What would Santa say?

The checklists have been made, gifts purchased, cookies baked, parties attended.  What’s next?  In the midst of the Christmas movies and music, lights and treats, here’s a great story to remind us that Christ is the center of this holiday season:

The Real Meaning of Christmas(author unknown)

One week before Christmas, a well-known visitor made a surprise appearance…I had just finished the household chores and was preparing for bed when a noise startled me.I cautiously opened the door to the front room. To my amazement, Santa Claus stepped from behindthe Christmas tree! He placed one finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.“What are you doing here?” I exclaimed. Then I realized that Santa had tears in his eyes. His usual jollymanner was gone. The eager, boisterous soul we all know was quite sad. Santa offered these simplewords, “TEACH THE CHILDREN!” I was puzzled—what did he mean? Anticipating my question, with onequick movement he brought forth a great bag from behind the tree. I stood there, bewildered.Santa explained, “Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. So many people todayhave forgotten what Christmas is really about!”Santa then reached into his bag, pulled out a tiny FIR TREE, and placed it on the mantle. “Teachthe children that the stately fir tree remains green all year round, showing the everlasting hope ofmankind. The needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of our prayers that always reach God.”Santa again reached into his sack and pulled out a brilliant STAR. “Teach the children that theBethlehem star was the sign of promises long ago. God promised to send a Savior to deliver the world.The bright star pointed to the fulfillment of that promise—God’s only Son had been born!”Next, Santa pulled a CANDLE from his bag. “Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Jesus,God’s Son, is the light of the world. When we see this light, we remember the One who overcomes thedarkness.”Once again Santa reached into his sack. This time he removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree.“Teach the children that the wreath reveals the endless nature of God’s love. Real love never ceases.Nothing can stop God’s amazing love.”Santa then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. “Teach the children that Santa Claussymbolizes the generosity and good will we show to others because God has given us His veryspecial Son. Don’t forget to tell the children that Saint Nicolas was not part of the first Christmas inBethlehem.”Santa then reached into his sack and carefully placed a CANDY CANE on the tree. “Teach the childrenthat the candy cane represents the shepherd’s staff. The crook on the staff rescues sheep who havestrayed from the flock. God never gives up on people who wander from Him.”Next, He removed a delicate ANGEL and lifted it to the very top of the tree. “Teach the children thatangels shouted the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. These heavenly messengers sang ‘Glory to Godin the highest! Peace and good will to everyone on earth!’”Finally, Santa pulled out a beautifully wrapped GIFT. He said, “Teach the children that God deeplyloves people, so He gave them His most precious gift—Jesus, His only Son. When the wise men arrivedin Bethlehem, they bowed before the Child and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Thisis why we give gifts to others each Christmas.”Then Santa paused. He stared at the tree and seemed to be pleased. I saw that the twinkle hadreturned to his eyes. He slowly turned, looked at me, and smiled. Santa offered these final words,“Remember to teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Please don’t put me in the center, forI am but a humble servant. Jesus Christ is the real reason for the Christmas season. I am glad to join allothers who bow down and worship Him, our Lord and God.”