It has been a long night. Me and my hot cocoa only have a few minutes before we turn in early. Ho Ho Ho. But I thought I would take time for just one more story. Back in the throne room of Heaven plans were being made to announce the birth of one very special child. Michael, one of the angels, had just finished describing his heavenly display of comets and falling stars. Gabriel, a different angel, went on about his music plans, a great angelic choir of tens of thousands of voices, tuned with heavens finest and latest harmonies - ready to serenade the Earth. But God interrupted their conversation. “No,” he said, “that is not really what I had in mind. I planned a small family gathering, actually, we don’t need all those trimmings.” “But all my stars,” said Michael, “what will I do with them?” “And my music?” Gabriel added. “Father, let us do something, please,” Michael pleaded. “He just can’t go unannounced.” “Well, alright,” God said. “Gabriel, a few angels. And Michael, just one star.” Merry Christmas.

We come from many backgrounds, different places, a variety of cultures, some are old some are young. We are not all the same, and then again yes we are. We all look for hope, love and we pray for peace.This Christmas my many Santa helpers, this is what I pray for.May we awaken on Christmas morning as children, smitten by wonder and simple surprise. Today, let us give with grace and receive with thanks. May we remember that all the children on the earth are our family. Together, let can carry the warm heart fire to every home.Well it’s that time and I must be on my way. Remember get to bed early and if you have a little milk and maybe a cookie leave it out on the counter for me. I can’t wait to see you tonight. Merry Christmas.

A star to every wandering boat, or bark as Willy Shakespeare would put it; bark because boats are made out of wood. I love language – the subtlety of it. The words chosen by those mysterious poets that write our Christmas cards. Even more significant are the words personally written down by the giver of the card. Christmas can be a glorious time of the year, and in moments it can be very painful – to see others joyous as something has caused you anguish. You know the explorers, when they crossed the great ocean looking for the new world, would follow the stars. But just like all of us, there were times when they lost the star that gave them direction. Of course, they kept going, they couldn’t just stop in the middle of the ocean. What makes a star disappear? I supposed clouds could get in the way and block it from view; or maybe the day gets too bright all around us – it is hard to see a star at noon. Just because the star is out of sight, doesn’t mean it’s gone. And for those of you with pain this Christmas, my love go out to you. And just a gentle reminder, sometimes happiness requires a little effort. Be the Santa in you. Merry Christmas.

Santa is not normally a name, it’s a title: Latin, for Saint; normally a term given to someone who gives their life for the good of others. The first time I was called Santa, I knew myself to be undeserving. And even today, I am humbled by the sentiment. But I believe we are all called to this pursuit. This Christmas, when the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, then the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to bring peace among brothers. Let us come together as one to care for all the children on the Earth. Be the Santa in you. Merry Christmas.

Santa, All I want for Christmas is…for my little sister to disappear.more diapers for my baby brother – my mother says he is 90% liquid.A hundred pound box of $1,000 bills.Nothing selfish for me, just something plain and simple for my mother.A son in law.I remember a little boy who wanted Rudolph for Christmas, and although it breaks my heart, often people ask for gifts that are not within my right to give. Sometimes people ask for gifts that just simply wouldn’t be good for them. Remember, sometimes the gift is the present you never receive. Be the Santa in You. Merry Christmas.