The Gift That Santa Gives
by Cory Milligan
by Cory Milligan
The Spirit of Christmas
I was just trying to make a little extra money during the Holiday season. Being Santa’s Helper was easy, besides having a little extra cushioning around the middle, I loved kids, and when I put on the suit and hid behind the beard, I became Santa.
I was going to do a family party. Moms and Dads and lots of children would be there. It promised to be a most joyous event.
I love doing family parties they are different than malls, or street corners…. I don’t do street corners. Not that I have anything against charitable causes, I just don’t do street corners. As for working the Malls, I always feel like I am promoting the savagery of commercialism… not my idea of Christmas.
Family parties always brought back memories of Christmas’s when I was a kid. Our house was decorated with garlands; holly leaves and holly berries and Mom would always place a sprig of mistletoe above the door. The smell of pumpkin pie, turkey, ham, and warm spiced apple cider, the Christmas tree and Dads Christmas stories…Ah, yes, Dad’s Christmas stories…those are the things I think of when I think of Christmas.
I suppose that’s probably why I felt like Santa at these parties more than anywhere else.
The Christmas Party
I arrived at the home where the party was to take place. And after a short prayer, asking The Spirit to be with me, I picked up my sack of small toys and goodies and knocked on the door.
I was overwhelmed by the welcome. The little children could hardly contain their excitement. The older kids had been told that there was no Santa by their friends, but still, they too, had to hold their excitement back. You see, it was not cool to be seen being excited about Santa. And the parents… well, their parents, they knew what Santa was all about and they showed their own enthusiasm for the occasion.
After greeting everybody and a few Ho, ho’s, I found the over-stuffed chair that was set in place for Santa and I took a seat.
As I removed each gift from my sack I would read the name attached. As each child came forward I would lift them up on my knee and let them open their gift as I asked them what their hopes for Christmas were.
Most of the children had given in to the excitement by now. Even the older kids were excited. However, I noticed one child, alone in the back of the crowd. He seemed a bit agitated, maybe confused, but definitely he was not happy. I had seen this before, but I found most of the time if I remained excited and my jovial self it became contagious and even most of the hardest non-believers could be persuaded. However, as I called this young mans name I knew something was about to happen. I just didn’t know what.
His obvious walk, the glare in his eye, should have given me fair warning but I took no heed. As he sat on my lap his eyes said he wanted to believe, but his hands said he knew, as he tore the beard from my face.
A gasp came from the crowd, from parents and children alike. Oh, I wished that I could have shrunk away at that moment. The parents, it seemed, were as shocked as the children were. I didn’t know whether I should paddle the kid, or hide from the mob. After a moment of silence, I realized the parents were not going to relieve me of my predicament.
I did not intend to ruin their evening so I quietly called on the Lord for help. Then, just as I thought I was to be mercifully relieved of my duties, a light rested upon me. The silence grew thick with anticipation. My mouth was then opened, and the Spirit of Christmas told His Story:
Santa’s Gift
Santa lived in the North Country many years ago. He was a kind, gentle man, a carpenter by trade. He lived on the outskirt of a small town. But what he really loved was his little shop where after his days work he would spend long hours making gadgets and toys. Santa had no children of his own but all the children of the village loved coming to his shop just to see what new things Santa had built. He often took time to teach them how to make the toys themselves. He took almost as much pleasure in watching these children making toys as he did in making them himself.
One night Santa was closing his shop when he looked up in the sky. What he saw filled his heart with wonder. There in the south was a star so bright it lit the sky and caused the hills of snow all around him to glisten like a field of diamonds. Santa wondered what this was all about. He had heard that a sign would be given when the Son of God was born. Could this be the sign? In his heart he knew it was.
Santa ran to his home where he could share this moment with his wife. After what seemed like hours Santa finally went to bed. He tossed and turned trying to sleep, but the excitement was just too much. Finally, somewhere in the night he drifted off to sleep.
While Santa was sleeping he was carried away, to a strange land, in a strange town, and placed just outside of a small stable. He was wearing a large heavy coat of red and white fur and pants that matched. These clothes were far too fancy for him; after all he was a carpenter. What was this all about?
Santa picked himself up off the ground and brushed the dirt off his clothes. He noticed that even though it was night it was nearly as bright as noon day. He looked up…there it was! It was the star. He had never seen such a beautiful sight. The light seemed to sing with the voice of angels as it rested on this tiny stable.
Santa, not wanting to be seen, peered through a crack in the wall of this tiny structure. The light from inside was even brighter than the light shining from the star. Santa saw a young couple, a donkey, and some cattle all gathered around a manger. Shepherds began to appear, following the star, and talking about heavenly messengers declaring great tidings.
Despite his awkwardness Santa’s curiosity and wonder led him to the entrance of this shack. He tried to peer over the crowd that was now filling the small stable but he was unable to see what was happening.
Santa noticed that a certain reverence fell over the land, even the wind and the trees seemed to know. But Santa’s heart was still somewhat uneasy.
Softly, a still small voice spoke to Santa saying, “Peace, Be not afraid, for unto us a child is given even Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Santa wiped his eyes as tears began to roll down his cheeks.
The shepherds parted and Santa walked forward. There in the manger lay a new born child wrapped in swaddling clothes.
He removed his hat and bowed himself before The Child.
Santa looked at this infant and marveled at the simple circumstances of this great event. It seemed far too plain for a king, especially the King of Kings.
“Why have I been chosen to witness this event? Why am I wearing these clothes?” Santa’s questions were offered as a prayer, as he knelt before his Lord.
“The gift…” a voice said. Santa recognized the voice and was embarrassed. Santa frantically searched his pockets but there was nothing. He realized that he had no gift to give. This was unacceptable, but what could he possibly give that would mean anything to Son of God?
“…This is my beloved Son, the voice continued. Santa, you have been chosen to keep all people in remembrance of this event, even the birth of My Son. This is our gift to you. How you do this will be your gift to Him.”
Santa was sore afraid and asked, “Father, how can I do this? I am but a simple man. Who am I that others would even listen to me? I… I…” Santa’s heart was filled with gratitude and fear that he would be asked to something so great.
“Santa,” He replied, “as ye do it unto the least of my children, ye do it unto me.”
Santa’s Helpers
With that, Santa found himself back in his home, wrestling with is covers, trying to find his way out of bed. He was both scared and excited, but he still was filled with questions. Somehow he managed to share with his wife the events that took place. They hugged each other tightly. And pondered briefly upon what this meant to them.
Then Santa asked his wife, “What can I do? I am a carpenter. I have never traveled beyond the town I was born in.” Suddenly Santa began to realize that he could not do what he had been asked to do, at least not on his own. He was only a man, and a poor man at that. But his wife interrupted his thoughts saying, “Santa, you are only a man, and you can’t do it on your own, and you will have help.” Implying her own willingness to join in the task. “You would not have been asked to do this without a hope of being able to accomplish it.” That was all he needed. He got up, got dressed and pulled on his heavy wool coat, then headed for his shop. Santa often went there when he wanted to think.
While he was in his shop he pondered the words which were spoken to him, “as ye do it unto the least of my children, ye do it unto me.” Santa continued to think upon these words as he picked up a piece of wood and began to whittle. He whittled carefully while he pondered the thought… “Who are the least of these?” He thought out loud. “What can I do…?” His whittling began to take the shape of a little lamb. Santa looked at what he had done and was amused at his handy-work. A lamb, he thought. His plan began to form as he considered the meaning of the lamb and its relationship to the baby. Then his thoughts turned to the shepherd, and the shepherd related to the baby. It was as though his thoughts where being directed, directed but where was it taking him. “The gift…” Suddenly Santa realized what this meant. Why, He was not asking for a gift, He was telling me that Jesus was my gift. He was taking me back to the stable. I just had to come up with some way to share Him.
Santa remembered the children that came to his shop, how they loved to make toys. He remembered the excitement in their eyes when they would receive the gift of a toy. He also remembered the feeling he got when he gave those gifts to them. It was as though a light was turned on and hope began to well up within him warming his whole soul and causing him chuckle as a simple idea began to form.
If he could help people feel the excitement of receiving and the joy of giving, then he might just lead them to the greatest gift ever given.
Santa knew what to do, and realized he already had help. He had been teaching the children of his town how to make toys. Now, he just needed to include them in on this plan. So, he began to whittle, thinking about each little girl and boy in his town. He had much to do to prepare for his first journey...
That evening, as was expected, the children came to Santa’s shop. There Santa handed each of them a box. On the box was a note saying, “Do not open until I say. Love, Santa.” Each of the children wondered what this was all about. As they shook it they could tell something was inside, but they had no idea what it could be.
First Santa told them how much he loved to make toys for them. He looked them in the eye, one by one, and told them that he wanted to share with them a story. Santa then told them the story of the first Christmas night. He told them that he was given a gift that was so precious that it too must be shared. Then he asked them why they liked to come to his shop? They all replied because he made them feel special, and he taught them how to do what he was doing. This is what Santa had hoped they would say. Santa said, “There are many children who do not have this opportunity to feel special and I certainly cannot fit more children in my shop, anyway. So, I want to ask you, would you like to help me share my gift?
Now they were all excited. What could they possibly do to help their friend? Santa explained, “We will keep doing what we have been doing. We will make toys. We will make lots of toys. Then when we have enough we will take them to those children who cannot come here and share this experience. But this must be our secret.” He winked at them and smiled. The children’s eyes grew big with excitement at the thought. And so it began. The children made the toys along with Santa. When they had enough Santa would deliver them starting with his own village. He would take them to those kids that could not come out to his shop; he would deliver them in the dark of night leaving them on the doorstep. The following morning the packages would be found, and Santa’s helpers found the joy of giving as they witnessed the excitement in those who received the toys they made.
Santa began branching out to new towns. As the children got more excited, they made more and more toys.
People began to wonder what was going on. As Santa’s visits became more regular people began trying to catch the culprit who was giving gifts. After several close calls Santa decided he must disguise himself to avoid being recognized.
Santa didn’t understand at the time why he was wearing that suit the first Christmas night, but now he saw that it would be the perfect disguise. No one would suspect a poor carpenter, if they could blame the gift giving on a wealthy stranger.
After several years, many of the children who once helped build the toys grew up and started having families of their own. Their children began to share the experience, but Santa noticed that those who once helped him missed the days when they were involved. They grew restless when ever they saw toys had been delivered, and the urge to help became overwhelming. So, they began delivering gifts themselves.
Santa was getting older now, his hair had turned from brown to white. The work was getting harder each year, the toys grew heavier and Santa grew slower. He knew something had to be done, or his gift giving would soon come to an end.
The Stranger
One evening Santa invited a stranger into his home. This was not uncommon as often Santa would invite lonely travelers to his home for dinner and a place to sleep. Santa’s wife was always hospitable and made everyone feel loved. After dinner Santa took the stranger into his visiting room where they could talk by the fire. As they settled in, the Stranger asked Santa what he did? Santa laughed his jolly laugh then said, “Why, I am trying to remind everyone of the greatest gift ever given to the world.” The Stranger then asked him, “What is the greatest gift ever given?” Suddenly, Santa recognized the voice and turned to the stranger, and with tears of joy in his eyes, he replied, “It is You!”
Santa’s eyes were then opened, the Stranger was no longer a Stranger, but The Master, his Savior… Jesus Christ.
Santa knelt down before his King as he had once before and he saw the nail prints in his hands, and saw the wounds in his feet. His heart was broken. How could they do this? Who could have crucified Him?
Jesus took Santa in his arms and pulled him close. “Santa," He said, “as ye have done it unto the least of my children, ye have done it unto me.” Santa knew his gift was accepted, and he was glad.
Then Jesus said, “Come, follow me.”
Santa understood what He was asking, but was somewhat taken back by the request. “What about the children? How can I teach them? How can I keep my promise if I am gone? Jesus told Santa it was his time to go.
Jesus saw that Santa was still troubled so He told him he would be given a season each year to influence with joy and happiness, with giving and sharing. One night each year he could come to earth and do as he wished.
Jesus then drew a circle in the air. Santa watched as armies of men disguised themselves in red and white suits of every kind looking just like him. He looked closer as he began to recognize these men. Why, many of them were the children he once taught how to make toys. They all looked at Santa and waved, with a twinkle in their eye they winked, then raised their finger to their lips as though to say, “don’t tell anyone.” Santa laughed as he began to realize that his plan was working and it would continue to work even if he wasn’t there in person.
Jesus then drew a square. Santa saw that many would forget the meaning of the gifts which he would give. He saw people easily angered in the name of Christmas and all manner of ugly things that would happen. Santa saw that toys would be made into terrible things to divide and torture families. That people’s pride would easily be swayed to greed and want. The darkness he felt almost made him want to repent of his plan.
Santa wept.
Jesus drew a triangle. Santa was then shown families gathering together to celebrate the Christmas Season. He saw Fathers and Mothers and children bright with hope as they read the story of the first Christmas.
He saw people come together to feed the homeless, and sing hymns to neighbors, and joy and happiness was spread even as the joy and happiness was given to him as he experienced that first Christmas long ago. He saw the symbols of Christmas he had taught the children.
Hope began to rise as he understood that everyone would be reminded, and some would remember the true meaning of the gifts. He felt warm inside, and was comforted.
Then Jesus told Santa to look one more time as He drew another circle in the air. Santa saw there would be wars and rumors of war despite Christmas. Then,suddenly, the vision slowed down and focused in on a single soldier who stood up on one Christmas day and began to sing, “Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright...”. It was answered back with “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht...”, as warring men suddenly became brothers for a day, peace settled across the battlefield as soldiers set aside their tools of war to recognize their common brotherhood.
Santa’s fears were calmed, and he knew it was his time to go, then he was gone....
The Symbols of Christmas
Santa returned each year as he was promised and with his time he taught people of the Savior leaving behind symbols to remind them of the true meaning of Christmas.
He taught them the fir tree represented everlasting life that it stayed green all year ‘round and pointed to heaven as a reminder of where to look in the winters of our life. When all seems hopeless, in the winter the evergreen is evidence that spring would come.
The candle represented the Light of Christ; it lifts the darkness from our eyes and helps us to see. Its influence is felt in our darkest hours. Let your light so shine, he taught them, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. That seeking truth would bring greater light to them and all those around them.
He taught that the candy cane represented the shepherd’s staff and that the Good Shepherd watches over his flock and knows His sheep. He reminded them that Christ was both the Lamb and the Shepherd. He followed His Father and He leads us now.
The wreath represented eternity; a ring having no beginning and no end. It also represented the crown of thorns placed on Christ’s head as it turned from scorn to glory as He atoned for our sins.
He taught them that even his suit was red and white, to remind them that though their sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow. And, that is the greatest gift of all.
The gifts he left were only tokens and symbols. The real Gift was born only once, in a small stable in a town called Bethlehem.
Merry Christmas
Then, I told them Jesus lives, and Santa is his Christmas messenger.
“The Spirit of Christmas is here and I am His servant. Thank you for letting me share with you His message.
Jesus loves you.”
With that,I finished...nothing else to say. I sat back down, completely and utterly overwhelmed with what had just happened.
The boy sat on my lap, my beard still hanging from my face, and he cried. “You really are Santa!” “Yes, I guess I am.... I guess I am.” His heart was touched. He knew, as did everyone in that home, that Santa is real.
I finished giving the gifts and wished them all a Merry Christmas, and I was off.
I left that home that evening with a twinkle in my eye. As I reached into my pocket to get my keys, I felt something odd. I pulled it out and was astonished to find a small piece of wood whittled into the figure of a baby lying in a manger. I looked up at the stars, and thanked my Heavenly Father for the gift He had given me. He took me there… I saw Christ lying in the manger. And I had received the gift that Santa gives.
Forever, I will be grateful for that night I lost my beard, and The Spirit of Christmas which let me be His messenger to bring the Christmas light to a hopeless little boy and his family.
Santa means more than toys and fancy boxes. Santa is about families getting together, and laughter, and joy, and giving thanks to our Savior.
That night I had seen Santa kneeling by a manger next to The Baby King. And I will never forget that giving peace, joy and happiness is better than any toy. That the Greatest gift was not given wrapped in fancy paper under a decorated tree, but in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Now as the Spirit of Christmas prompts you....
Go tell everyone Santa’s Story. Make his story your own and you, too, may visit the manger and kneel before your Savior, that you may give the gift that Santa gives.
Now…
Ho, Ho, Ho,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!
I was just trying to make a little extra money during the Holiday season. Being Santa’s Helper was easy, besides having a little extra cushioning around the middle, I loved kids, and when I put on the suit and hid behind the beard, I became Santa.
I was going to do a family party. Moms and Dads and lots of children would be there. It promised to be a most joyous event.
I love doing family parties they are different than malls, or street corners…. I don’t do street corners. Not that I have anything against charitable causes, I just don’t do street corners. As for working the Malls, I always feel like I am promoting the savagery of commercialism… not my idea of Christmas.
Family parties always brought back memories of Christmas’s when I was a kid. Our house was decorated with garlands; holly leaves and holly berries and Mom would always place a sprig of mistletoe above the door. The smell of pumpkin pie, turkey, ham, and warm spiced apple cider, the Christmas tree and Dads Christmas stories…Ah, yes, Dad’s Christmas stories…those are the things I think of when I think of Christmas.
I suppose that’s probably why I felt like Santa at these parties more than anywhere else.
The Christmas Party
I arrived at the home where the party was to take place. And after a short prayer, asking The Spirit to be with me, I picked up my sack of small toys and goodies and knocked on the door.
I was overwhelmed by the welcome. The little children could hardly contain their excitement. The older kids had been told that there was no Santa by their friends, but still, they too, had to hold their excitement back. You see, it was not cool to be seen being excited about Santa. And the parents… well, their parents, they knew what Santa was all about and they showed their own enthusiasm for the occasion.
After greeting everybody and a few Ho, ho’s, I found the over-stuffed chair that was set in place for Santa and I took a seat.
As I removed each gift from my sack I would read the name attached. As each child came forward I would lift them up on my knee and let them open their gift as I asked them what their hopes for Christmas were.
Most of the children had given in to the excitement by now. Even the older kids were excited. However, I noticed one child, alone in the back of the crowd. He seemed a bit agitated, maybe confused, but definitely he was not happy. I had seen this before, but I found most of the time if I remained excited and my jovial self it became contagious and even most of the hardest non-believers could be persuaded. However, as I called this young mans name I knew something was about to happen. I just didn’t know what.
His obvious walk, the glare in his eye, should have given me fair warning but I took no heed. As he sat on my lap his eyes said he wanted to believe, but his hands said he knew, as he tore the beard from my face.
A gasp came from the crowd, from parents and children alike. Oh, I wished that I could have shrunk away at that moment. The parents, it seemed, were as shocked as the children were. I didn’t know whether I should paddle the kid, or hide from the mob. After a moment of silence, I realized the parents were not going to relieve me of my predicament.
I did not intend to ruin their evening so I quietly called on the Lord for help. Then, just as I thought I was to be mercifully relieved of my duties, a light rested upon me. The silence grew thick with anticipation. My mouth was then opened, and the Spirit of Christmas told His Story:
Santa’s Gift
Santa lived in the North Country many years ago. He was a kind, gentle man, a carpenter by trade. He lived on the outskirt of a small town. But what he really loved was his little shop where after his days work he would spend long hours making gadgets and toys. Santa had no children of his own but all the children of the village loved coming to his shop just to see what new things Santa had built. He often took time to teach them how to make the toys themselves. He took almost as much pleasure in watching these children making toys as he did in making them himself.
One night Santa was closing his shop when he looked up in the sky. What he saw filled his heart with wonder. There in the south was a star so bright it lit the sky and caused the hills of snow all around him to glisten like a field of diamonds. Santa wondered what this was all about. He had heard that a sign would be given when the Son of God was born. Could this be the sign? In his heart he knew it was.
Santa ran to his home where he could share this moment with his wife. After what seemed like hours Santa finally went to bed. He tossed and turned trying to sleep, but the excitement was just too much. Finally, somewhere in the night he drifted off to sleep.
While Santa was sleeping he was carried away, to a strange land, in a strange town, and placed just outside of a small stable. He was wearing a large heavy coat of red and white fur and pants that matched. These clothes were far too fancy for him; after all he was a carpenter. What was this all about?
Santa picked himself up off the ground and brushed the dirt off his clothes. He noticed that even though it was night it was nearly as bright as noon day. He looked up…there it was! It was the star. He had never seen such a beautiful sight. The light seemed to sing with the voice of angels as it rested on this tiny stable.
Santa, not wanting to be seen, peered through a crack in the wall of this tiny structure. The light from inside was even brighter than the light shining from the star. Santa saw a young couple, a donkey, and some cattle all gathered around a manger. Shepherds began to appear, following the star, and talking about heavenly messengers declaring great tidings.
Despite his awkwardness Santa’s curiosity and wonder led him to the entrance of this shack. He tried to peer over the crowd that was now filling the small stable but he was unable to see what was happening.
Santa noticed that a certain reverence fell over the land, even the wind and the trees seemed to know. But Santa’s heart was still somewhat uneasy.
Softly, a still small voice spoke to Santa saying, “Peace, Be not afraid, for unto us a child is given even Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Santa wiped his eyes as tears began to roll down his cheeks.
The shepherds parted and Santa walked forward. There in the manger lay a new born child wrapped in swaddling clothes.
He removed his hat and bowed himself before The Child.
Santa looked at this infant and marveled at the simple circumstances of this great event. It seemed far too plain for a king, especially the King of Kings.
“Why have I been chosen to witness this event? Why am I wearing these clothes?” Santa’s questions were offered as a prayer, as he knelt before his Lord.
“The gift…” a voice said. Santa recognized the voice and was embarrassed. Santa frantically searched his pockets but there was nothing. He realized that he had no gift to give. This was unacceptable, but what could he possibly give that would mean anything to Son of God?
“…This is my beloved Son, the voice continued. Santa, you have been chosen to keep all people in remembrance of this event, even the birth of My Son. This is our gift to you. How you do this will be your gift to Him.”
Santa was sore afraid and asked, “Father, how can I do this? I am but a simple man. Who am I that others would even listen to me? I… I…” Santa’s heart was filled with gratitude and fear that he would be asked to something so great.
“Santa,” He replied, “as ye do it unto the least of my children, ye do it unto me.”
Santa’s Helpers
With that, Santa found himself back in his home, wrestling with is covers, trying to find his way out of bed. He was both scared and excited, but he still was filled with questions. Somehow he managed to share with his wife the events that took place. They hugged each other tightly. And pondered briefly upon what this meant to them.
Then Santa asked his wife, “What can I do? I am a carpenter. I have never traveled beyond the town I was born in.” Suddenly Santa began to realize that he could not do what he had been asked to do, at least not on his own. He was only a man, and a poor man at that. But his wife interrupted his thoughts saying, “Santa, you are only a man, and you can’t do it on your own, and you will have help.” Implying her own willingness to join in the task. “You would not have been asked to do this without a hope of being able to accomplish it.” That was all he needed. He got up, got dressed and pulled on his heavy wool coat, then headed for his shop. Santa often went there when he wanted to think.
While he was in his shop he pondered the words which were spoken to him, “as ye do it unto the least of my children, ye do it unto me.” Santa continued to think upon these words as he picked up a piece of wood and began to whittle. He whittled carefully while he pondered the thought… “Who are the least of these?” He thought out loud. “What can I do…?” His whittling began to take the shape of a little lamb. Santa looked at what he had done and was amused at his handy-work. A lamb, he thought. His plan began to form as he considered the meaning of the lamb and its relationship to the baby. Then his thoughts turned to the shepherd, and the shepherd related to the baby. It was as though his thoughts where being directed, directed but where was it taking him. “The gift…” Suddenly Santa realized what this meant. Why, He was not asking for a gift, He was telling me that Jesus was my gift. He was taking me back to the stable. I just had to come up with some way to share Him.
Santa remembered the children that came to his shop, how they loved to make toys. He remembered the excitement in their eyes when they would receive the gift of a toy. He also remembered the feeling he got when he gave those gifts to them. It was as though a light was turned on and hope began to well up within him warming his whole soul and causing him chuckle as a simple idea began to form.
If he could help people feel the excitement of receiving and the joy of giving, then he might just lead them to the greatest gift ever given.
Santa knew what to do, and realized he already had help. He had been teaching the children of his town how to make toys. Now, he just needed to include them in on this plan. So, he began to whittle, thinking about each little girl and boy in his town. He had much to do to prepare for his first journey...
That evening, as was expected, the children came to Santa’s shop. There Santa handed each of them a box. On the box was a note saying, “Do not open until I say. Love, Santa.” Each of the children wondered what this was all about. As they shook it they could tell something was inside, but they had no idea what it could be.
First Santa told them how much he loved to make toys for them. He looked them in the eye, one by one, and told them that he wanted to share with them a story. Santa then told them the story of the first Christmas night. He told them that he was given a gift that was so precious that it too must be shared. Then he asked them why they liked to come to his shop? They all replied because he made them feel special, and he taught them how to do what he was doing. This is what Santa had hoped they would say. Santa said, “There are many children who do not have this opportunity to feel special and I certainly cannot fit more children in my shop, anyway. So, I want to ask you, would you like to help me share my gift?
Now they were all excited. What could they possibly do to help their friend? Santa explained, “We will keep doing what we have been doing. We will make toys. We will make lots of toys. Then when we have enough we will take them to those children who cannot come here and share this experience. But this must be our secret.” He winked at them and smiled. The children’s eyes grew big with excitement at the thought. And so it began. The children made the toys along with Santa. When they had enough Santa would deliver them starting with his own village. He would take them to those kids that could not come out to his shop; he would deliver them in the dark of night leaving them on the doorstep. The following morning the packages would be found, and Santa’s helpers found the joy of giving as they witnessed the excitement in those who received the toys they made.
Santa began branching out to new towns. As the children got more excited, they made more and more toys.
People began to wonder what was going on. As Santa’s visits became more regular people began trying to catch the culprit who was giving gifts. After several close calls Santa decided he must disguise himself to avoid being recognized.
Santa didn’t understand at the time why he was wearing that suit the first Christmas night, but now he saw that it would be the perfect disguise. No one would suspect a poor carpenter, if they could blame the gift giving on a wealthy stranger.
After several years, many of the children who once helped build the toys grew up and started having families of their own. Their children began to share the experience, but Santa noticed that those who once helped him missed the days when they were involved. They grew restless when ever they saw toys had been delivered, and the urge to help became overwhelming. So, they began delivering gifts themselves.
Santa was getting older now, his hair had turned from brown to white. The work was getting harder each year, the toys grew heavier and Santa grew slower. He knew something had to be done, or his gift giving would soon come to an end.
The Stranger
One evening Santa invited a stranger into his home. This was not uncommon as often Santa would invite lonely travelers to his home for dinner and a place to sleep. Santa’s wife was always hospitable and made everyone feel loved. After dinner Santa took the stranger into his visiting room where they could talk by the fire. As they settled in, the Stranger asked Santa what he did? Santa laughed his jolly laugh then said, “Why, I am trying to remind everyone of the greatest gift ever given to the world.” The Stranger then asked him, “What is the greatest gift ever given?” Suddenly, Santa recognized the voice and turned to the stranger, and with tears of joy in his eyes, he replied, “It is You!”
Santa’s eyes were then opened, the Stranger was no longer a Stranger, but The Master, his Savior… Jesus Christ.
Santa knelt down before his King as he had once before and he saw the nail prints in his hands, and saw the wounds in his feet. His heart was broken. How could they do this? Who could have crucified Him?
Jesus took Santa in his arms and pulled him close. “Santa," He said, “as ye have done it unto the least of my children, ye have done it unto me.” Santa knew his gift was accepted, and he was glad.
Then Jesus said, “Come, follow me.”
Santa understood what He was asking, but was somewhat taken back by the request. “What about the children? How can I teach them? How can I keep my promise if I am gone? Jesus told Santa it was his time to go.
Jesus saw that Santa was still troubled so He told him he would be given a season each year to influence with joy and happiness, with giving and sharing. One night each year he could come to earth and do as he wished.
Jesus then drew a circle in the air. Santa watched as armies of men disguised themselves in red and white suits of every kind looking just like him. He looked closer as he began to recognize these men. Why, many of them were the children he once taught how to make toys. They all looked at Santa and waved, with a twinkle in their eye they winked, then raised their finger to their lips as though to say, “don’t tell anyone.” Santa laughed as he began to realize that his plan was working and it would continue to work even if he wasn’t there in person.
Jesus then drew a square. Santa saw that many would forget the meaning of the gifts which he would give. He saw people easily angered in the name of Christmas and all manner of ugly things that would happen. Santa saw that toys would be made into terrible things to divide and torture families. That people’s pride would easily be swayed to greed and want. The darkness he felt almost made him want to repent of his plan.
Santa wept.
Jesus drew a triangle. Santa was then shown families gathering together to celebrate the Christmas Season. He saw Fathers and Mothers and children bright with hope as they read the story of the first Christmas.
He saw people come together to feed the homeless, and sing hymns to neighbors, and joy and happiness was spread even as the joy and happiness was given to him as he experienced that first Christmas long ago. He saw the symbols of Christmas he had taught the children.
Hope began to rise as he understood that everyone would be reminded, and some would remember the true meaning of the gifts. He felt warm inside, and was comforted.
Then Jesus told Santa to look one more time as He drew another circle in the air. Santa saw there would be wars and rumors of war despite Christmas. Then,suddenly, the vision slowed down and focused in on a single soldier who stood up on one Christmas day and began to sing, “Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright...”. It was answered back with “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht...”, as warring men suddenly became brothers for a day, peace settled across the battlefield as soldiers set aside their tools of war to recognize their common brotherhood.
Santa’s fears were calmed, and he knew it was his time to go, then he was gone....
The Symbols of Christmas
Santa returned each year as he was promised and with his time he taught people of the Savior leaving behind symbols to remind them of the true meaning of Christmas.
He taught them the fir tree represented everlasting life that it stayed green all year ‘round and pointed to heaven as a reminder of where to look in the winters of our life. When all seems hopeless, in the winter the evergreen is evidence that spring would come.
The candle represented the Light of Christ; it lifts the darkness from our eyes and helps us to see. Its influence is felt in our darkest hours. Let your light so shine, he taught them, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. That seeking truth would bring greater light to them and all those around them.
He taught that the candy cane represented the shepherd’s staff and that the Good Shepherd watches over his flock and knows His sheep. He reminded them that Christ was both the Lamb and the Shepherd. He followed His Father and He leads us now.
The wreath represented eternity; a ring having no beginning and no end. It also represented the crown of thorns placed on Christ’s head as it turned from scorn to glory as He atoned for our sins.
He taught them that even his suit was red and white, to remind them that though their sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow. And, that is the greatest gift of all.
The gifts he left were only tokens and symbols. The real Gift was born only once, in a small stable in a town called Bethlehem.
Merry Christmas
Then, I told them Jesus lives, and Santa is his Christmas messenger.
“The Spirit of Christmas is here and I am His servant. Thank you for letting me share with you His message.
Jesus loves you.”
With that,I finished...nothing else to say. I sat back down, completely and utterly overwhelmed with what had just happened.
The boy sat on my lap, my beard still hanging from my face, and he cried. “You really are Santa!” “Yes, I guess I am.... I guess I am.” His heart was touched. He knew, as did everyone in that home, that Santa is real.
I finished giving the gifts and wished them all a Merry Christmas, and I was off.
I left that home that evening with a twinkle in my eye. As I reached into my pocket to get my keys, I felt something odd. I pulled it out and was astonished to find a small piece of wood whittled into the figure of a baby lying in a manger. I looked up at the stars, and thanked my Heavenly Father for the gift He had given me. He took me there… I saw Christ lying in the manger. And I had received the gift that Santa gives.
Forever, I will be grateful for that night I lost my beard, and The Spirit of Christmas which let me be His messenger to bring the Christmas light to a hopeless little boy and his family.
Santa means more than toys and fancy boxes. Santa is about families getting together, and laughter, and joy, and giving thanks to our Savior.
That night I had seen Santa kneeling by a manger next to The Baby King. And I will never forget that giving peace, joy and happiness is better than any toy. That the Greatest gift was not given wrapped in fancy paper under a decorated tree, but in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Now as the Spirit of Christmas prompts you....
Go tell everyone Santa’s Story. Make his story your own and you, too, may visit the manger and kneel before your Savior, that you may give the gift that Santa gives.
Now…
Ho, Ho, Ho,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!
