Blog 154 – 11.4.15

In 1976 I was working in a church that had a large bus ministry to children. Sometimes we bused in more than a thousand children to Sunday School and Church. We had many fun promotions to attract and make riding the bus and attending fun. I believe the twenty fifth of July was a Sunday that year and so we planned a Christmas in July promotion with Santa Claus and lots of candy for the kids. Someone even provided an antique sleigh for the guest of honor. I had the wonderful privilege of donning the suit, beard, and boots and standing in for the jolly fellow.

That was the first time I ever wore the suit and let me tell you if Santa came in July he would be wearing a tee shirt and Bermuda shorts. I roasted, got over heated, and was off three days with flu like symptoms. But had the time of my life. To be immediately adored by a thousand kids and almost as many adults is a wonderful experience and I recommend it to all.

I have dressed like Santa many times over the years and always had fun and saw lots of smiles. One of the big pluses of dressing up like Santa is that all the pretty girls want to have their picture made with Santa and most are willing to sit on Santa’s lap. Not a bad gig at all.

This Halloween I dressed as Santa and helped hand out candy to over three hundred trick or treaters. After the candy was all gone I went to a bar and sang three Karaoke songs, Here Comes Santa Claus, Big Bad John, and She’s Always A Woman. And I know some of you think going to a bar is a sin, or even dressing like Santa Claus. Well, I read your book and judging others is a biggie too. And in First Corinthians Chapter Thirteen in listing some of the attributes of Love it says, “Love does not keep a list of wrongs.” Neither does my Santa Claus. As Gene Autry sang so many years ago in the song he sang first Here Comes Santa Claus:

Here comes Santa Claus,
Here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
He doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor
He loves you just the same
Santa Claus knows we’re all God’s children
That makes everything right
So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer
‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

May the loving spirit of the Big Guy live in our hearts not just at Christmas or even Halloween but every day of our lives.

Your friend and fellow traveler, Santa’s helper,
David White