There is a man whose love inspires people during this time of year. Some might say it’s a man with a white beard who delivers Christmas presents to children around the world on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. But renowned Latter-day Saint painter Greg Olsen believes it is actually the Savior of the world who inspires Santa Claus himself. On this week’s episode, we talk with the artist about how he began painting in the first place but then why he chose to paint Santa Claus in addition to his many well-known paintings of Jesus Christ. 

“Done in the right way, seen from the right perspective, Santa—that tradition—does carry on the mission of Jesus. Doing unto others, giving, serving, spreading love and cheer…it’s hard to separate those two.” —Greg Olsen 

Show Notes

2:09- It Takes a Village To Raise an Artist 5:24- A Prophetic Statement 20:37- A Branch Full of Good Things 23:10- Reaching Outside of the Latter-day Saint World 28:57- Santa and the Savior 32:49- We Follow What Is Good 37:13- Lost and Found 42:02- Everyone’s an Artist 45:54- What Does It Mean to Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

Greg’s website

Paintings referenced in the episode:

The Spirit of Christmas

Story of Christmas

The Nativity

Lost and Found

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