The spirit of Christmas still relevant

As this last week before Christmas draws to a close most area wives breath sighs of relief to know the shopping is done, cookies are baked, and the house almost ready for the coming of Santa Claus.

Area husbands, too, are breathing sighs of relief to know that mama is just about finished running up bills equal only to the national debt.

In no time at all, it will be Christmas Eve. With luck a gentle, white snow will begin falling toward evening. After supper, father will pull out his well-worn copy of “The Night before Christmas,” and he will gather the children to him to relive the annual coming of the good St. Nick.

Sooner or later, however, the time comes in every family when at least one of the children looks up at daddy and asks: “Is there really a Santa Claus?”

We doubt that there was anyone named S. Claus listed in the 1960 national census, but there is no doubt that Santa Claus really exists. This jolly old man who loves all children is the spirit of Christmas. He is the Christ-like love brought to this earth by the Child when he was born in Bethlehem. A bright star appeared over the sands of Judea nearly 2,000 years ago, and in that night angelic voices were heard singing “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.”

Today we still sing this hymn of praise. As Santa Claus is our symbol, these words express all of our emotions at Christmas. Children and grownups alike feel natural excitement and brotherly love in preparation for the coming of Santa Claus.

At the same time, we should feel the spiritual excitement and love in preparation for the return of Christ. Santa Claus is for real. He is the spirit of our love for Christ.

Christmas … a time when all men of good will are drawn to peace.

Now, 40 years since I first wrote these words, they are even more important. Our earth needs a visit from Santa Claus to remind us to be “Men of good will” and finally find a way to bring peace to this land created for all men to live in peace.

Kay Coletta wrote this editorial in 1971, the first year she worked at the Telegram.

Tags: opinion