Yet, "Christmas," in it's accepted term, is a holiday celebrated by many who do not worship Christ. This is basically because the Church took a day that was a long celebrated Pagan Winter Solstice Day. Christmas has come to symbolize even to many non-Christians in a broad sense, giving, family, and peace.
Earlier i took a nap with my 5 month old son Juan Miguel and stumbled upon a very wonderful dream. It was so real that i even thought it really happened!
I heard a knock on our front door so i got up, open and to my surprise, standing in front of me was Santa Claus! Astonised, i asked " how ya doin' Santa? I was wondering why he had tears in his eyes. He's jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous character we all know.
Then he answered me with a simple statement:
"TEACH THE CHILDREN."
I was puzzled.. what did he mean? He guessed my question and with one quick movement pulled out a miniature toy bag from behind.
As i stood dazed, Santa said;
"Teach the children, teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a Fir Tree and placed it in-front of me.
"Teach the children that the pure green color of the fir tree remains green all year round, representing the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning towards heaven."
He again reached inside his bag and pulled out a Brilliant Star.
"Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Saviour for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a Candle.
"Tell the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the Light of the World, and when we see this great light we are reminded of Jesus who fills our lives with light."
Once again he reached inside his bag and removed a Wreath and placed it on the tree.
"Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases,like God's love who has no beginning or end."
Then he pulled from his bag an ornament of himself.
"Teach the children that I, Santa Claus symbolizes the generosity and kindness we feel during the month of December."
He then brought our a Holly Leaf.
"Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by Our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him."
Next he pulled from his bag a Gift and said;
"Teach the children that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.. We thank God for His very special gift."
"Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy Baby, and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men."
Santa then reached his bag and pulled out a Candy Cane.
"Teach the children that the sugar cane represent the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back the lost sheep to the flock."
He reached again and pulled out an Angel.
"Teach the children that it was the angels who announced of the glorious news of the Saviour's birth. The angels sang "glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and goodwill to men."
Suddenly i heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a Bell.
"Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring to guide us to God. The bell symbolizes guidance and return. It remind's us that we are all precious in the eyes of God."
Santa looked back and was pleased. I saw the twinkle in his eyes as he said;
"Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I'am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship Him, our Lord, our God."
Let us remember what is the true meaning of Christmas, and how it can bring love and peace to even those who choose not to worship Christ. If you are Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim; even if you are an agnostic, or atheist, is Peace such a tough message to send? Of course not, which is why Christmas time brings about the Good Will in man. Of course, there are haters. Those who would stir trouble at the drop of a hat. Far outnumbering them, however, are the people that realize we are in this world together, and religion, or lack there-of should not stand in the way of friendship and peace. There are many loving, giving people who do not happen to be Christian. These are people who are very willing to give of themselves
As for Christians; Christmas is not just about buying gifts and keeping up with your neighbor. It's about the celebration of the birth of Christ. It is remembering what Christ did for us, and giving of ourselves to honor him. Remember what Christ gave for you. Although it may sound cliche; Remember the reason for the season.
"I would like to acknowledge my late grandmother Mrs.Tomasa Matanguihan Flores for sharing this to me 30 over years ago . I have kept and remember the meaning that up to this day in my dreams she visit's me with her thoughts and wisdom. I miss you Nanay, I love you very much! "Have a blessed Christmas to all."
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