Santa Claus

Govindaram · November 14, 2003

Who is he? and why does he always have a big beard,

and read suit?

Is he a mythical person, and what does he have to do

with Christmas, Lord Jesus Christ Appearance Day?

November 16, 2003

In the 4th century lived an archbishop in what is now known as Turkey. His name was Nicholas. The legends abound about his good deeds to sailors, poor people and especially children. It is said that he placed gold coins in the socks of three poor sisters so that they would have a dowry and not be sold. He died in Turkey but his body was transferred to Italy where his tomb is a shrine. Our legends of Santa Claus derive from this very real man, Saint Nichol

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From "Conversation with the Bus Driver":

While I was driving the bus yesterday in Provo I was transporting a young 20 yr old BYU coed. I turned and asked her, "Do you believe in Santa Claus?"

She hesitantly said "yes" and kind of giggled nervously.

I replied, "I believe in him, too! After all he did live, didn't he?"

She nodded her head hesitantly, yes.

Then I went on to say, "Wasn't he a real man, a giver of gifts to children and the poor who inspired others to do the same?"

She said, "Yes," and started to brighten considerably.

I continued, "Didn't Santa Claus set an example for us all to be giving and to be charitable?"

She acknowledged that was true.

"Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus raised or elevated our consciousness and helped us rise above our selfish natures and put us on a higher level of frequency," I explained. "But of course Santa Claus doesn't live anymore. He lived clear back in the 4th century and his remains are in Italy. But does that mean that there is no such person as Santa Claus?" I said to her, "No, of course not. When he passed away did he not go to heaven?," I asked the now very interested coed. "And when you pass away and I pass away and everyone do we not go to heaven?"

She nodded strongly and said, "Of course."

When we are inspired at this time of the year to give as Saint Nicolas did to one another we become a part of the Santa Claus Frequency. This is why we feel so happy and merry this time of the year. We sing songs and acknowledge the reality of Jesus Christ as well as Santa Claus. This is why I believe in Santa Claus.

The time came for the BYU coed to get off the bus and go home. As she stepped off the stairs she turned to me and said, "Thank you for the enlightenment. I can't wait to go and tell my roommates, I believe in Santa Claus."

-- Ren Carter