A symbol

        "This bell, like me, is a symbol of the spirit of Christmas." Santa's words in the storybook retold movie Polar Express. He doesn't claim to be the center of Christmas and I don't believe he ever will or would. He, like we, are in a circle of celebration every year. Giving gifts, sharing in the immortal spirit of joy that thrives in all in these December days (or instigates all in some other fashion). In this sense is Santa real? As real as the Christmas Trees and gifts under it. An element of a season contrived to help us see and recognize the gift we have all received. Salvation at the hands of a loving God. How grateful I am. How grateful we all should be. Sometimes it takes a person giving us chocolates to remind us that there is a greater gift to be thankful for. And, just like the season inspires the gifts, the Father inspires the goodness in all of us. The spirit brings to all the joy of the gospel. Perhaps for disciples of Christ Christmas is a way of life and December is our Sabbath.
         Is a symbol real? Why, of course it is. As real as a person, a place, a picture. Anything can be a symbol. But, does Santa have a soul? A body? Is he a person? No. He was never meant to be. A person has to live, and to live is to face trials and have more than a tummy full of jelly and a cheery laugh. Despite the many attempts at making Santa become a real person, he cannot be. The instant he is he ceases to be a legend, a myth, a symbol of the season, much like a frightening monster finally seen becomes shotgun-fodder. Thus, he goes on unseen and retains his magic, mystery, and inexplicable joy: all so that we may not see him in the season (the season would surely fall apart), but see the true immortal whose day and month it is. And, thus we see the association and the similac power of imagination to help us embody, employ, and express our joy. Merry Christmas to all of you, and to all of you the most wonderful birth of the savior once again.