Santa vs. Christ

This post is really for Beckii because of a conversation we had yesterday, but I think we are probably not the only ones who've had this discussion. Today in sacrament meeting our full time missionary from New Jersey shared this story with his testimony...then I realized I had this story at home. The spirit always speaks, thank you Elder Fife.

Symbols of Christmas

by Sherry Dillehay

Just a week before Christmas, I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door of the front room, and to my surprise, Santa Claus himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his fingers over my mouth so I would not cry out.

What are you doing…I started to ask but the words choked in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone...gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.

He then answered me with a simple statement of “TEACH THE CHILDREN”, I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy boy from behind the tree. As I stood there bewildered, Santa said again, “TEACH THE CHILDREN”. Teach them the old meaning of Christmas – the meaning that Christmas has forgotten….

I started to say, “How can I…when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.

Teach the children the star was the Heavenly sign of promise of long ago ages. God promised a Savior for the world and a star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise. The countless shining stars at night – one for each man—now sow the burning hope of mankind…Santa gently laid the star upon the fireplace mantle and drew forth from the bag a glittering red Christmas tree ornament.

Teach the children red is the fist color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood which is shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every man might have Gods gift of Eternal life. Red is deep, intense, vivid – it is the greatest color of all. It is the symbol of the gift of God…

“Teach the children,” he said as he dislodged a small Christmas tree from the depths of the toy bag. He placed it before the mantle and gently hung the red ornament on it. The deep green of the fir tree was a perfect background for the ornament. Here was the second color of Christmas.

The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round...he said. This depicts the everlasting color of nature. All the needles point heavenward – symbols of mans’ returning thought toward heaven. The great green tree had been man’s best friend. It has sheltered him, warmed him, made beauty for him…Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound.

Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for man to return to the fold – it means guidance and return, it further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord. As the soft sound of the bell faded into the night, Santa drew forth a candle. He placed it on the mantle and the soft glow from it’s tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shapes in shadows slowly danced and weaved upon the wall.

“Teach the children,” whispered Santa, that the candle show man’s thanks for the star of long ago. It’s small light is the mirror of starlight. At first candles were placed on the trees -- they were like many flowing stares shining against the dark green. The colored lights have now taken over in remembrance.

Santa turned the small Christmas tree light on and picked up a gift from under the tree. He pointed to the large bow and said, “A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as men should be tied, all of us together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Goodwill forever is the message of the bow.

Santa slung his bag over his shoulder and began to reach for the candy cane placed high on the tree. He unfastened it and reached out toward me with it.

“Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd’s crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother’s keeper.”

As Santa looked about the room, a feeling of satisfaction shone on his face. He read wonderment in my eyes, and I am sure he sensed my admiration for this night.

He reached into his bag and brought forth a large Holly wreath. He placed it on the door and said, “Please teach the children the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops or ends. It is one continuous round of affection. The wreath does double duty; it is made of many things and in many colors…it should remind us of all the things of Christmas. Please teach the children….”

I pondered and wondered and thrilled at all these symbols. To give, to help, to love, and to serve…and Santa, he’s the sign of giving…that jolly old elf…and yes, I shall teach the children.