YES VIRGINIA, THERE IS A "CHRIST CHILD"

On September 21, 1897, Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's "The Sun" Newspaper.  The response of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.  Virginia's letter read:

"DEAR EDITOR:  I am 8 years old.  Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.  Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'  Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

I often wonder as a Christian parent and grandparent... in years past trying to teach my children, and now in the present my grandchildren, that Christmas is "Jesus' Birthday"... if they become confused as Virginia was years ago.  It seems that "Joy to the World - The Lord is Come" has been drowned out by "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."  

Children are taken each year to see Santa to share with him their list of wishes... yet we know that it is our Heavenly Father that is the giver of every good gift.  (Acts 17:25b  "seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and ALL things;")  We lead our children to believe that Santa is "all powerful" because he can deliver all the toys around the world in just one night --- that he "knows all" because he knows if you have been good or bad all year --- and that he "sees all" because he sees you when you are asleep or awake, and can be everywhere at one time delivering toys in a matter of hours.  We must teach them that it is the "Christ Child" who is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent.  Santa brings them joy one night out of the year... Jesus can bring them joy for a lifetime.

In all the rush and excitement of the special days ahead... let us remember that God gave the greatest gift the world has ever known, the gift of His only Son.  

Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.  No Christ Child!  Thank God!  He lives, and He lives forever.  A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, He will continue to make glad the heart of man.

YES VIRGINIA.... THERE IS A CHRIST CHILD AND CHRISTMAS IS HIS BIRTHDAY!