I still believe in Santa!!

Our men went to St. Joseph’s hospital Saturday with Santa. Great time. There is always one child that touches you the most. This year for me it was a 5-year old girl. When she came down the hallway, she had her head down, walking real slow, no smile, no joy. It seemed as if she had made this journey before. And when you make a journey like that in the hospital, they are usually going to poke, prick, prod or pull something that you don’t want poked pricked prodded or pulled. That’s what I saw on her face. However, when she came around that corner everything changed. Her eyes lit up, a smile came over her face, she then began to shake all over. She let go of the IV stand with her left hand and started toward Santa. Her dad caught her just before she had an accident like that dog in Foghorn Leghorn cartoons. Then there was this sound. I mean it was like a dog whistle the pitch was so high. Almost inaudible, but distinctly understandable. “SANTA!!!” My heart melted. Tears, snot, sobbing… You name it. At that moment I remembered why we were there.We had come to spread some Christmas joy. We had come to help others remember Christmas.

This Christmas, remember those that are looking for joy. There are plenty out there. If we ever need to believe that the spirit of Christmas is still there, now is that time. See, Santa is one way joy and hope are brought to those who need it. I see the heart-ache firsthand. I know the pain that comes with Christmas. Today marks the tenth anniversary of Angie’s (my first wife) death. This morning that reality was brought to me by my fifteen year old daughter when she asked if we were going to the cemetery when I got home. Of course we are. And when we get there, I will remind her, and me, of the blessings of God. We will remember John and his dad, Nick. This is their first Christmas without John’s mom. We will remember Ian. This is his second without his dad. We’ll talk about the kids I saw this weekend. Then we’ll remeber Angie and the blessing her life was and is to us. We’ll remember there are reasons to have hope.

People need hope. Santa brings hope. It gives parents the opportunity to see their children smile. It gives children the opportunity to smile and laugh. My prayer is that while people celebrate Christmas they will seek the True reason we celebrate. If Santa causes that, I still believe in Santa. Believe with me. Believe for hope, joy, and peace. Believe for restoration of families and relationships. But most of all, believe for people to find the True meaning of Christmas this year. Believe for salvation.

Merry Christmas.

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