Yes, Young Mother, There is A Santa Claus

It was sometime around 1959 when a chubby little toddler climbed onto Santa's lap and delightfully told him he'd like a big red fire engine put under his Christmas tree.

It was a young mother, living without things she was accustomed to very far away from her family while her husband helped complete the Glen Canyon Dam-- the job they had moved over 1600 miles for.

It was early in the Dam's infancy and the lake hadn't filled quite yet. The hoards of tourists hadn't arrived and the people who did live there, lived in transitional trailers. There was a skeleton of what would soon be a growing community.

Shopping for those pioneer Page-ites was limited. Flagstaff was more than two hours away (and too far for a young family). Kanab Utah was closer, but just as small and limited.

It was with this foundation the young mother frantically waved her arms at Santa mouthing the words "No!" as the cherub smiled in anticipation of that fire engine that jolly old man was agreeing to bring.

The mother, determined not to crush her toddler's Christmas spirit, spent every waking moment trying to make Santa's promise come true, but to no avail. She then began the work of coming up with the excuse of why Santa didn't keep his promise. Living away from family, in a makeshift home where housework was hard was enough. Watching the joyful spirit in your little son die was too much. She was heartbroken.

Christmas Eve arrived as her little boy chattered on and on about the fire engine she knew he wasn't getting. She was determined to hunt whoever was costumed on that faithful day to give him a good telling off.

And then there was a knock at the door.

That young family opened the door to find sitting on the doorstep, a shiny red fire engine.

You see, THAT is why I will never tell my children there is no Santa Claus. My mother found out one Christmas and made sure to tell me every year. I now tell my children when they come to me with their "proof" that he doesn't exists. I believe. I believe there's magic that can change the grumpiest of souls. I believe miracles do happen.

It's the same with the Saviour. Some just don't believe. Some can't stretch their imaginations to think that once, a long time ago, someone loved us SO much, he promised to give us our heart's desires. He kept that promise and sent his only Son.

There's a song I love by Nicole Nordman: (on my playlist if you want to hear it)

what if you're right
he was just another nice guy
what if you're right
what if its true
they say the cross would only make a fool of you
what if its true
what if he takes the place in history with all the prophets and the kings
who taught us love and came in peace
but then the story ends
what then

but what if you're wrong
what if there's more
what if there's hope you've never dreamed of hoping for
what if you've just just closed your eyes
what if the arms that catch you catch you by surprised
what if he's more than you know
what if you're loved

what if you dig
way down deeper than your simple minded friends
what if you dig
what if you find
a thousand more unanswered questions down inside
what if you find
thats all you find

what if you pick apart the logic
and begin to poke the holes
what if the crown of thorns is no more than folklore that must be told
and retold

but what if you're wrong
what if there's more
what if there's hope you've never dreamed of hoping for
what if you just just close your eyes
what if the arms that catch you catch you by surprise
what if he's more than you know
what if you're loved

you've been running as fast as you can
you've been looking for a place you can live
for so long
but what if you're loved
what if you just just close your eyes

what if the arms that catch you catch you by surprise
what if he's more than you know
what if you're loved
what if you're loved

You're loved.

What IF there is a Santa? What if he lives in you and me and every other kind person who puts their own needs aside to help someone this year. What if there was a Man who people claim to be something more... would it be so bad to follow His example?

My Christmas wish is that you find (or have found) the magic. If you're not surrounded by love this season, go surround someone who needs it a little more.
Deliver that shiny hope to a young mother so that she can pass it on to her children for years to come.

Merry Christmas!