Kris Kringle. Papa Noël. Sinterklaas. No matter the name, he is the beloved saint who brings Christmas cheer to millions of children each year.

But not everyone sees Santa as a harmless holiday tradition. Some argue he's a distraction from Christ-or worse, a tool of deception, commercialization, and even spiritual corruption. Is he an innocent symbol of joy, or has he become a usurper to the true meaning of Christmas in a post-Christian world?

Critics claim Santa encourages idolatry, borrowing too much from pagan traditions. Others say he promotes a works-based system of rewards, deceives children, and fuels the commercialization of Christmas.

Bible scholar and lifelong Santaphile J. Kent Holloway takes a thoughtful, candid look at these concerns, weighing them in his own Naughty and Nice list. Is Santa truly a holiday villain, or might it be that Christians are overlooking a powerful opportunity? Could Father Christmas actually be an ally in sharing the gospel during the season when hearts are most open to the message of Christ?

Engaging, thought-provoking, and full of holiday spirit, A Case for Kringle invites readers to reexamine Santa's place in Christian tradition-and perhaps to see him in a whole new light.