What A Life

One of my favorite Christmas stories is entitled “Mary’s Dream.” The author is unknown. In the midst of this hectic time of the year – parties to attend, last-minute shopping to do, presents to wrap, concerts and pageants to attend, family gatherings to prepare for, etc. – it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Pass this on to your family and friends so they can appreciate the “politically correct” meaning of Christmas for Christians.

Mary speaks. “I had a dream, Joseph. I do not understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people have been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They had been shopping often and bought elaborate gifts.

“It was peculiar, though, because the presents were not for our Son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree – yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house. They decorated the tree also. It was full of glowing balls, lights and sparkling ornaments.

“A figure was on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful! Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I do not think they even knew him. They never mentioned his name. Doesn’t it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone’s birthday if they do not know him?

“I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration he would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so full of cheer, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus – not to be wanted at his own birthday celebration. I am glad it was only a dream. How terrible would it be, Joseph, if it had been real.”

What about our Christmas celebrations? Do we include “the Reason for the Season” – Jesus? Are we repeating the first Christmas story all over by not making room in our hearts for Jesus to be born?

The following comparison is entitled, “Why Jesus Is Better than Santa Claus.”

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 but once a year; Jesus is an ever-present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies; Jesus supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited; Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and then enters our heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa; Jesus is as close as the mention of his name.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?” Jesus knew our name before we were born. Not only does he know our name, he knows our address too. He knows our history and future and he even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

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 for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys; Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes, and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle; Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree, Jesus became our gift and died on a tree.

I wish all of you a blessed and holy Christmas!