JOSHUA TIME 217

This is how it happened...I just finished the household chores for the> night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front >of> the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa> himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree.> (Embedded image moved to file: pic29523.gif)> He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you> doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he> had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the> eager, boisterous soul we all know.>> He then answered me with a simple statement.> "TEACH THE CHILDREN!">> I was puzzled; what did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one> quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As> I stood bewildered, Santa said,> "Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning> that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten.">> (Embedded image moved to file: pic26998.gif)> (Embedded image moved to file: pic13115.gif)Santa then reached in his bag> and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle.> "Teach the children that 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."> (Embedded image moved to file: pic20492.gif)> He again reached into 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 Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of> fulfillment of His promise."> (Embedded image moved to file: pic20265.gif)> He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE.> "Teach 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 He who> displaces the darkness.">> Once again he reached into 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. Love is one continuous round of affection."> (Embedded image moved to file: pic17747.gif)> He then pulled from his bag an ornament of himself.> "Teach the children that I, Santa Clause symbolize the generosity and >good> will we feel during the month of December."> (Embedded image moved to file: pic27583.gif)> He then brought out 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 begotten> SON..." "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.> (Embedded image moved to file: pic29551.jpg)> "Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy BABE and> presented HIM with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give> gifts in the same spirit of the wise men."> (Embedded image moved to file: pic27255.gif)> Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on> the tree.> "Teach the children that 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.">> (Embedded image moved to file: pic07753.gif)> He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL.> "Teach the children that it was 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."> (Embedded image moved to file: pic11905.gif)> 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 mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance >and> return.">> Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that >the> twinkle was back in his eyes. He said,> "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not> put me in the center, for I am but an humble servant of the One that is,> and I bow down to worship HIM, our LORD, our GOD."> Author:Unknown>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

JOSHUA