Teach the Children

                    Families, communities, and nations are strengthened when parents and other adults teach the truth about why we celebrate Christmas and the stories behind the various principles contained in our celebration.  Children will not know or understand these important principles unless we teach them; therefore, they may not consider it important to pass these principles to future generations. 

                    One suggestion for teaching the true meaning of Christmas to children is to use the following story.  It teaches the important principles about Christmas in a fun and interesting way.  I found numerous sites with this wonderful Christmas story.  The author of the original story is unknown.  I like this version but have taken the liberty to correct spelling and grammar to help it flow easier.  It is entitled "Teach the Children theTrue Meaning of Christmas."  

              One December night, many years ago, I had just finished decorating for Christmas when I heard a noise at the front of the house.  I turned on the porch light and opened the door.  To my surprise, just as I stepped outside I saw Santa Claus climbing out of his sleigh.  He placed his fingers over his lips, silencing me before I cried out.

                    "What are you doing…" I started to ask … but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes.  His usual jolly manner, the eager, boisterous soul we all know, was gone.  He composed himself by clearing his throat and then answered me in a whisper:  "Help 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 sleigh.  As I stood there bewildered, Santa stated again but more firmly, "Teach the children.  Teach them the true meaning of Christmas - the meaning that has long been forgotten."

                    I invited him in to warm by the fire as I tried to tell him that I wasn't sure if I knew what he meant… when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.  "Teach the children that the star is the heavenly sign of promise," he said.  "God sent a Savior to the world and the star was the sign of that promise being fulfilled.  The countless shining stars in the heavens, one star for each person on earth, represent the hope of all mankind."

                    Santa gently laid the star on the fireplace mantle and brought a bright red Christmas tree ornament from the bag.  "Teach the children; tell them that red is the first color of Christmas.  It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood that was shed for all the people by the Savior.  Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every man might have God's gift of Eternal Life.  Red is deep, intense, and vivid -- the richest color of all, and it is a symbol of the greatest gift from God."

                    Santa said, "Teach the children" as he pulled a small Christmas tree from the bottom of the toy bag.  He placed it near the fireplace and gentle hung the red decoration on it.  He continued, "The deep green branches of this tree are a perfect background for this ornament.  This is the second color of Christmas.  The pure green color of this evergreen tree remains this color all year round.  This represents the everlasting plan for mankind.  Green is youthful, hopeful, and the abundant color of nature.  The needles of the tree point heavenward -- symbols of man's prayers as they go toward heaven.  Trees have been man's best friends. They have sheltered him, warmed him, and made beauty for him."

                    Again, Santa pulled something from his bag, and I heard a soft tinkling sound of a bell.  "Teach the children," he said, "that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for every person too, that they might find their way back.  It means guidance and return.  It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord."

                    As the soft sound of the bell faded, Santa lit a candle and placed it on the mantel.  The soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room.  Odd shadowy shapes slowly danced and wove pictures upon the walls.  "Teach the children," whispered Santa, "that at one time candles were placed on Christmas trees.  They glowed brightly against the dark green branches showing man's appreciation for the star of Bethlehem of long ago.  Now, strings of colored lights have taken their place in remembrance of Christ's birth."

                    Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and placed a gift under the tree.  He pointed to the bow and said, "A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of brotherhood of man.  We should remember that the bow is tied as all of us should be tied together, with the bonds of good will toward each other.  Good will forever is the message of the bow and the gift, a gift of love."

                    Santa reached for a candy cane and held it out towards me.  "Teach the children that the cane represents The Shepherd's staff.  The crook on the staff helps bring back sheep that have strayed away from the fold.  The candy cane represents the sweetness of giving, not only at Christmas time, but also throughout the entire year.  The spiral design is a symbol that we are indeed our brother's keepers." 

                  

                    Santa looked about the room and then again at the tree.  His love and great feeling of satisfaction shone from his eyes.  He could not help but sense the wonderment and admiration that I felt for him in my heart.

                    One last time, Santa reached into his bag and brought forth a large beautiful wreath.  As he placed it on the door he spoke gently with love, "Please teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love:  it never ceases, stops, or ends.  It is one continuous circle that only grows greater and greater when expressed.  The wreath, the circle of love, plays a double role.  It is made of many things and has many colors.  It reminds us of God's unconditional love and the true reason for Christmas.  Please teach the children."