Prepare to Meet Santa Claus, Part II - For Goodness Sake

 


It was the last year of the millennium when I met a holy man who was not like any Santa I had ever seen before. I wouldn’t call what he was wearing a suit, though he did wear red woolen pants, a coat, and a hat of the same color. This was not someone you would see in any department store. This encounter happened in a residential area in Stuttgart, Germany as I walked with a friend on Christmas Eve. 
 
It was cold, but the snow from earlier that week had already worn away from foot traffic. My friend and I were in a jolly mood. I was laughing when I noticed that my friend had stopped a few steps back. What happened? I wondered. Her mouth was open wide enough to whisper “Are you seeing this?” 
 
My eyes moved to follow the direction of her gesture, and I saw what had stopped her in the middle of our merry banter. Dressed as I told you, a sober and holy man with a full white beard had appeared by the light of a street lamp. He was not pleased.
 
He proceeded to explain the significance of what was happening in no uncertain terms. I understood him to say that we did not understand anything about the real meaning of Christmas. This was, of all nights, a holy night. 
 
We had been drinking some, and our jovial English speaking voices together with the uneven pattering of our feet on the pavement may have given the impression that we were impervious to the meaning of the silent night. 

He spoke to us in German. For a second a look of surprise gave pause to his stern countenance when he heard me respond to him in the same tongue. I was not so far gone to take offense at being called to task by Father Christmas. 
 
Respectfully, I acknowledged that to be ignorant of the significance of our traditions, and the gifts of our father in the seasons as they have progressed so far did not mean that it was too late for us to learn. This was enough for him. He wished us well.   

Notice the stories you tell about whether you have been naughty or nice. Are you telling the stories to make yourself feel better, or are you in earnest?     

Recognize that the respect you have for the holy father and the respect you have for yourself are closely related. If you can respond to the father of the traditions of the land where you live in his own language you will receive his blessing.  

Respond to the call for prayer in the silent night, even while visions of sugarplums may dance in your head. See when you are sleeping, and know when you are awake.  

 
* GODSPEED stands for “Gather Only Data in Sync with the Purpose of Every Excellent Deed.”


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