Gilbert Keith Chesterton, usually referred to as: G. K. Chesterton, an English writer, philosopher and lay theologian once remarked: “Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.” Matthew 1:18-21 reminds us: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Christmas is considered by many to be one of the most important holidays of the year. For Christians, it is probably predominant. It is certainly a magical time for children. In the current climate, however, the true meaning of Christmas is often forgotten and replaced by commercialism. It sometimes entails over-indulgence of food and drink. It should be a time when we consider those less fortunate than ourselves. It is a time for giving and a time for sharing. It is a time when our primary intention should be to bring joy and happiness to others. Acts 20:35 reminds us: “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
The season of goodwill was approaching fast. Most of the shops had their Christmas decorations and lights on display and the main store in the town had a large poster incorporating an image of Santa Claus in the window, informing customers that he would be in attendance at the store the following week and every day until Christmas Eve.
A young boy was out shopping with his mother when he noticed the large poster displayed prominently in the window. He immediately recognised Santa. Curiously he asked his mother what it said? She responded: "Father Christmas is arriving at the store next week and if a child has been good, then he will be happy to listen to what the child would like for Christmas." "Oh Mummy,” The boy said “Will you please take me? I believe that I have been good this year. I have never met Santa in person. It would be so nice to see him and give him a Christmas card." His mother responded: "Well, if you promise to be good from now until Christmas, I will see what I can do." "Thank you, Mummy." The boy replied, "I promise that I will be the best little boy in the whole wide world."
The following week, the mother kept her promise and took the boy to see Father Christmas at the store. They both went into the grotto which was adorned with festive decorations and twinkling Christmas lights. Father Christmas or Santa Claus as he is more widely known, was sitting in a large chair draped with velvet. He was surrounded by wrapped Christmas presents and soft Christmas music was playing in the background to enhance the ambience. Santa was wearing a red tunic with large white fake faux fur trimmings on the edges of his collar and sleeves, an enormous red hat with a bauble, black boots and a huge belt with a golden buckle around his waist. He was well-built in physique, typical of the pictures the boy had seen in magazines. He proudly displayed a long white beard that nearly reached the belt on his waist to complete the outfit. Isaiah 63:2 asks: Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the wine-press?
He smiled at the boy and said: “Ho, ho ho, Merry Christmas little fellow, and what would you like Santa to bring you for Christmas?” He held out his hands and beckoned the boy to sit on his knee. “Please Santa.” The boy began, “I would like a “Thomas the Tank Engine” train set, I have always wanted one of those, I would also like a cowboy outfit to wear when I am playing Cowboys and Indians with my friends, a colouring book and crayons, a blackboard and easel, a new teddy bear as my present one is getting very old now, and finally some new toy soldiers. I always get clothes from the rest of my family which are okay, but these are the presents that I would really love to receive. Here is a Christmas card for you.”
Father Christmas responded: "That is kind of you. You know that Santa only brings presents to good children, don't you? Have you been a good boy for your Mummy and Daddy this year?" "Yes sir" the boy replied, "I have, you ask my Mummy if you don't believe me! I lost a tooth this year and I didn't even cry." Father Christmas chuckled. He then looked at the boy's mother: "Is that right Mummy?" The mother responded: "By and large he has, he is a typical boy so there have been a few moments when he could have been better, but generally he has been pretty good." Santa then said: I would like you to consider a few things for me in return for your presents. Christmas is not only a time when we give and receive presents, but it is much more meaningful. We primarily celebrate the birth of baby Jesus, which is God's present to us. You are growing up quickly and appear to know what you want in life. The older you become, the wiser you will be. Please remember to always be true to yourself. Trust and abide in God and have compassion and love in your heart for others. If you follow this advice you will live a life of happiness with few regrets. Will you do these things for me?" "Yes." The boy replied. Santa continued: "My elves are busy making toys for other children at the moment, they have many presents to make and so it may be that they can't get everything prepared in time for Christmas. However, I will make a special request on your behalf in the hope that they can provide as much as possible. What do you think to that Mummy, is that acceptable to you?" He looked anxiously at the boy's mother and was heartened to see an expression of approval on her face. On Christmas Eve, the boy placed a plate of mince pies and a glass of milk by the tree for Santa to consume. Christmas morning arrived and the young boy awoke early, as he usually did on this special day. He looked out of his bedroom window to see a snow-filled winter wonderland. His immediate thoughts were to wonder if his requests had been granted. Having opened his Christmas stocking which had been placed at the end of his bed which contained a mixture of sweets, a selection of fruit and other goodies, he ran downstairs to see what Santa Claus had been good enough to leave him.
He was joined by his parents, who took great delight in watching the surprise and joy on his face as everything that he had asked for had been granted. James 1:17 reminds us: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
Amen.
