The Real Santa

Where did this whole notion of Santa Claus come from? I remember as a young boy getting so excited about Christmas that I would try to stay up as long as I could to get a glimpse of the big guy. I would hide in my closet and listen intently for any sound of the sleigh touching down on the roof or the bells around the necks of his reindeer. Back then it was all about the mystery and magic of Santa and the gifts he was sure to bring. I didn’t care much for the whole “naughty-or-nice” list thing; I figured Santa took pity on those of us who may have strayed during the year. I knew I was bad and yet Santa faithfully hooked me up anyway.

I have thought many times since those days about just how Christ-like this Santa Claus fellow really is. I guess maybe that is by design since he represents all that is good and right about Christmas. Even a non-Christian can get on board the Santa train because of this goodness. Youngsters are blinded by the “things” part of the equation. As we get older however, we understand that it is the selfless “giving” part that is at the heart of it all.

The story of the birth of Christ has always made sense to me. I am no religious scholar nor do I practice my own faith. But, in spite of my failings I can fully get my head and heart around the reality that Jesus was born of humble circumstances. He was brought into the world at a time and a place without fireworks and fanfare. His parents were modest, imperfect human beings chosen to take part in this most awesome of undertakings; the gift of the Savior to the world. Our Heavenly Father, knowing our tendencies toward selfish pursuits, allowed His Son to come into this wild wicked world, receive a body, and live as the rest of us…….only better. Not better from the standpoint of status or wealth, but better in the sense that He set the perfect example of how we all can and should live.

Some would argue that the Savior should have come mightily from the heavens for all to witness so they would instantly believe it was in fact Him. I think the beauty of this story is that He came in under the radar; a simple, tiny gift from heaven with more value and worth than anything earth could provide. The reality of this first gift is at the heart of this thing called Christmas.

Jesus spent His life sharing His simple gifts of love, compassion, forgiveness, and service to all who had the pleasure of knowing Him. He embodied the Christmas spirit because He was Christmas. After a short lifetime of goodness unequaled by anyone, he offered Himself as a final gift of sacrifice so that we all can have the opportunity to return to our Father in Heaven. Has there ever been a greater act of love? Rephrased, has there ever been a greater Christmas present?

The story of His humble birth, life of love, and final sacrifice should resonate with all of us as we sit in our closets waiting for Santa to show up this and every year. Just as Santa always came through for me in spite of my perpetual status on the “naughty” list, Jesus comes through for all of us with his pervasive mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love. So as I lie awake tonight anxiously awaiting a sign that the big guy has found me again, it wouldn’t surprise me much if I look by the fireplace and catch a glimpse of Santa looking a lot like Jesus.

Citizen Defined

Thank goodness members of my family are feeding me material to compensate for the absence of anything substantive from me! My Padre was impressed recently by news story describing how some U.S. companies are truly going the extra mile in support of the military Guard and Reserves. Companies like Sears employ policies that are directly contributing to the war effort by taking care of those who are taking care of us.

(http://www.searsholdings.com/communityrelations/hero/military.htm)

Most Americans have no real appreciation for the sacrifices of our citizen soldiers ("soldiers" here refers to Sailors, Airmen, and Marines too!). They come from all walks of life and when not in uniform, might be found doing any number of jobs in the community. Their greatness lies in the reality that they are like everyone else but with one exception. They hold down a part-time job that requires at times that they forgo all they know, love, and do as a matter of routine in life, lace up their boots and head off to serve and fight on our behalf. They are the only thing standing between most of you able-bodied Americans and the draft.......man, do you owe these folks BIGTIME!!!!

Since the days immediately following 9/11 these selfless super-heroes have been all over the globe doing their part-time gig full-time. Many have completed multiple tours of duty and too many have come home in flag-draped coffins. History will show that any victory we have achieved and any claims of a war won will rest on the reality of their contributions and sacrifice. Whether or not your politics and/or personal constitution can stomach the realities of our current struggles, you cannot argue against the merits of these fine Americans and all that they have done and continue to do. The days of the flawed reference to them as "Weekend Warriors" has been supplanted by a simple branding of "Warriors".

If you know a Guardsman or Reservist, give them a hug and say thanks! Thank them for doing what you would not. Thank them for taking time away from their regular lives so you can continue on with yours. Find the lonely spouse and children whose Mom or Dad are far away during this holiday season. Reach out to them and show your appreciation for what they endure on your behalf. And for those who left never to return, look to the heavens, smile, and offer a silent prayer of gratitude to them for paying the ultimate price as your proxy of selfless sacrifice.

Oh yes, one more thing.......as you are looking heavenward, thank God Almighty for instilling in the hearts of some Americans the strength and desire to be different, act different, serve different, even at their own peril.

Sibling Perspective

Quality material from my younger brother...........too good not to share.

The World's Shortest Fairy Tale:

Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl 'Will you marry me?' The girl
said, 'NO!'

And the guy lived happily ever after and rode motorcycles and
went fishing and hunting and played golf a lot and drank beer and scotch and left the toilet seat up and did whatever he wanted.

THE END

Nary a Cohesive Thought

I have been quite remiss in posting anything of late. My brain is on lockdown for some reason. Not sure if it's the holiday madness, work, school, or what. It's not like I have stopped thinking about EVERYTHING in the world......that's just what I do. I just cant get focused into a groove of verbosity.

I like guns so I think I will do a brief rapid-fire "top-ten-things-in-my-head list".............here goes.

1. 5-10 guys with some will and minor coordination can change the world......thinking of Mumbai.
2. Most people cannot drive worth a crap.......especially during this time of year. If you are one of them, fix yourself!
3. I admire young people who are devoted to anything; school, family, church, career. My kids amaze me every day of my life!
4. The Secret Service needs to reevaluate their training programs. The Iraqi should have have been neutralized with extreme prejudice after throwing the first shoe.
5. The world should give more credit to single fathers......they do great things in the midst of bad odds too.
6. Everyone should experience at least one Christmas season away from all they know and love.......do it, you won't regret it.
7. There is extreme power in doing what is right even when you really don't want to.
8. Obama and his band of merry followers have their work cut out for them........a good reminder to always be careful what you wish for.
9. Silence is one of the greatest gifts of life........enjoy some soon.
10. Take the time to thank a veteran; they deserve it and you owe it to them.

Signed,

Scatterbrained