By Danny Minton

When did you stop believing? Most of us grew up believing that every Christmas Eve, a jolly man with a white beard, wearing a red velvet suit, would come into our homes while we were asleep and leave us gifts. It was a magical time of innocence and excitement. We wrote him letters and sat on his knee at department stores. We were engrossed in every TV show where he showed up. We made lists of the gifts we wanted and made sure we were good, at least in the month of December. His name was Santa Claus, Saint Nicolas, Father Christmas, Papa Noel, Sinterklaas, or one of the numerous names around the world. Life was simple when we believed. The world was filled with snowflakes, bells, colorful lights, and the smell of fresh cedar trees. December stood still as we waited impatiently for the special day. 

When did you stop believing? Do you remember the day that you discovered that the man in the red suit was actually your parents? For a brief moment in our life, the magic faded. We felt a hint of disappointment, and from that point on, the unknown excitement was gone. We still looked forward to Christmas, but the man in the red suit became just that: a man in a red suit. Although we stopped believing in Santa, we still passed that magic we once knew to our children, and they will pass the same magic to theirs.

Believing in something is the glue that holds us together. It’s grasping what we cannot see and keeping hope alive in our hearts. When people no longer believe, they lose that hope and excitement of what lies ahead. This time of the year is a time of believing. Although, as adults, we no longer believe in a physical Santa Claus or Papa Noel, there is a reminder of something more significant to believe in during this season. 

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:11-14 (NIV2011)

Never give up hope. Never let the world convince you that there is no savior. Most of all, Never stop believing.

Danny Minton is a former Elder and minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ