Santa Claus Came To Town

Dad always got excited for Christmas and loved being around the grandchildren and watching them get excited! One year Dad wore a Santa suit for something at church and he was so proud! He looked just like Dad with a Santa suit on. He did not look like Santa Claus but he felt like Santa Claus! We laughed as he called my nephew on the phone and acted like he was Santa Claus. The only problem was he sounded just like himself. Chuck got on the phone and Dad said, "ho ho ho, Chuck! This is Santa Claus." Dad was grinning and so proud! Before Dad could say anything else, Chuck said, "hey, Pa!"

We convinced Dad that maybe if he did not talk he could make the little ones think it was Santa. When Sarah was two Mom and Dad spent Christmas Eve with us. After our Christmas Eve service at church we all came home and were sitting around. Dad winked at me and left the room. A little while later the doorbell rang. I went to the door and it was for Sarah. It was Dad, aka Santa Claus, (yes he drug that suit to our house) standing out by the street....far away. He said, "Ho, ho, ho" and waved. Sarah pointed to him and said, "there's Pa!" One of my favorite things about Christmas are the gatherings of friends and family. I love the fellowship and joy we share together. I love getting together for parties and the laughter. I love going to church and celebrating! It is just a time of joy!

As we anticipate Christmas day, let's look forward to and focus on Jesus. As we gather together with family and friends let's remember because of Jesus we will one day all sing and fellowship together with Him! We will experience constant joy! Hebrews 1: 6, "And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him."

During this Christmas season let us remember Luke 2: 14, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." As we sing, "Angels We Have Heard On High", let's listen to the words, "Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King."

We should be excited about these Christmas gatherings and we should look forward to our Heavenly gatherings. Whatever we will be doing, we can be sure it will be wonderful beyond our imaginations! Make time for faith, fun and fellowship this Christmas season!

Not a day passes without something or someone reminding me of Dad. Christmas was our special time and I miss him more than words can say but I know he is with Jesus and I am so happy for him!