The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 18:16, “Jesus called them unto him, and said, ‘Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:

for of such is the kingdom of God.’

17 “Verily I say unto you, ‘Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.’”

Millions of young children (and some even older) will awaken early this morning to see what presents

Santa Claus has left them under the Christmas tree. Despite the fun and frivolity that accompanies this day, the entire season has been hijacked! It is and ought to be the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Yet, some 280 years ago, a legend overtook the true meaning.

Satan is as subtle as he is cruel. Slipping poison into someone’s milk is as deadly as a gunshot. Both achieve the same nefarious end. So, instead of trampling on a display representing the Christchild’s birth, Satan simply pushes the display of fun and frolic and undermines Christmas’ true meaning.

Jesus call was for “little children to come unto (Him).” The “forbid them not” surely covers the idea of Santa.

Children are “programmed” to believe. Whatever standards their parents display before them become their standards for life. Even the Salvation Army, originally called the Christian Mission and founded in 1865 by William Booth, a British evangelist, who preached the Gospel and and helped the poor, has now for many years attired their bell-ringers in Santa Claus garb.

There is only one hope for the world, and it lies in leading children to accept Jesus Christ as their LORD and Savior. Every opportunity we have with children should carry an emphasis on Jesus Christ. We may never stamp out the Santa Claus sherade, but we can steer some childrens’ minds toward Him. This will produce in them the Merriest CHRISTmas of all –one that leads them to Eternal Life in Glory!

Lovingly and prayerfully yours,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”