Sleighs & Saviors

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy ..."
Well, it’s finally time for me to put in my plug about the true meaning of Christmas. That’s pretty straight forward, don’t you think. The upcoming joyous holiday has come to mean a great many things. We’ve filled it with trees and lights and wrapping paper. We’ve added food and presents and music and decorations and, of course, Santa Claus.. It’s all quite festive. However, Christmas is technically the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the only Son of God and Messiah for the entire human race. The passing of time and tradition have draped this blessed day with all manor of distractions, but it still boils down to that one child, born to a virgin and laid in a manger in Bethlehem. The story of the incarnation of the God of the universe and the fulfillment of dozens of ancient prophesies is both miraculous and compelling. Yet, with all the light, color and wonder of modern technology and entertainment Jesus begins to look somewhat somber and boring to the average child who has been offered Santa as a substitute. So let’s enjoy all the fun and tradition, but let us also get the story straight so that our children, friends, family and neighbors hear the true story of Christmas as well. As you rush towards the big day, my prayer is that you may discover the Christ of Christmas in your own heart and share the message of His miraculous birth with all the folks you encounter.

Sleighs and Saviors
Every where we see him
About this time of year
The fat guy in the magic sleigh
Who spreads the Christmas cheer
He always looks so jolly
You never see him sad
For a guy who's several hundred years old
He doesn't look half bad
But up close it's a different story
His clothes are poorly made
His boots are army surplus
And his plastic beard is frayed
Another thing I've noticed
If he's such a wonderful chap
Then why does he charge six dollars
For kids to sit on his lap?
But there's another Christmas hero
Who gives his love for free
He doesn't bring candy or presents
But he cares for you and me
He doesn't use elves or reindeer
Or live way up north in the snow
In fact, he was born in the desert
A very long time ago
Of course, I am speaking of Jesus
Who was born on Christmas day
But he gives his love all through the year
And he takes our sins away
While it's true that the guy in the red suit
Has more showmanship and appeal
Clearly the difference between the two
Is that Jesus Christ is real!
By Frank Carpenter ©