Each year when we were kids we would read a little paperback book. The name of the book is The Adventures of Nicholas or The Wonderful Life and Complete Account of That Famous Toymaker and Children's Friend, Nicholas Better known as Santa Claus
The author is Helen Siiteri and the book is illustrated by Wayne Blickenstaff
This book always filled my heart with love and gratitude for the Christmas season. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I may sound very childish saying this, however, I have room for Santa Claus in Christmas. He is a disciple of Jesus Christ and brings happiness, peace and excitement to all people who believe. (We are the ones who have commercialized Christmas, not Santa.) I love this picture of Santa. He is my friend. (The artwork above is by Dean Morrissey and titled The Portrait of Father Christmas.) The book I have is old. I got it when I was in grade school. We had times we could buy scholastic books and it is one of those books. The copyright is 1966. That is probably the year my parents bought it for me. The pages are discolored and the back cover is missing. The front cover is there...ripped and off the rest of the book. I have it in a zip lock bag to keep it from getting torn any more. I love it. When I was young my parents read to us. When I was old enough I read... and read...and read. I LOVED it when the time for the Scholastic book sales came. We weren't rich, however, there were very few times Cindy and I (and later Denise) didn't get at least one book each. If I could thank my parents for one thing I believe it would be their giving me the love of books (reading). It has made a huge difference in my life.
What goes around comes around. Here is what has come around. Because of my ability to read I have been able to read the scriptures. I have learned about the Savior's love for me. I am so grateful for ALL He has done for me. I love this time of year. It is a time I remember ALL those things and also imagine the precious baby He was. I love children...anytime I have an opportunity to learn of them, I am happy. I have imagined many times what it must have been like then. It must have been some night for all who were privileged to have been there.
"Every Knee Shall Bow" by Gaye Frances Willard
Unknown Title by Gaye Frances Willard
The above two portraits are the way I see Santa Claus. He IS part of Christmas because of the Christ Child...he represents the child in all of us. It is so impressive to me when someone can paint, draw, sketch, watercolor or any number of ways to express in such detail what I am thinking and am not able to express. I find myself often looking through artwork to catch the feeling I have. (The pieces I share in my blog may have copyright laws attached to them.) I put them in my blog to show my inner feelings which I find unexpressable in other ways. When I see some artwork it is like "THAT IS IT! THAT SHOWS WHAT I HAVE BEEN FEELING AND THINKING!"
The saying goes "Jesus is the reason for the season". I feel that and know that with ALL my heart and soul. I also know "There is room for Santa in Christmas". This year I will be reading The Adventures of Nicholas once again and as in every year for many many years I will be grateful for a man who was kind, generous, loving and obedient...sound like anyone you know? I love Jesus Christ so much. He has been an example to sooo many...even Santa Claus!
Merry Christmas everyone!!! I hope Santa brings you all you need and I pray Jesus Christ will bless your lives forever. Happy New Year, too. 2012 is coming soon...God bless us one and all.
