The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made of while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Under the Roman Emperor , who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique , called , formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, .
Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.
One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a . The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.
One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. For Basilios' parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas' feast day approached, Basilios' mother would not join in the festivity, as it was now a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home—with quiet prayers for Basilios' safekeeping. Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king's golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children—which became his primary role in the West.
Another story tells of three theological students, traveling on their way to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. It so happened that Bishop Nicholas, traveling along the same route, stopped at this very inn. In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper. As Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life and wholeness. In France the story is told of three small children, wandering in their play until lost, lured, and captured by an evil butcher. St. Nicholas appears and appeals to God to return them to life and to their families. And so St. Nicholas is the patron and protector of children.
Several stories tell of Nicholas and the sea. When he was young, Nicholas sought the holy by making a to the Holy Land. There as he walked where Jesus walked, he sought to more deeply experience Jesus' life, passion, and resurrection. Returning by sea, a mighty storm threatened to wreck the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The terrified sailors were amazed when the wind and waves suddenly calmed, sparing them all. And so St. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and voyagers.
Other stories tell of Nicholas saving his people from famine, sparing the lives of those innocently accused, and much more. He did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return. Within a century of his death he was celebrated as a . Today he is in the East as wonder, or miracle worker and in the West as patron of a great variety of persons-children, mariners, bankers, pawn-brokers, scholars, orphans, laborers, travelers, merchants, judges, paupers, marriageable maidens, students, children, sailors, victims of judicial mistakes, captives, perfumers, even thieves and murderers! He is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need (see list).
Sailors, claiming St. Nicholas as patron, carried stories of his favor and protection far and wide. St. Nicholas chapels were built in many seaports. As his popularity spread during the Middle Ages, he became the of (Italy), Sicily, Greece, and (France), and many cities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands (See list). Following his baptism in Constantinople, of Russia brought St. Nicholas' stories and devotion to St. Nicholas to his homeland where Nicholas became the most beloved saint. Nicholas was so widely revered that more than 2,000 churches were named for him, including three hundred in Belgium, thirty-four in Rome, twenty-three in the Netherlands and more than four hundred in England.
Nicholas' tomb in Myra became a popular place of . Because of the many wars and attacks in the region, some Christians were concerned that access to the tomb might become difficult. For both the religious and commercial advantages of a major pilgrimage site, the Italian cities of Venice and vied to get the Nicholas . In the spring of 1087, sailors from Bari succeeded in spiriting away the bones, bringing them to Bari, a seaport on the southeast coast of Italy. An impressive church was built over St. Nicholas' and many faithful journeyed to honor the saint who had rescued children, prisoners, sailors, famine victims, and many others through his compassion, generosity, and the countless miracles attributed to his intercession. The Nicholas in Bari was one of medieval Europe's great pilgrimage centers and Nicholas became known as "Saint in Bari." To this day and tourists visit Bari's great di San Nicola.
Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.
Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas' feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint's horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. Simple gift-giving in early helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child.
Was St. Nicholas A Real Person?
Some say St. Nicholas existed only in legend, without any reliable historical record. Legends usually do grow out of real, actual events, though they may be embellished to make more interesting stories. Many of the St. Nicholas stories seem to be truth interwoven with imagination. However, the following facts of the life of St. Nicholas could contain some part of historical truth. They provide a clear sense of his personal characteristics which are further elaborated in other narratives.
• Nicholas' birth in
Though the exact date is not known, it is believed to have occurred between AD 260 and 280. The place, Patara, can be historically grounded.
• for the poor girls
This story, distinct to Nicholas, can be regarded as historical in its essence. There are three very ancient accounts which only differ in regard to the number of maidens and other detail. This event reveals important aspects of St. Nicholas's personality, namely, his charitable nature and humility. This story is not found in accounts of other saints' lives.
• Popular election as Bishop of
Unusual though it was for a layman to be nominated to the position of , two sources corroborate the story.
• Participation in the
Although Bishop Nicholas does not appear on all lists of attenders, his name appears on the oldest Greek list and on five other lists.
• Saving three condemned innocents
This story is the oldest and most genuine recorded episode from the life of St. Nicholas. Historical documentation confirms the many references to place names and people. Some versions expand the account to include the story of the three generals.
• Intervention in favor of the unjustly jailed
The outstanding figures in this solidly structured story are well known in other contemporary accounts, where they are portrayed in similar ways.
• Destruction of the Temple of
This account reveals knowledge of detail concerning the temple which would have been unknown to a writer several centuries later had it not been based on an account coming out of the people and traditions of that city.
• Mariners saved during a tempest
The episode is important to explain the origin of his wide-spread patronage to sailors and other sea voyagers.
The earliest reference to St. Nicholas of Myra comes from the late 700s—about 250 years after his death. The life of St. Nicholas of Sion (a 6th century abbot of a mountain monastery near Myra) describes a visit "going down to the metropolis of Myra, [Nicholas of Sion] went off to the martyrium of the glorious Saint Nicholas." This reliable witness, written by a close associate of Nicholas of Sion shortly after his death, roots Nicholas of Myra in history and reveals his status as a revered saint.
The ancient sources cited to substantiate this information are Michael the Archimandrite, Sinaitic and Ethiopian manuscripts, Gratianus' Decretum, Theodore the Lector, Andrew of Crete, Eustratios of Constantinople, AD 583; Passionarium Romanum, 650 AD; and Praxis de tributo.
Sources:
Cioffari, P. Gerardo, O.P., "The Truth About Saint Nicholas: The Most Ancient Texts in the Light of Recent Historical Criticism," Bollettino di San Nicola, November-December 1997
Cioffari, P. Gerardo, O.P., Saint Nicholas: His Life, the Translation of his Relics and his Basilica in Bari, translated by Philip L. Barnes, Centro Studi Nicolaiani, Bari, Italy, 1994
Seal, Jeremy, Nicholas: The epic journey from Saint to Santa Claus Bloomsbury, New York & London, 2005
Nicholas' transformation into Santa told through careful historical detail, travelogue, and personal reflection; extensive material on Nicholas as Saint, as well as Santa. Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.ca, or amazon.co.uk
Nicholas, An Advent Saint
Advent is the time when Christians prepare to greet Christ—who came as a babe in a manger, who comes into our lives each day, and who will come again at the end of time. Advent is the time when the people of faith are most at odds with the culture, as the church calls people to focus on getting ready to receive Christ—preparing hearts and lives to make room for Jesus, to live as he would have us live. It is a time of longing, not fulfillment. Quiet reflection, not celebration. But the culture is in full pursuit of festivity, unable or unwilling to wait and contemplate and prepare for the real festival. It is not easy to observe Advent without being pulled prematurely into Christmas.
How does St. Nicholas fit into all of this? He is an Advent because his December 6th always falls in early Advent (Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas between November 27 and December 3). However, Nicholas is a good Advent saint for more important reasons than the date of his special day. Whatever he did, and it is said that he did many kinds of amazing things, what he did may not be as important as the way he did it. Nicholas became so popular because in his own life he was such a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. His life always clearly reflected the way each one of us is called to show God's love to others, especially those in need.
Celebrating St. Nicholas on his day in Advent brings a bit of fun and festivity into homes, churches, and schools. His small treats and surprises help keep the spirit of good St. Nicholas, especially when stories of his goodness and kind deeds are told and ways to express his care for those in need are sought. Yes, Nicholas is a good Advent saint.
Nicholas and Jesus
In these days before Christmas, we can celebrate the feast of Nicholas as a time to refocus on Jesus. St. Nicholas showed us how to find Jesus in the poor, the oppressed and abused. He was devoted to charity, but charity always linked to justice.
Nicholas teaches us that faithful followers of Jesus defend those who are wrongly accused. Today we can see the face of Jesus not only in political prisoners around the world, but also in anyone who suffers from false accusation. After all, wasn't Jesus himself executed on false charges?
Finally, St. Nicholas shows us how to find Jesus through prayer and religious zeal.
Let's relish the spirit of joy and charity embodied in Santa's gift-giving, but let's not forget the real St. Nicholas, who, like all the , points to Jesus. That's the truest Christmas spirit.
The Real Saint Nicholas
http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter/christmas/nick.html
by Ted Olsen, former assistant editor of Christian History
December 6 marks Saint Nicholas Day, and I thought I'd mark the beginning of the Christmas season by telling the story of Santa Claus's namesake. But before I do, I should remark that, historically speaking, there's not much we really know about Nicholas. Though he's one of the most popular saints in the Greek and Latin churches, his existence isn't attested by any historical document. All we can say is that he was probably the bishop of Myra (near modern Finike, Turkey) sometime in the 300s.
That said, there are of course many legends about Nicholas, and since these have influenced people throughout history, and they likely illustrate something about the historical man, they are fair game for a publication, like ours, devoted to Christian history.
Supposedly, Nicholas was born to a wealthy family in Patara, Lycia. His parents died, and he inherited a considerable sum of money, but he kept none of it. In the most famous story about his life, he threw bags of gold through the windows of three girls about to be forced into lives of prostitution. At least that's the most common version of the story; there are others, including an excessively grim one where the three girls are beheaded by an innkeeper and pickled in a tub of brine until Nicholas resurrects them.
After a couple of miracles (he's sometimes called Nicholas the Wonder-Worker) performed while he was still a boy, Nicholas was chosen by the people of Myra to be their new bishop. But it wasn't long before Diocletian and Maximian began their persecutions of Christians, and the new bishop was imprisoned.
When Constantine became emperor, Nicholas was released with countless others and returned to his preaching only to find a new threat: Arianism. According to one biographer (writing five centuries after Nicholas's death), "Thanks to the teaching of St. Nicholas, the metropolis of Myra alone was untouched by the filth of the Arian heresy, which it firmly rejected as a death-dealing poison." Other biographers claim Nicholas attacked the heresy of Arius (who denied the full divinity of Christ) in a much more personal way—he traveled to the Council of Nicea and slapped Arius in the face! As the story goes (and this should be taken as fantasy because there are pretty good records of the council, and Nicholas isn't mentioned), the other bishops at Nicea were shocked at such rude behavior and relieved him as bishop. But then Jesus and Mary appeared next to him, and they quickly recanted.
That's the questionable legend of Nicholas. But not the end of the story. Even by the reign of Justinian (d. 565), Nicholas was famous, and the emperor dedicated a church in Constantinople to him. By the 900s, a Greek wrote, "The West as well as the East acclaims and glorifies him. Wherever there are people, his name is revered and churches are built in his honor. All Christians reverence his memory and call upon his protection." The West became even more interested when his "relics" were taken from Myra to Bari, Italy, on May 9, 1087. He's said to have been represented by medieval artists more frequently than any saint but Mary, and nearly 400 churches were dedicated in his honor in England alone during the late Middle Ages.
With such a popularity, his legends inevitably became intertwined with others. In Germanic countries, it sometimes became hard to tell where the legend of Nicholas began and that of Woden (or Odin) ended. Somewhere along the line, probably tied to the gold-giving story, people began giving presents in his name on his feast day. When the Reformation came along, his following disappeared in all the Protestant countries except Holland, where his legend continued as Sinterklass. Martin Luther, for example, replaced this bearer of gifts with the Christ Child, or, in German, Christkindl. Over the years, that became repronounced Kriss Kringle, and ironically is now considered another name for Santa Claus.
Santa vs. Jesus
SANTA JESUS
Lives at the North Pole Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Comes dressed in a red suit Luke 2:12 "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
Comes to your home once a year Matthew 28:20 "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Brings gifts Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gives gifts to good children Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Places presents under a tree 1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on a tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
We prepare for his coming 1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when Christ is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
We give him food (milk and cookies) at Christmas We usually give Jesus nothing at Christmas and its His birthday!
Children watch for him Matt 24:42-45 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect Him."
Comes with reindeer Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
Enjoys having children sit upon his knee Matthew 19:13-14 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and bless them, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
A fantasy 2 Peter 1:16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
http://www.new-life.net/santa-vs.htm
A Christmas True or False Quiz
Can you separate fact from fiction in the Christmas story? Test your knowledge by answering "T" or "F" to each statement. "T" would indicate that the fact can be found in Holy Scripture. "F" would indicate that the fact is not be found in the Bible.
There are no records of Joseph speaking in the Christmas story.
The wise men were three kings from the orient.
The little drummer boy came to the manger after the other shepherds.
The star did not appear above the manger.
Jesus' ancestors include a prostitute, an adulterer, a woman who committed incest, and a non-Israelite.
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary first and then he appeared to Joseph.
Mary rode a donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because of a decree by Caesar Augustus.
The wise men followed the star as it moved from their eastern land to Israel.
The wise men did not arrive on the night of Jesus' birth.
God sent a choir of chubby angels to announce Jesus' birth to the shepherds.
Shepherding was considered a very noble occupation.
Both Joseph and Mary were told that the baby was to be named "Jesus."
When Herod heard about Jesus he was the only one concerned about this new king.
The wise men found Jesus lying in a manger in the town of Bethlehem.
After the angels announcement the shepherds went straight to Bethlehem to see Jesus.
Joseph married Mary immediately after the angel appeared to him.
Some of the shepherds doubted and refused to believe the message they heard from the angels.
Here are the answers:
T There are no records of Joseph speaking in the Christmas story.
I'm sure he said something, but there is absolutely no record of him speaking at all.
F The wise men were three kings from the orient.
The number of wise men is not mentioned. They were not kings.
F The little drummer boy came to the manger after the other shepherds.
What little drummer boy? There is no mention of a drummer boy in the Bible.
T The star did not appear above the manger.
It appeared above the house where Joseph's family was living (Matthew 2:9-11).
T Jesus' ancestors include a prostitute, an adulterer, a woman who committed incest, and a non-Israelite.
Rahab was a prostitute, David & Uriah's wife were adulterers, Tamar & Judah committed incest, and Ruth was from Moab. Matthew 1:3,5,6.
F The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary first and then Gabriel appeared to Joseph.
Trick question. Mary was first, but we don't know the name of the angel who appeared to Joseph (Matthew 1:20). It might have been Harold. You know, "Hark the Harold Angel Sings."
F Mary rode a donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
A donkey does not appear any where in the Biblical account. She probably walked.
T Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because of a decree by Caesar Augustus.
Yep. Luke 2:1-5.
F The wise men followed the star as it moved from their eastern land to Israel.
Apparently not. The wise men saw the star in the east (Matthew 2:2). But it did not take them to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem they asked for directions. Once leaving Jerusalem the star appeared again and led them to the house in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:9).
T The wise men did not arrive on the night of Jesus' birth.
The wise men arrive sometime after Jesus is born (Matthew 2:1). Jesus is called a child, rather than a baby (Matthew 2:11). He may have been as old as two (Matthew 2:7,16).
F God sent a choir of chubby angels to announce Jesus' birth to the shepherds.
Actually God sent an army of warrior angels. See Luke 2:13. "Company" and "host" are military terms.
F Shepherding was considered a very noble occupation.
In first century B.C., shepherding was close to what we would consider garbage collecting. Shepherds were unable to remain ritually pure according to Pharisaic laws and so were considered unclean. Yet God chose them for His birth announcement!
T Both Joseph and Mary were told that the baby was to be named "Jesus."
Yes. See Matthew 1:21 and Luke 1:31. In Judaism, babies were always named by their father. Here we see God the Father (not Joseph) giving Jesus his name. By the way, "Jesus" is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Joshua," the successor of Moses. (Joshua means "Yahweh saves").
F When Herod heard about Jesus he was the only one concerned about this new king.
All Jerusalem was disturbed by this news of a new king (Matthew 2:3).
F The wise men found Jesus lying in a manger in the town of Bethlehem.
Jesus was in a house by this time (Matthew 2:11).
T After the angels announcement the shepherds went straight to Bethlehem to see Jesus.
Correct. They were excited! They did not hesitate. They did not stop at Starbucks, they did not pass "Go" and stop to collect their $200! Luke 2:15-16.
T Joseph married Mary immediately after the angel appeared to him.
Yes. His obedience was quick, cheerful and complete. Matthew 1:24.
F Some of the shepherds doubted and refused to believe the message they heard from the angels.
They went to see the baby right away, they spread the word, and they praised God for what they had been permitted to see and hear. No doubt there. Luke 2:15-20.
Another 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring - not even a mouse.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of Christmas gifts danced in their heads.
A holiday Barbie, some video games,
A basketball goal and some new rollerblades,
A new Beanie Baby - the bear or the frog,
A Giga Pet - maybe a cat or a dog,
An album or CD, some shoes with red lights,
A brand new computer with more gigabytes!
And I, in my jammies and mom in her gown
Were so very happy to finally lie down.
We were exhausted, the bed was our goal.
The last-minute shopping had taken its toll.
The stockings were stuffed all with candy and loot,
And 'lectronic toys that go Zot, Bleep and Zoot.
We hunted and searched so the gifts were just right.
Thank goodness for stores that stay open all night!
We'd fought the crowds hard from dawn until dark
And that was just getting a good place to park!
We'd hiked for two hours 'cross that parking lot,
But we were SO proud of the gifts that we'd bought.
A sweater for Mary, a new watch for John,
Some toys for the Jones kids to clutter their lawn.
For the pastor's wife, something with sentiment deep.
(Oh, she'll never guess that we got it so cheap)!
We'd shopped high and low all night and all day.
It tuckered us out, but that was OK...
For piles of presents - all wrapped up so fine
Were under our own tree - and some of them mine!!
I'd played Santa Claus along side the best
And now I was sleepy and ready to rest.
So I, in my jammies and mom in her gown
Went into our bedroom to finally lie down.
As we lay there, she asked me, "Oh dear, did you pray?"
"Happy Birthday, dear Jesus..and have a nice day."
"What'd she get me?" I wondered, as we lay hand in hand
And we both drifted off into deep la-la land.
It seemed I'd been sleeping a minute or two
When I suddenly awoke to the sound of...a MOO!!
"A cow at our window?" I thought, "Couldn't be!"
But I rose from the bed just to look out and see.
I went to the window and opened the blind.
"Nothing there, I was dreaming - or out of my mind!"
Then I heard it again, this time from inside!!
"Now where in the house could a great big cow hide?"
I looked back at the bed where my wife lay asleep
Then, I heard something else! 'Twas the bleat of a sheep!!
"Something here's just not right", and I started to shake.
And I looked 'round the room for a weapon to take.
"Someone's here playing pranks, and it's not very funny."
I feared they were stealing our presents and money.
So I picked up a lamp - it was all I could find -
And I went out with retaliation in mind.
As I got to the end of the hall, I could see
There were long shadows cast by the light of the tree.
I was frozen in fear as of impending doom.
There were eight or ten people in my living room!
I could tell by the shadows that moved on the wall
There were certainly people - but that wasn't all...
There were some kind of animals also, in there -
They looked like big dogs and they had lots of hair!
As I crept to the room, I thought I'd soon die.
But I just had to fend for my home - I'm a GUY!
When I peeked around that dark corner..Surprise!!
What I saw..I just could not believe in my eyes.
The animals were not dogs, they were sheep!
And I saw some men kneeling, not making a peep.
They were dressed in wool robes and they carried sticks, all -
And their shoes were all stacked on the floor in the hall.
They were all gathered 'round on their knees, I could see
Something had their attention under my Christmas tree.
There was a small donkey and cows really big.
I thought, "Cattle and sheep, and not one single pig."
And somehow in all of this weirdness, I found
That my fear was all gone. Then I heard a strange sound.
The sound was familiar - it made me recall
When my own precious children were still very small.
Then I heard it again, and I knew it to be
The sweet little coo of a newborn baby.
Then the men gathered 'round my tree kneeling began
To sing songs in the language of some other land.
They were holy songs - that I could tell, although I
Could never explain just quite how or quite why.
I just KNEW, and I knew that I just had to see
Who they sang the songs for, down there under my tree.
So I inched my way in, trying not to offend.
'Til I'd worked my way up to the front of the men.
There I saw a young man sitting down on one knee.
He looked quite mature, although younger than me.
In his eyes, I saw wisdom, compassion, and care
And the strength of a man with a great load to bear.
By his side, a young woman - barely more than a child.
But a lady so lovely and gentle and mild.
I could see in her face - innocence and great joy.
And I saw in her arms, her new baby boy!
I was awestruck indeed that this sight I should see.
Then she held out the child and nodded to me.
"Oh, I couldn't," I thought. "That could never be right."
But she nodded again and I shuddered with fright.
Then I looked at the babe and He looked back at me.
And I knew by His look, that this thing had to be.
So I held out my arms and she gave Him to me.
And I held the Christ child beneath my Christmas tree!
He was precious and sweet, and a thrill to behold..
And the moment was worth more than silver and gold.
And then, quite out of habit, without even thinking
I just touched the palm of His hand with my pinky.
And just like any baby, His hand grabbed it tight!
He held onto my finger with all of His might.
He was strong, but so tiny and fragile and frail;
Then I looked at His hand and I thought of the nails.
I thought of Him hanging - His arms outstretched wide.
I thought of Him pierced with a sword in His side.
I thought of the crown made of thorns on His head.
I thought of Him hanging there..on the cross...dead.
I thought of my sin, all my guilt and my shame;
For my sin, He died, and that's why He came.
He rose from the dead, conquered death and the grave.
Though I am unworthy, my sins He forgave.
I awoke with a start, to the sound of the noise
Of a house full of children expecting new toys.
I went to the living room, still half asleep,
And kind of expected to see cows and sheep.
I could see all was normal, as I looked around,
And deep inside, I was a little let down.
The presents were beautiful, stacked on the floor.
But not so important as they'd seemed before.
I looked at my family and just HAD to say:
"Before we tear into this stuff, let us pray."
We stood, hand in hand, and then each bowed his head
And, recalling what happened last night, I said,
"Please forgive us, dear Father..sometimes we forget
That this day's not about all the presents we get.
It's not about friendship, it's just about You.
And what, for Your children, You're willing to do.
Forgive us, oh Lord, we sincerely pray.
Happy Birthday, dear Jesus...and thank You for this day!"
Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus
*Santa lives at the North Pole... JESUS is everywhere.
*Santa rides in a sleigh... JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
*Santa comes but once a year... JESUS is an ever present help.
*Santa fills your stockings with goodies... JESUS supplies all your needs.
*You have to wait in line to see Santa... JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
*Santa lets you sit on his lap... JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
*Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"... JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our head.
*Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly... JESUS has a heart full of love.
*All Santa can offer is HO HO HO... JESUS offers health, help and hope.
*Santa says "You better not cry"... JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."
*Santa's little helpers make toys... JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
*Santa may make you chuckle but...JESUS gives you a joy that is your strength.
*While Santa puts gifts under your tree... JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
Its obvious there is really no comparison! Jesus is still the reason for the season. Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus.
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