Dear Santa

The Jolly old elf, controversal in the church, yet with origins of and by the church. I have a very different perspective of him and feel the need to share. Isn't the very essence of St Nick, if you think about it, very christian indeed? If your good and you believe, you get rewarded. He loves all the children, even the naughty ones. His colors are (at least here in America) red and white, significant when you think of his sacrifice (although not as brutal as Christs for sure) and his purity. I'm not saying he's an icon to be worshipped, however when there's so much evil in the world can we think of something other than exhibiting that awful emotion of hatred towards an innocent ancient old man who's only pleasure is to bestow hope and joy on the world? (even if it's only for one night.) He has lived his entire life struggling to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, to keep the children in their innocence, to bring a little happiness to us all.I'm proud to say that my family believes! We believe that God can and will do a little gift giving to us all during our lifetime. We believe in the spirit of Father Christmas as well. As the true St Nicholas believed, why not bring a little good into the life of children when they're surrounded by so much bad.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
For I so love my children that I will teach them about God, and let them have a little hope in humanity as well. I grew up thinking the world was on it's way out, I want my children growing up thinking theres always hope in this world. (But first you must believe.)
Okay here's something that a sensitive Christian, God fearing person might take offense to but I'm going to say it anyway. Fact: Most "Christian" holidays got their origins from pagan rituals, and Christmas is one of the biggest. So get over the fact that a cookie filled elf twinkles briefly in the eyes of so many children. Teach them the truth about God, but let them believe in a little magic. The hardest thing most christians struggle with is faith in miracles, and guess what, if they have no background in believing in magic they probably will only believe in what they can see, touch, taste and smell.
So we'll put the fire in the fireplace out, and hang our stockings with care and wait anxiously for St Nicholas to take away our despair. If only for one night a year.