escapees to continue their enjoyment at his home.
ReplyDeleteAs the story continues at the Old Man’s house, the guests are greeted by his young son Johnny. Throughout the story, it is revealed that Johnny is sick and the Old Man attempts to comfort him. Johnny shares with him his anticipation of the coming of Santa Claus. Dick overheard the conversation between the two and through the goodness of his heart he decides he wants to help young Johnny.
Dick went into town and bought some toys in order to play the role of Santa for Johnny. Some of the toys were in less than perfect condition, but his actions still showed the true colors of his heart and it really puts you into the Christmas spirit. Dick did not know the boy for more than a few hours, but his selfless nature gave him the power to completely change the nature of Johnny’s illness. I certainly believe Jesus would approve of this story because it breaks the infamous cycle of selfish Christmas shoppers and the loss of an understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. The story never blatantly mentions Jesus, however the kind actions certainly reflect those of Jesus and the actions he wants us to fulfill. Dick selflessly helped this boy, without being asked, with no reward, and only self-satisfaction for helping little Johnny. His action did not change the world, but he certainly changed Johnny’s that day, and that’s what Christmas is all about.
Carly, I really enjoyed your blog. It was very organized and you made some excellent points, such as your very last sentence.
DeleteCarly, I think you did a good job on your blog. However, there were some things that confused me. For example, when you said that, “the Old Man attempts to comfort him.” It could have helped the reader if you had some quotes. Other than that, good job.
DeleteI agree with you that Jesus would approve of this story. I like how you included that this story “breaks the infamous cycle of selfish Christmas shoppers.”
DeleteYou did very good explaining your thoughts and giving proof of them. Well done!
DeleteWhen one thinks of a Christmas story, one typically thinks of “A Christmas Carol” or “The Grinch”. One does not typically think about “How Santa Came to Simpson’s Bar” as a stock Christmas tale. That is mostly because is a much more morally ambiguous story and doesn’t have a clearly stated tie to Christianity. However, I believe that there are certainly Christian undertones to this story and Jesus would approve of it.
ReplyDeleteThe story’s plot revolves around an Old Man, his young sick son, Johnny, and Dick Hamlin, who tries to help Johnny. Johnny is a boy who is afflicted with a variety of ailments and requires much care. Both the Old Man and Dick go out of their way to try to make Johnny’s life as happy and comfortable as possible. The Old Man provides him treatment for his rheumatism and stays with him while he drifts off to sleep. Dick Hamlin travels many miles, through dangerous conditions in order to get a few meager toys so Johnny can have a good Christmas. Neither of the men have to complete these actions, they are simply doing them out of pure kindness. That is something that is approved by Christianity and by Christ himself.
Dick also remains humble about his heroic actions. He tells the Old Man to tell Johnny that “Sandy Claws has come”, when he presents the toys. He doesn’t tell the Old Man to tell Johnny “Dick Hamlin has come.” He doesn’t even tell the man what he went through to get these toys. He wants to remain anonymous. He doesn’t brag about his actions and he doesn’t want thanks from the boy or the Old Man. That humility is a very Christian value and is definitely something that Jesus would appreciate.
When Johnny asks what Christmas is, the Old Man answers him readily. The author leaves out his answer, but Johnny answers “I heard of HIM before.” Based on the title, one might think that it is Santa who Johnny is discussing. However, remember Johnny specifically asks why they call it Christmas. That obviously means that the HIM in question is Jesus. So there is a Christian undertone in this story, which I believe is something that Jesus would enjoy.
This story may not be as famous as “A Christmas Carol” or “The Grinch”, but it should be. This story tells a heartbreaking story of a few humble men who want to be kind and give a young child a gift, which is what Christmas is all about. This story shows Christian values and is definitely one that Christ would approve of. Christmas isn’t about trees or decorations, it’s about sacrificing our own time and money for the happiness of theirs. Again, I’m quoting my ol pal The Grinch on this one “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe it means a little bit more.”
Great job Julie. I love how you tied other stories into your bolg. I did this as well and I thought it brought the story to a more relatable level. Well done and Merry Christmas.
DeleteBen's^
DeleteJulie, I really enjoyed your blog. I really like how you bring up the anonymity of Dick and how that compares to the humility of Christ. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Great job!
ReplyDeleteBen Hoffman's
ReplyDeleteWhat a crazy Christmas at the Simpson's Bar. A time filled with swearing and firearms but the good man, Dick Bullen, showed the true meaning on this Christmas Day. For this Jesus would approve of the story.
Although Christ is not present in the beginning of the story He would approve because the bitter man who has done terrible things in his days found the true meaning if Christmas in his heart much like the story of the Grinch. He found the true meaning of which is Jesus. During Christmas and Advent we are supposed to “prepare the way” as Mr. Bobby proclaims in you religion classes. We are supposed to open our hearts like Dick Bullen did in the story.
The story shows how through the chaos of the season and of the day. Love will be shown to all. There is always hope in the air as Dick went on to give a little boy a present after getting shot. The story of a grumpy man who sees God's call to do something nice for some.
Through the story we see why Jesus loves His birthday. Not because it reminds Him of his birthday and another year gone by. It is because he can see a glimpse of the beautiful hearts people really do have. He can see people being nice to one another when they find the true meaning. This Santa went above and beyond to go to this bar for the kid because he wanted to do something nice. It is once again approved by the Lord because it shows us that during the craziness or just in our daily lives everyone can be touched by the Lord everyday. Everyone can be nice because that is what we were made for. Merry Christmas all. God Bless.
Ben, I think you did a great job on your blog. However, I think it could have helped show exact cases within the story if you used quotes from within the short story. Other than that, you did a great job.
DeleteDuring the Christmas season, Jesus is often put to the side and even forgotten about, whether that be on purpose or by accident through the distractions of the holidays becoming more and more secular over time. The short story of “How Santa Claus Came To Simpson’s Bar,” shows a selfless act of kindness as well as sacrifice from one person to another who is less fortunate. Personally, I feel as if Jesus would approve of this story about a man who does something nice for a young boy.
ReplyDeleteIn this story, there is flooding of the rivers and the weather outside is very dangerous. The Old Man invites the people at the bar to his house to continue the drinking, and eventually they also begin gambling. His son Johnny meets them at the door and is quite sick. After all the men leave, Dick then goes out on Jovita, the horse, and comes back to the old man with gifts. The gifts are damaged from the journey but it is the thought that counts. What may be seen as broke in one person’s eyes may be seen as a true treasure in another’s.
Some may argue that Richard’s act was not one that surrounded the true meaning of Christmas which is, in fact, surrounded around Christ. This may be because Dick is supporting the idea of Santa Claus and not relating it to the birth of the Savior. Rather, the idea is supported more towards the secularism of the holiday through the giving of gifts to others. However, people give gifts to others as a symbol of God giving the earth the greatest gift of all, which is his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to save the world from sin. John 1:14 says “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This is a reminder that Jesus not only became human, but that He stills dwells in everyone each and every day, as everyone is called to look for Him in others and be a little light to the world themselves.
I think that Jesus would approve of this story, as it shows what it means to put others before yourself.
Your points were well thought out and very organized! Well done!
DeleteThe story of “How Santa Claus Came To Simpson’s Bar,” is debatable as to whether or not Jesus would approve of such a fable. In my opinion, the story is based of the act of giving— the central action of the holiday season. In addition, the role of Christian symbolism also serves as an important factor in this short story by Bret Harte. With these two ideas in focus, Jesus would most definitely approve.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is the season of preparing the way for Christ as He is born into this world to save us from sin. It is also a time for making sacrifices, spending time with family and friends, and giving. In “How Santa Claus Came To Simpson’s Bar,” Dick brings an ill little boy, whom he barely knows, three gifts and tells his father to say that they are from “Sandy Claus.” By doing this, Dick is remaining anonymous and really spreading the Christmas spirit by participating in a selfless act for a stranger, much like the good samaritan in “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” found within the book of Luke. Dick gives the child three presents which symbolize the three gifts the Wise Men brought Jesus when he was born. Furthermore, the story mentions an “eastern star” that brings to mind the North Star that lead the three Wise Men to Bethlehem. Christian symbolism also comes into play when Johnny states, “I’ve heerd o’ HIM before.” The way the author types “HIM,” one can assure that he is, in fact, making a reference to Christ. Lastly, one can make a connection to the sacrifice God made when He sent down His beloved son to save us all from the depths of evil and the sacrifice Dick made when paying the ultimate price in order to do just one kind gesture.
Although, Bret Harte never comes out and states anything about Jesus or Christianity, one can determine that it underlies the text and is supposed to make the reader think. This undertone allows for me to think that Jesus would indeed approve of “How Santa Claus Came To Simpson’s Bar.”
Christmas is definitely an important time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I like how you included the name “Sandy Claws” as used in the story.
DeleteI like how you mentioned the fact that the author does not directly talk about God or Christ. Instead, the reader should always be looking for Him, as He is everywhere.
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ReplyDeleteThe story of “How Santa Claus Came To Simpson’s Bar” explains how kindness and sacrifice from people who are more wealthy towards the less fortunate can spread the true meaning of Christmas. Personally, I believe Jesus would approve of this story because of the kind act of the man towards the young boy. In can be debatable for some, however. The role of Christian symbolism serves as a strong factor in the story. Kindness is also expressed and with these two main focuses, Jesus would most likely approve in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is the season in which we prepare the way for Christ to be welcomed into the world. In this story, there is flooding and the weather outside is dangerous. The Old Man invites the people at the bar to his house and eventually they begin gambling and drinking. This season is also a time for making sacrifices and spreading kindness and joy to others. In the story, “How Santa Claus Came To Simpson’s Bar,” he gives a little boy three gifts and tells his father to say that they are from “Sandy Claus.” His act was anonymous which was a good way to celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season. Even when gifts are damaged they still have meaning.The three presents could symbolize the three gifts the Wise Men brought to Jesus when he was born. Also when Johnny explains, “I’ve heerd o’ HIM before.” The “HIM,” assures the audience he is talking about Christ. The kind gesture dome by the man was a way for him to prepare for Christ’s coming.
Bret Harte does not come out and say Jesus or Christianity, however, it makes the reader think about it. All of these factors such as, Christian symbolism, kindness, hope, and the act of giving all play key roles in this story. These makes me think that Jesus would approve of “How Santa Claus Came To Simpson’s Bar.”
I like how you talked about the symbolism of three and when Johnny says, “I’ve heard o’ HIM before.”
DeleteI thought your blog was very well put together and thought out, nice job!
DeleteI really liked you blog. It was well rounded and you dotted your "t" and corssed your "I". Nice job
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ReplyDeleteThe story “How Santa Claus Came to Simpson’s Bar” begins with people gathering at Thompson’s store. This was for people to escape the rushing flood waters that were rushing through the city. During the tragic event, people were still calm, having fun, yet kept to themselves, which was odd. Nobody was talking until the “Old Man” showed up, and he eventually invited the flood-escapees to continue their enjoyment at his home. This beginning part of the story immediately made me think of when Noah built the Ark for all of the animals of the town. I thought it was interesting that the story began like this. Yet, in this bible passage, God does remind the people that he will never send a flood like this again. Oddly, in this story, there is a flood.
As the story continues at the Old Man’s house, the guests are greeted by his young son Johnny. Throughout the story, it is revealed that Johnny is sick and the Old Man attempts to comfort him. Johnny shares with him his anticipation of the coming of Santa Claus. Dick overheard the conversation between the two and through the goodness of his heart he decides he wants to help young Johnny.
Dick went into town and bought some toys in order to play the role of Santa for Johnny. When I read this part of the story it made me think of a lady I met at FBLA. She knew a little girl who had cancer and who loved sleeping beauty. This women worked for the Make a Wish Foundation and she had planned a whole trip for this little girl to see Sleeping Beauty in Disney. Yet, the little girl had a down fall in her illness and was not able to go. The women who worked for the foundation decided to dress up and make her dreams come true. This story came to my mind because this is kinda what Dick did for Johnny. Acts like this is what Christmas is all about. Giving. Giving to others because God gave his only son to us to save us in the end. Jesus certainly would approve of this story because this is what we are called to do. We are called to treat people with kindness no matter what they might have done to us. Around the holiday season people are always trying to better themselves. Wether it’s by the Projects Gifts for Kids organization or by taking a little piece of paper off the christmas trees in churches and buying gifts for those in need. We are always told “Do what jesus would do.” Dick was a great example of our savior.
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ReplyDeleteThe story of “How Santa Claus Came To Simpson’s Bar” provides many positive examples which leads me to argue the point that I think Jesus would approve of the tale. Many acts of kindness are used in this blog such as; the old man inviting the less fortunate into his own house, the old man taking care of the sick boy, and lots more. It goes to show the main reason for Christmas - giving - and the author tells his story from a viewpoint that the central act of Christmas is giving, which then advances my mindset on the fact that Jesus would approve of this story.
ReplyDeleteSome examples that connect this story to biblical stories are; when Dick brings the small, ill boy a present, but remains anonymous by telling the boys father to call him “Santa Clause” when presenting the gifts to the boy, when Dick gives the child three gifts that can relate to the gifts of the wise men, and when Bret uses the word “HIM” as the Bible uses “Him” with a capital H when referring to Jesus. Bret also uses a star to direct people in his story which can compare to the star that the Wise Men followed.
This story shows that through everything going on and all the chaos, Jesus will still find a way to bring love into the hearts of many who are willing to accept his invitation. Even though Jesus’ name is not mentioned once in the story, there are numerous hints that and implied examples that Jesus is the reason for the season.
I believe that Jesus would approve of “How Santa Claus Came to Simpson’s Bar” because of the selflessness of Dick towards Johnny. Dick was always the “mean angry guy” at Simpson’s Bar but on Christmas Eve he performed an act of kindness towards an ill child.
ReplyDeleteAn old man invited all the boys at the bar back to his house after a night of drinking at the bar. When all the men arrived, however, they were greeted by a little boy named Johnny who was visibly ill and needed alcohol to improve his health. All the men have already drunk the alcohol, and Dick fells sorrow for the boy. To make up for the lack of alcohol, he goes out and purchases three gifts for Johnny. However, Dick was wounded and told the old man to tell Johnny that the gifts were from “Sandy Claus.” This small act of kindness Dick made towards Johnny shows the spirit of Christmas.
Jesus was a selfless man who wanted others to follow his teachings. Even though Dick was not always a morally correct man, he was completely compassionate in his action towards Johnny. These are the moments that Jesus wants all of us to have or experience. All of us this Christmas season need to be selfless like Dick was. We need to prepare the way for the coming of Christ like John the Baptist did years ago.
Nice job Gabe, I enjoyed reading your analysis and explanation. I agree on you with why Jesus would approve of the scene.
DeleteI myself believe the Christ would approve of this clip. It's shows how people can change for the good, even if it's only once or twice. There are some areas where Christ wouldn't approve, such as the need of alcohol and drinking, but that is a small part compared to why he would approved.
ReplyDeleteDick, the main protagonist of this clip, is usually mean, but during this story, it was good and a refreshing moment to see this kind of act from that kind of person. Dick tries to make a little boys day by getting three gifts for the boys. He risked life and limb, literally, to get these gifts for the boy. In this act, Dick was being unselfish, and giving instead fo getting. Jesus would've loved that message of the clip, and would've been the main reason why he would support it. Jesus would've also enjoyed seeing a man change his ways. Many of Jesus's followers we're also changed people like Dick, so he could've related to that part for the story also. If Christ saw these clip, he would've absolutely approved, but if he sees some other clips of the Simpsons, I dont think it would go over well.