I just finished reading my second Christmas book of the season. This was a delightful book written by Ed Butchart titled The Red Suit Diaries (A Real-Life Santa on Hopes, Dreams, and Childlike Faith), published by Revell. The book begins with the story of a five year old visiting with Santa. He ambled up the steps and climbed onto my lap, seating himself on my left knee. He stared expectantly into my eyes. This was serious business.
"Well, hello," I said, chuckling. The interview had begun.
"Hello," the little guy responded.
"How are you doing?" I asked.
"Fine."
"Well,"-and here came the inevitable question-"have you been a good boy?"
"Ummm..." The boy paused and looked up at the ceiling. He tapped his chin with his forefinger. "Umm..." he repeated, scouring the ceiling.
"What's he doing?" Trent whispered in my right ear. (Trent was the elf helping Santa)
We followed the boy's eyes to the ceiling to see what was so interesting up there. Nothing. Yet still the litte guy was tapping his chin and searching for...
Ah, I thought, he's looking for an answer. Here's a little man giving great thought to a most important question.
"He's thinking," I whispered to Trent.
"About what?" Trent was incredulous.
"I don't know," I chuckled, "but this ought to be good!"
Suddenly the boy stopped tapping his chin. "Well," he said as his eyes looked intently into mine. "Well," he started over in an effort to get his answer just right, "I had a pretty good August..."
Trent fell off his stool, and I burst into laughter as the kid, clearly puzzled, wondered what was so hilarious. Well, it was probably the first honest answer this Santa had ever heard!
The author goes on to tell many of these kinds of stories, along with some heartbreaking ones, but all pointed to the One who came to redeem us, love us, and give us the hope of eternal life. The Red Suit Diaries will help you keep the proper perspective on this Christmas season, as we bow in worship to the One who came for us. Emmanuel, God with us...
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