Over Christmas last year my daughter started to question whether Santa Clause was real. She said, “Dad, I know Santa Clause is not real.”

I said, “Why do you think that?” “Come on – Think about it,” she said. “How could one person fly around to every house in the world in one night? And, come on, flying around in a sleigh with reign deer. It’s a little ridiculous don’t you think.”

My only response was: “Well, you’ve got to have faith.”

That night I thought about our conversation, and it struck me – Is the Jesus story just Santa Clause for adults? There are quite a few similarities: You better be good or else; Rewards for those who believe; Someone magically appearing to bring joy; A story that contradicts science; Faith as an explanation for inconsistency; Opportunities for repentance/change; Fresh beginnings; And an opportunity to share our gifts with each other.

The story of Santa Clause is a useful myth, and that is likely why is has stood the test of time. It gives us something to look forward to, provides structure to an unstructured world, allows us to share our gifts with each other and is a useful reminder that repentance (cutting the crap) can usher in joyous change.

The same could be said for the Jesus story. It’s a message that has withstood the test of time. A message that every day provides a fresh start for our self-creation. That better days can be ahead if we repent (cut our crap) and bring in change. That there is joy in sharing ourselves with each other. And that we have the power within ourselves to die from the past and rise up to new beginnings.

Much debate, controversy and condemnation have occurred over whether the Jesus story is literally true, a myth or something in between. Whatever the case, just like the Santa Clause story, it provides a useful tool for self-creation.

Timothy Velner is a husband, father, attorney and author living in Minneapolis. You can follow his daily blog – a series of discussions between the worry-self and the present-self at – thespiritualgym.me