RICHMOND —
I was just thinking the other day about the fact that Christmas is almost here. That brings back so many memories from my childhood.
Christmas was always a very special time in our home. Gifts were small, but given and accepted with a great deal of love. My Dad was very careful and insistent that we keep in mind the real reason for the celebration.
Our Christmas tree was always a moderately sized red cedar. They were the most available and the least expensive trees.
The lights were the kind that when a bulb burned out, the entire strand of lights went out. We then had to carefully remove the bulbs one at a time until we found the bad one. I remember one Christmas eve when we were opening gifts, the tree lights went off and Dad insisted that we get the lights back on before we were permitted to continue opening gifts.
The commercialization of Christmas continues to grow and seems to begin earlier and earlier. In spite of that, I believe that children are the ones who really look forward to, and enjoy the celebration the most.
This was written by a middle school student in a Christian school in Arkansas. The assignment was to write something, comparing Santa Claus and Jesus. This is what the student wrote.
“Jesus is Better than Santa”
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 only once a year; Jesus is an ever-present help.
Santa comes down your chimney whether he’s invited or not; Jesus stands at your door and knocks. Santa makes you stand in line to see him; 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 asks, “Little boy or little girl, what is your name?” Jesus knew our names even before we did. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly; Jesus has a heart full of love.
Santa says, “You better not cry”; Jesus says, “Cast all your cares on me.” Santa’s little helpers make toys; Jesus makes new lives, mends broken hearts, and repairs broken homes.
Santa puts gifts under your tree; Jesus became our gift and died on a tree.
There really is no comparison, Jesus is the reason for the season.
I would say, this is a very astute middle schooler.
A Santa Claus in a shopping mall was very surprised when a young blonde who appeared to be about 20 years old, walked up and sat on his lap. Santa doesn’t usually accept requests from adults, but she smiled very nicely at him. So, he said, “I’ll take your request, but only if it is for someone other than yourself.” The blonde replied, “I want something for my mother.”
“Well, that is very is very thoughtful of you,” Santa asked. “what would you like for me to bring her?” Without blinking, she replied, “A son-in-law.”
You do understand what would have happened if there had been three wise women in- stead of men, don’t you? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought disposable diapers as a gift.
Merry Christmas to all my faithful readers. May the blessings of the season be yours.
Trivia answer
Neon and Krypton are small communities in our own state of Kentucky.
Trivia question
What evidence is there in the Bible that Adam and Eve were noisy?
Thought for the day
Some church members who say “Our Father” on Sunday go around acting like orphans the rest of the week.
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Dick Ham
’Tis season to recall childhood memories, compare Santa to Jesus
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