I Believe....

I wanted to share with you all our Christmas card the won't make it out this year, and my modified Christmas Story and Message, it's long-but the message is true! We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season-however you celebrate, may you keep the light of Christ with you all year round! Love to you all!!

Twas' the night before Christmas and I was thinkin' 'bout the house...hoping my pipes haven't froze and that there is no mouse! Knowing our clothes have been hung in the closet with care, in hopes that our shoes might soon join them there. The boxes are nestled all snug in the garage, hoping soon to be unpacked with the rest of the junk in the lodge. Me in my flannels and Eric in his shorts, thinking about unpacking, painting, bills, and sports (Eric that is). When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter (hoping it wasn't my Mom's awful neighbors again). Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the curtains expecting to see a big clash. The streetlights were bright and flashing with glee, much to my surprise only snow did I see. When my eyes wandered up what should appear? Why it was a whole honkin' huge sleigh and 8 massive reindeer! Lead by a man not too small but quick, I knew in a moment that large man must be St. Nick! More speedy than lightening down from the sky he came, he hollered and yelled and called them by name. "Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!" To my amazement they flew from the roofs to the walls, then they dashed away, dashed away! Dashed away all! And then in an instant, I heard on our roof the dancing and prancing of each little hoof! As I turned from the window and flew down the last stair, there came St. Nick down our chimney with care! He was adorned in red fur, from his top to his feet, and eyes had a twinkling that was really quite sweet. He carried a bunch of neat things that we need, he pulled out a gift and I followed his lead. "His eyes-how they twinkled! His Dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow! (I'm just gonna skip the part about smoking-nasty!) He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly." He was chubby and round (we have much in common), a happy shining old light, and I laughed when I saw him and choked on my sprite (hehe). With a quick little glance, he giggled my way, and it was then I knew that it was okay. He said nothing to me, but laid down the lot, he got all we needed-there was not a thing he forgot! He then ate all the cookies and up the chimney he sprang, while up the rooftop his sleigh bells they rang. He jumped in his sleigh and the reindeer they did it, they headed to Wyoming where there's less people to visit! "But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all", and don't forget on this night that a Savior was born-who brought us all light! It is his birth we celebrate, not the gifts and Santa's story, but the giving and Christlike living that will bring us all glory! So when you forget and get wrapped up in the season, remember this season has more of a reason. Santa is only a representation of all things good, he stands for Christ and all that we all should. (adapted from Clement C. Moore's, Twas The Night Before Christmas)

"I believe in Santa Clause. Imagine Santa. What is he like? He wears red. His hair is white. He comes in the night. He loves little children. He wants us to be good. And he brings gifts. Now imagine Jesus. What is He like? He wears red. His hair is white. He comes in the night. He loves little children. He knows we are good. And he brings gifts. Santa Claus is a symbol of Christmas. The symbols of Christmas can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. The symbols of Christmas remind me of Christ. So, I believe in Santa Clause." (I Believe In Santa Clause, by Diane G. Adamson)

I believe....in the symbols of Christmas:

Christmas Tree Lights: The lights represent Christ as being the "Light of the World."
Fir Tree: The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.
Star: The star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise. It is also used on top of the Christmas tree to represent the guiding of the Shepherds by a star to find the baby Jesus.
Candle: The candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.
Wreath: The wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.
Santa Claus: The symbol of the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.
Holly Leaf: The holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.
Gifts: The symbol that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son. Gifts are to remind us that Jesus Christ was a gift to us from God.
Candy Cane: The candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.
Angel: The angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men.
Bell: The bell is the symbol that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
Red and Green Colors: The color red symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus. Green is the perfect background for the red. Green represents youth, hope and nature.
Snow: Peace, purity, and renewal.