'Twas Two Days Before Christmas....

....and all through the house, every one is up and stirring, even the coffee pot! The kids are bouncing off the wall. Not only because they've been stuck in the house for a week. Not only because we are going to venture out to North Bend this morning. But mostly because it's Christmas time. "Dad...what did you get Keilah? What did you get Mom?" So many questions...so much excitment. And through it all, my children seem to not lose sight (for the most part) of the real meaning of the Season.

They've always known. From day one we've always told them the truth about St. Nick and how he loved the Savior. I recall, many years ago, my firstborn (Faith...now 13), was asked by her grandma "Faith, are you excited for Santa Claus this year". With a perplexed pause and a bold, black and white childlike answer she proclaimed "Santa Claus is dead!". She was serious...we laughed. It was tough for others to understand why we would teach our children the truth about the Saint we now call Santa Claus, but through it all we are very gratful we did. And you know what? Our children have NEVER MISSED OUT ON ANYTHING. They've never said..."oh man, I really wish I could have been told there was a real Santa that was alive today that brings me gifts. That would have really made Christmas time special". I've even asked them point blank before "do you think you've missed out on something since we told you the truth about Christmas". To be honest...I think the question confused them. Not because of how it was worded but because they've always known that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus and that it has nothing to do with a fat man in a red suit (not slighting the ministry of St. Nick, he was a great man of God). I think the Santa gig is more for parents to bring a sense of wonderment and awe in their children's lives. Isn't Jesus enough? He has been for our family.

Anyways...enough soapboxing. However you chose to do it, my prayer is that you don't deminish the true reason just for traditions. Never deminish Jesus...always exalt him.

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods." Psalm 95:3