| This is the beginning of the holiday season. Some anxiously wait for Santa Claus to come to town, as they sing the words to that familiar song. We prepare to spend time with family & friends; maybe attend musicals & sporting events; go shopping; and buy Christmas gifts.On Christmas morning, some will open presents that bring joy for a little while. Yet, the realization of what we "thought" we wanted, will end up not satisfying us at all.Often we wander back-and forth, seeking what will bring happiness. Searching hopelessly, we look everywhere, in many wrong places. Then we begin to sing the song, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." (Sing the song!) "Well I tried, and I tried, and I tried, and I tried ..." Yearning for that which Only the One can give, that brings satisfaction.But that's NOT the song! What about "Jingle Bells?" No, I didn't see snow until I went to New York, many years later.I remember as a child saying I'm going to stay up, to see if there really is a Santa Clause. So I went to bed, but I didn't go to sleep. I heard sleigh bells on the roof. (Listen closely. and you will hear the bells, even now!) No, I wasn't imagining or dreaming!I closed my eyes really shut. I was SO afraid that Santa would know I wasn't asleep, and put soot in my eyes, to punish me.Well, that experience made a believer out of me! My dad was too old to get on a ladder, let alone a roof! I've asked my brother several times, and he still swears it wasn't him.All I know is, the Wonder of Christmas was fulfilled! There were plenty of presents under the tree. We gathered as family and friends to celebrate, once again, the birth of the Savior. The correct, more fitting song is, "Seek Ye First ..."No matter Who brings the presents, I now "Know for Sho" that the One is the Giver of Every Good and Perfect Gift. It occurs each time the Christmas Spirit is in our hearts snd minds, and we share LOVE with others! Then we experience fullness of joy, and unspeakable pleasures, for evermore! Without much thought we sing, "Joy to the World." |