The following is an enlightenment of an old Christmas tradition. If you
are over 12 and still believe in Santa Claus, I am about to burst your bubble.
So look away-he is make believe, just like the Easter Bunny and the Tooth
Fairy. But some how these three make believe characters show up at my house,
and millions like them at their appointed time each year, with the only the
Tooth Fairy operating on stand-by. But yet they have become symbols, very
believable symbols for the two greatest Christian holidays ever. But for me my
evening of reckoning came when I was 12 years old, and came home after being out
with some friends. There on the door was a note saying that Santa had left the
presents in the closet, could I put them under the tree. And the writing was my
Mother’s, and the song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” went through my brain,
but my Mother would never do that, and combined with why didn’t he just leave
them under the tree he passed by to get to the closet, and the fact we had no
chimney-it all fell into place. Not sure about the missing cookies. Another
myth exposed-or at least I thought. But not wishing to risk being wrong and
losing the gifts, I kept quiet, but not among my friends, who had figured out
long before me that there was no Santa Claus. But I kept the tradition alive
with my two sons, causing some discord with church folk, who didn’t want me to
lie to my sons, but lived like Christmas had no impact on their daily lives-they
preached more about Jesus than they lived it-we were just the opposite. The
First Church of the Frigidaire-cold wind and cold hearts.
And soon they figured out that Grandma and Grandpa some 3000 miles away
were Santa and Mrs. Claus. They too rather go with the gifts than be
politically correct, in either version. But they too had figured it out before
I told them he wasn’t real, and their network of friends along with them had
their own ideas, but kept quiet, who doesn’t like to get gifts? One of the more
creative minds even told them there was no such thing as Santa or the devil-his
dad was both. Giving a whole new meaning to the kids in Boy and Girl Land about
being naughty or nice. See how rumors start, and traditions become truth? Yet
we continue to celebrate Christmas by giving gifts, even in the face of those
who call us blasphemers for doing it, “BAH humbug” is all I can say to them.
Don’t expect anything from me this year.
But although we give gifts, we focus on the real reason for Christmas, the
birth of Jesus. We put up a tree, hang lights, sing songs, and think of
Christmases past when it snowed on the Eve, now we just get up and go out in
shorts-oh So Cal, ya gotta love it. But since Christmas, like Easter is all
about Jesus, we emphasize Him, and give gifts to each other. Not considering
who has been naughty or nice, but remembering we are forgiven, and that it is
grace that did it-not some gift list. I’m still looking for that nice guy, I
know many of the naughty ones. And the greatest gift this time of year or any
is still Jesus. So we celebrate Him every day, giving gifts, showing love, and
yes, even eating Easter candy and putting up a tree in December. Not making
them the focal point, but to join in the celebration, and finding a chance to
share Jesus in the midst of it. What is easier, to share Christ’s love with a
Bah humbug attitude, or with one of giving and love? And starting out young by
receiving, what better way to learn about the giving than seeing the giver
blessed? Would you rob someone of a blessing just because Santa isn’t real? Or
because Jesus is? So what is your attitude towards Jesus and Santa? Which one
does your life represent, Jesus the truth or Santa the myth? Or is it Jesus the
myth and Santa the truth?
It’s funny how the kids in Boy and Girl Land will celebrate the holiday
with more fun than some believers, set on being so truthful they become
hateful. And start or worse yet, perpetuate a tradition of not giving, but
taking away the joy. I have even been criticized by singing Jingle Bells, it
isn’t a hymn. But how many snowy days do I remember dashing through the snow,
telling me it Christmas time. Even if my one horse open sleigh is a 100
horsepower motorcycle with no fairing. It is still a time to be joyful-it is
all about Jesus, and what a better way to share His love and celebrate Him than
to give? So why wait until December? Why not start a new tradition today,
share the love of Jesus with someone. Don’t argue over doctrine, but agree in
love. Give Him,the greatest gift ever, and watch as the bah, humbug types leave
you alone-they can’t stand the joy. And remember those burning coals Jesus said
when poured over someone melt their heart, well there is this story about
another jolly figure, fat too, name of Frosty the Snowman. You mean a snowman
can’t talk? The next thing is you’ll want me to believe that bunnies can’t lay
eggs of candy, or worse yet, His tomb wasn’t empty? Or He isn’t God? So this
Christmas celebrate Jesus by giving the gift of love, and gifts to others. Tell
the story of His birth, and how He gives, setting an example for us to follow.
A story that all the kids in B & G Land need to hear. And give them a gift
to take home with them, and encourage them to share Him with others. Now any
doubts about Santa? I hope there are no doubts about Jesus, but I do have one
question, does anyone know what a “round, yon virgin is?” Another jolly, fat
person for the season. Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com