We finished the interview. All went well. I was fairly certain that the job was mine. But then, an aging man of wrinkled face, who had not said a word the whole time, raised his hand. In a voice tinged with emotion and soaked in suspicion, he asked gravely, “The last Pastor said no Santa at Christmas time. It’s not Christian. What’s your position?”  

I was not quite sure whether he was for or against Santa, but I knew that my fate hinged upon my answer.  I thought for a moment trying to figure out a middle ground.  There was, however, no compromise to be had, so I answered honestly, “What’s wrong with an old man giving gifts to kids on Christmas? I say bring Santa on!”

The old man leaned back in his chair and made a motion that I should be that church’s new pastor. The ensuing vote was unanimous.

The next Christmas, Santa arrived at the church Christmas dinner as that old man sat in the back row with an un-Grinch-like-grin on his face.

Me thinks there is nothing wrong or not Christian about good old St. Nick. After all, Santa is love coming down the chimney. 

I also think Santa fits quite nicely with the God-idea.  After all, Christmas is God’s love coming down from the heavens!

Thanks Santa!  Thanks God!  Merry Christmas!

John E. Holt, Cotuit, Massachusetts