Schools Pulls Obama Painting

By Fox Nation
May 13, 2010

HALLSVILLE — Art teacher Brittany Williamson said her student simply wanted to “get a reaction” with his painting that depicted President Barack Obama with a hammer and sickle symbolizing communism.
 
“That’s the whole purpose of art — to get a reaction,” Williamson said.
 
Although Williamson thought the Hallsville High School sophomore’s painting was “an amazing piece,” it received not-so-amazing critiques from some school staff and visitors who complained to Williamson and Superintendent John Robertson.

The painting was taken down Monday after being displayed for nearly two weeks.
 
Robertson said the piece was removed because it could have been construed to reflect an official position of the school district.

 

Read The Full Article

 

 

Source: Fox Nation

 

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Teachings of Jesus

By Kerry Patton
YC/Staff
April 4, 2010

Is America losing its freedoms? Do we truly have freedom of speech, expression, assembly, etc any longer?

Many can argue that we still have such freedoms; however, many more will argue that such freedoms are swiftly fading before us.

Freedom, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, is defined as “the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.”

It may also mean “the liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another.” Considering that every historical implemented document which serves as the United States foundation explicitly mentions the word “freedom,” one must ponder whether we are truly free today.

Does freedom constitute being forced into paying a specified “tax” for a service some may rather not have?

Does freedom constitute, being referred to as something you are not based off one’s own beliefs or opinions which provides a label onto others?

Does freedom constitute owning a specified business however be coerced into government scandals?

America is not the Middle East nor is it a Communist or Dictatorship controlled nation. America is the “land of the free.”

It is obvious that none of these statements equates to any form of freedom. Today however, all Americans have witnessed acts which deplete any form of freedom we once had.

Currently, no sign exists for an end to such actions and behaviors; or do they?

Indeed there are signs that freedom within the United States will soon prevail once again. The greatest of signs have been exemplified through the recent forming of mass political and social movements throughout the United States.

We have witnessed more and more celebrity persons, specifically within our news media, discuss religion and freedom. Religion and freedom, these are two words often used in the same sentence.

Many argue that the United States was not founded off religious principles. This is extremely debatable. Each and every founding father that signed his death wish through the creation of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of War, and the U.S. Constitution were students of the bible.

When reading such historical documents, those that understand the Christian beliefs will observe how faith centric these documents truly are. Many may not see it however; observe the Passover Feast with Jesus and his disciples according to John 13:1-20:

“It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.

Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.”

“The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

                ^“He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ ”

            “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ”

Hopefully, this passage will assist in seeing the greater picture. Was this episode with Jesus as simple an act as many may believe?

Do we “realize now” what Jesus was really doing? Our forefather certainly did.

Jesus was about to commit himself to the ultimate sacrifice, His crucifixion. He was willing to die for us, and torturously did so.

Prior to his death, He laid the foundation for all mankind following His footsteps. Biblically, water, can also be construed as ‘Word.’  It wasn’t just health and wellness-it was more about following the word of Jesus: 

kindness, love, neighborliness, and healing outside of respected social circles. 

 Actions at the time were used to push the bounds of societal norms without physical fight as seen in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper.

The disciples were not forced to do such actions rather they freely choose to fulfill such measures. Many of them died because of it.

They too were persecuted and brutally murdered. Our forefathers acted similarly. They opened the doors to those in need.

They laid the framework for others to follow and they also later faced persecution and brutality amongst those that observed the world differently then them.

The United States has been asleep for a long time. We have slept, and while we slept we dreamt about wealth, superiority, and everything opposite the teachings of Jesus.

We have failed to remember those that provided us with freedom. We have lost faith in our God. We have lost faith in our forefathers.

In turn, we placed too much faith in our own government and individual self-centeredness.

We have finally awakened. In time, today’s actions amongst the American patriots may be referred to as the “Fourth Great American Awakening.” With faith preserved once again, we will survive.

We will survive through inviting our neighbors to feast. We will not stop with just a feast rather we will wash our neighbors feet, we will embrace them as our flock, we will ensure their needs are taken care of, and encourage them to go out and do the same for others. 

We will not do any of these acts of kindness because we are forced to do so; rather we will freely fulfill such kindness because that is what Jesus taught.

Revelation 11:18 states that: “The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come.

It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.”

America is on the brink of total destruction. The American earth is soaked in blood due to past wars. Wars such as the American Revolution and the Civil War were fought over freedom.

More American lives have been lost throughout these wars than any other in our short history. We have been founded upon principles instilled in man to fight until our death to ensure freedom is preserved for all Americans.

Times have changed. We do not need violence amongst fellow Americans as too much bloodshed continues to be spilled in the world which we live. Instead, we need to willingly serve one another. We need to identify those in need and voluntarily assist them.

We need to live our lives to that which Jesus asked of us during the night of His Last Super. And lastly, we need to ensure elected officials support these values and principles which follows the footsteps of our Savior.

We have taken care of our own and many others throughout American history. We will be capable of fulfilling these principles on our own again.

It is time for big government initiatives to be stopped and allow the people of the United States the freedom to choose our own destiny.

 

Source: Kerry Patton

 

 

Editor’s Note: Kerry Patton served in the U.S. Defense and Justice departments, and as a contractor within the Homeland Security and State departments.

He has worked in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, focusing on intelligence and interviewing current and former terrorists, including members of the Taliban.

His upcoming book, “Sociocultural Intelligence: The New Discipline of Intelligence Studies,” is due out in June 2010. Currently, Mr. Patton teaches for Henley Putnam University. He is also a public speaker and available for speaking engagements.

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Celebration of Hope

By Sarah Palin
Apr. 4, 2010

For many of us, the arrival of Easter means the arrival of a new season of joy – of Easter parades, Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and sweet Peeps topping off a family meal. 

Some may wonder why we merrily celebrate at a time when we’re remembering Christ’s crucifixion on the cross. And there is something to that.

Good Friday is, after all, about God who became Man, dying on the cross for our sins. And yet we celebrate Easter Sunday, and we are right to do so.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

 

This one verse sums up the miracle that is the Easter season and helps explain the celebration.

Yes, Christ died for us, but in the end Easter isn’t a season of sadness. Ultimately, the story of Christ’s rising from the dead three days after the crucifixion is the story of the triumph of hope over despair.

Hope is one of America’s unique virtues. Hope makes us dream and achieve the seemingly impossible.

It’s who we are, and it’s why we’re able to always believe that our best days are yet to come, both for our families and for our country.

Easter time reminds us that we have every right to believe that this hope is based on time-tested truths and a solid foundation.

On behalf of the Palin family, I wish you all a peaceful and reflective Good Friday and a blessed and happy Easter Sunday.

 

 Source: Sarah Palin

 

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Glenn’s Easter Essay

By Glenn Beck
April 4, 2010

Editor’s Note: Glenn tells the story of the crucifixion in a tad more unconventional way than most – set to the music of Pink Floyd.

We wouldke to know wht you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

This telling of the death of Jesus was recorded by Glenn several years back and as Glenn says, always generates letters and emails asking him why he focused on the death.  

“Because everybody concentrates on Easter, and I know that without Easter, His death was meaningless. I concentrate on Easter every day. Every day, every day that I draw a breath, I know it is because I found my way out of the darkness.

Every day that I go home to my children and I see them, it’s because of Easter. Everything I have, everything I am is because I don’t celebrate Easter on just Easter. I’m grateful for Easter every day” – Glenn Beck

  

Here is his essay in his own words:

 

FREE AUDIO: Glenn’s Easter Essay

 

Source: Glenn Beck

Poem for Claire

by Dr. Laura
Mar. 1, 2010

I get many letters, I would like to share this one from Barry and I welcome ones from you.

 

Dear Dr. Laura:

I was a participant in an unwanted, unnecessary divorce…because my wife wasn’t ‘happy.’ I have 3 minor children who, despite my tremendous efforts to the contrary…only get to see me 7-10 days a month.

I do everything I can to remain in their lives so I might display to them the importance and value of good character, good values/morals, and integrity….

For Valentine’s Day, I wrote my 5 year old daughter a poem. I’m not a poet by any means. I’m your basic manly man.

These words simply came to me in the half-hour it took to write them down. In it are references to many things we do as a family….I thought you might like to read it:

 

A Poem for Claire

A poem for Claire is what I will try.

I hope it turns out – ya see, I’m only a guy.

There are jobs that I have-

One is being your Dad.

Out of all of the jobs

That one makes me most glad.

We do things we like

And some we don’t mind.

I’m pleased that you’re nice

And so warm and so kind.

I tell you I’m serious

But you know that I’m not

We’re both very silly

And we smile a LOT!

We sit out in back

And look at the clouds

You see shapes I don’t see

You make me so proud.

Walking to school

Is always so fun.

It’s been so cold lately

We can’t wait for the sun!

You fiddle with your homework.

Maybe a snack instead?

But each night we read

Just before time for bed.

I love when we play

You’re so very special

We dance and we laugh

Now it’s time to WRESTLE!

We cuddle on the sofa

Watch TV at night.

But we don’t watch a show

That might give you a fright.

We make up games to play

Sometimes go for a hike.

But what you like most

Is riding your bike!

You play Dan-Ball and Rock Band

And sometimes the Wii.

”Daddy, come look!

Come here! Come see!”

I’m busy in the kitchen

Moving fast there to here.

You’re the first and the loudest

During our dinnertime cheer.

I miss you dearly

When we’re far apart,

But I’ll always remind you

I’m in your head and your heart.

The message is clear

In this poem you hear.

Your Dad loves you greatly

And I will always be near.

I want you to know

You’re my best Valentine.

I will ALWAYS be yours

If you will be mine.

I love you.

Dad

You’ve made me a better man, Dr. Laura. I thank you.

 

Source: Dr. Laura

 

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Holding Kids Back?

By Jackie Morgan MacDougall
Jan. 18, 2009

With every stage of childhood comes a new dilemma. I remember when breastfeeding seemed like the biggest challenge in the world and things like potty training and finding a preschool brought me to my knees.

My sisters would giggle as I would pace and stress about whatever stage my kids might be in, thinking “just you wait ’til they’re teenagers.”

Why it is that no one warns you about the seemingly-simple decisions that can keep you up at night, wondering if one wrong move can send your kid into therapy until he’s 30.

Our quandary du jour involves our 4-year-old son and the possibility of kindergarten this fall. In our school district, the cutoff date is December 2, his birthday September 26.

While he’s a bright kid, his tantrums, need for daily naps, and regular desire for cuddles after being scolded make me think this kid needs another year in the safe environment of preschool.

While it used to be that parents would automatically send a child if he made the cutoff, parents now often hold a kid back for a variety of reasons, least of which are academic.

In asking around, I’ve gotten a mixed bag of passionate opinions and a little insight into the minds of some parents who will do anything to help their kid succeed.

 

We held one out of kindergarten due to age – he was two weeks away from the deadline. Why make him struggle forever? It has worked out great for academic reasons. — Liz

 

Two of my children started school right after they turned five. My fifth grader has straight A’s and our second grader is the top reader in his class. Both are the youngest in the class.

 

Why not enter your child into school when he/she is at the age of five? If they don’t do well then have them do a repeat of that year. Our children’s success has more to do with the involvement of the parents.                                    — Heather

 

While kindergarten readiness tests, school expectations and following your instinct are three suggestions in deciding whether your child is ready, even the experts don’t necessarily agree.

The National Association for Education of Young Children advises parents to follow age guidelines in their school districts unless there are very unique, extenuating circumstances. That’s the opposite recommendation of many educators I’ve spoken to.

In doing my research, I read a wide range of arguments but even many of the articles flip-flopped back and forth with opinions on whether to hold a kid back.

Thanks for the help, people! But one thing experts do agree on is that each child is different, and it’s best to make the decision based on where they are, with the help of your potential school.

But there are parents like Tim who made the tough decision a couple of years into his child’s school years. “When we moved from public to private, we had our middle child repeat 2nd grade.

He was a little immature and he would have been 6 months younger than anyone in his new class. It has worked out great. A little weird for him at first, he had to be convinced he wasn’t being “held back.” Now that he’s in 7th, it’s not even an issue.”

But it doesn’t stop in elementary school. One guy – we’ll call him Steve — I talked to revealed that in 7^th grade, his dad made the decision to hold him back in school. His reasoning?

It would give him a leg up in competitive sports, potentially paving the way for a full scholarship to the college of his choice. His dad wasn’t wrong in that he did in fact receive a full scholarship. But I couldn’t help but wonder…

Does holding a kid back help them succeed or just create another thing for them to blame us for later?

Steve’s dad isn’t the only one to pull that move. Melissa shared something that happened at her kid’s school, “There was one high school football player that was supposed to be on Varsity last season, since he was a junior.

Well, he knew that he wouldn’t START the games as a Varsity player, so he had his parents hold him back a year (so he could repeat his sophomore year) just so he would be able to start for the JV team.”

And while that’s not the norm in most communities, Melissa shared the complications of a situation more close to home. “My 13-year old son was born in May. His first cousin was born four months later in September.

My sister-in-law held him backs a year. Now my nephew feels strange/awkward that he is also 13, but one year behind my son in school.”

While we’re leaning to keeping our little man in preschool for one extra year, I guess this is another one of those parenting dilemmas where there is no right answer. We just cross our fingers and hope they don’t hate us later.

Source: Family

Editor’s Note: Jackie Morgan MacDougall, on the never-ending quest for balance, enjoys life in Los Angeles with her husband, Jeff, and their three small kids. Read more of her take on parenting, kids and everything else on The Silver Whining.

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Protecting Your Baby

By Safe Kids
Jan. 3, 2009

Fragile, helpless and innocent, your infant enters the world completely dependent on you.  From the moment you leave the hospital, you take steps to keep her safe. 

You buckle her tenderly into a rear-facing child safety seat for the ride home.  You check the bath temperature carefully before placing her in the water. 

At night, you tuck her in to a new crib, with a label that assures you it meets national safety standards.  But could you be doing more? 

Although your home should be a safe haven for your baby, it can be dangerous.  Babies face a list of potential injuries – including choking, drowning, falls, poisons and burns – that can overwhelm any parent. 

Yet each of these risks can be reduced or eliminated by taking simple, time-tested steps.  

The greatest gift you can give your baby is a safe environment.  Explore the links below to learn more.

To learn more about airway obstruction injury, falls and childhood unintentional poisioning read A Report to the Nation: Trends in Unintentional Childhood Injury Mortality, 1987-2000 (May 2003).

To purchase educational materials about specific risk areas, check out our Resource Catalog  (off-site link). 

Source: Safe Kids USA

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Autism: Father’s View

By Spiffy Moms
Jan. 2, 2009

It is a well recorded fact that being male and female, fathers and mothers react differently to the complex range of situations that come with family life.

This is especially true when confronted with the birth of a child who has autism. The actual diagnosis of autism could take a number of years before being fully recognized.
Certainly in the case of my own daughter there were a number of changes before she was finally diagnosed as having autism along with ADHD.

Being able to understand and cope with the situation is not helped, in this instance, by a variance of diagnosis.

Accepting that your child is not developing as expected can be one of the main areas of conflict between parents.

This is especially true in the case of the father, as the mother will naturally want to give that child all the love and attention they need, resulting in the father possibly feeling left out or inadequate.

As the father normally goes out to work there can be a tendency to leave most of the childcare to the mother instead of taking a share of the extra load.

Where this happens, there is a lack of strong bonding between the child and the father leading to the father distancing himself from the child.

All children need to feel wanted and loved by both parents. It is part of the responsibility of being a father to nurture and build a close relationship with your children.

If one of your children is autistic this is of particular importance as they might well not have the ability to communicate their feelings to others.

Our own upbringing, and the society that we live in, can have a dramatic effect on how we cope with having an autistic child. Their needs are more complex, and are often not immediately recognized by those outside of the child’s family environment.

The role of the father can be of major importance in ensuring that everything possible is put in place to help the family understand and cope with this stressful situation.

This could well involve some changes in our own attitudes and outlook.

As the father of a child that has autism, I would say to anyone in a similar situation that the rewards from building a loving and close relationship with your child far outweigh the extra time and effort needed.

There is no greater reward than hearing your own child say “ I love you” and to see the smile on their face as you spend quality time together. Do not be discouraged by the opinions of others who do not understand.

Start to show your love and develop a close relationship with your child straightaway. You will reap the benefits for years to come.

 

Source: Spiffy Moms

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

No to Family Activities

By Home word
Dec. 30, 2009

Our 15 year old son refuses to participate in family activities. He won’t go out for dinner, visit relatives or even join us at his little sister’s soccer games.

I know he needs some independence, but he’s still part of this family and we’d like him to realize that too. Any suggestions?

 

Your son is moving rapidly from dependence as a child toward independence as an adult. I think you are right; he does need some more autonomy and freedom.

However, he is only 15 and he is still very dependent on you and needs your family. I strongly believe that he should be included in many of the family experiences and on rare occasions given the freedom to not participate.

Many families are helped in this situation when they choose to have a weekly family meeting where they discuss the weekly schedule.

I have a feeling that your son doesn’t like having family outings and events sprung on him. Giving him a weekly notice it may help. Of course this isn’t the magic answer to your problem.

You may want to become very logical and methodical with your son. Create family expectations when it comes specifically to the issues you mentioned like his sisters soccer games and going out to dinner.

I might even ask, “Your sister has 8 soccer games this month, what you think would be a reasonable amount of games you could attend?” “Our family is going to dinner on Friday night from 6:30 to 9:00.

Would you like to have a friend come over from 9:00 to 11:00?” I find one of the keys to successful communication is to express your expectations with your teenagers and express them early.

I’ll tell you how not to do it. Some time ago my 16 year old daughter was home packing for cheerleading camp. My wife, Cathy, and I picked up our other two daughters from another event.

I thought it would be nice to take the family out to dinner together since our oldest daughter would be going to camp the next day for a week. Everyone thought it was a great idea in the car, except I forgot to take my oldest daughter’s desires into consideration.

I rushed into the house with the van still running and told her to drop what she was doing because our family was going to dinner. She didn’t want to go because she had made other plans with some friends.

I told her she was coming anyway and that I would drive her to her friend’s house after dinner. At this point her friends arrived to pick her up.

I had to walk out and tell them she would get there about an hour and half later because she was going out to dinner with her family.

She was not happy and she let us know it. The dinner was spent in discussion about the “need” for her to be with us.

She didn’t order anything because she was going to eat at her friend’s house, and we all ate fast to try and accommodate her desire to not be with us!

I ended up spending $40.00 on a meal none of us enjoyed and then had to take my daughter to her friend’s house and pick her up.

She went to bed far too late and the next day probably left for camp grateful not to be going out to dinner with the family, especially me! In that case she had been given no notice and I was unwilling to change the plans that we had made up only 5 minutes before I saw her.

We could have compromised with a quicker fast food type dinner or by saying to our daughter, “Well, it was a good try and it was last minute so the rest of us will go out and I would like you home early so we can send you off to camp with a family dessert and a prayer.

Instead we settled for a more expensive dinner that no one really enjoyed and no dessert or prayer!

As logical and left brain as this sounds I think your best results (and mine) will be found as you list out your family understandings and expectations ahead of time.

How many family dinners would you like to shoot for a week? How many soccer games are realistic and acceptable? What are our expectations when the relatives come to town or the family visits them?

Remember kids support what they help create so you may want your first attempt to be in a family meeting where you brainstorm those expectations. And keep in mind that

What you are experiencing with your 15 year old comes with the territory called adolescence.

 Source: Homeword

 

Editor’s Note: This question first appeared in the “Let’s Talk” column of Campus Life Magazine, a publication of Christianity Today International. Used with permission.”

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

A Special Christmas Gift

By Unknown
Dec. 25, 2009

Late one Christmas Eve, I sank back, tired but content, into my easy chair. The kids were in bed, the gifts were wrapped, the milk and cookies waited by the fireplace for Santa.

As I sat back admiring the tree with its decorations, I couldn’t help feeling that something important was missing. It wasn’t long before the tiny twinkling tree lights lulled me to sleep.

I don’t know how long I slept, but all of a sudden I knew that I wasn’t alone. I opened my eyes, and you can imagine my surprise when I saw Santa Claus himself standing next to my Christmas tree.

He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot just as the poem described him, but he was not the “jolly old elf” of Christmas legend. The man who stood before me looked sad and disappointed, and there were tears in his eyes.

“Santa, what’s wrong?” I asked, “Why are you crying?”

“It’s the children,” Santa replied sadly.

“But Santa, the children love you,” I said.

“Oh, I know they love me, and they love the gifts I bring them,” Santa said, “but the children of today seem to have somehow missed out on the true spirit of Christmas.

It’s not their fault. It’s just that the adults, many of them not having been taught themselves, have forgotten to teach the children.”

“Teach them what?” I asked.

Santa’s kind old face became soft, more gentle. His eyes began to shine with something more than tears. He spoke softly. “Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas.

Teach them that the part of Christmas we can see, hear, and touch is much more than meets the eye.

Teach them the symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas which we now observe.

Teach them what it is they truly represent.”

Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree and set it on my mantle. “Teach them about the Christmas tree. Green is the second color of Christmas. The stately evergreen, with its unchanging color, represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus.

Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that mankind’s thoughts should turn heavenward as well.”

Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at the top of the small tree. “The star was the heavenly sign of promise.

God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise on the night that Jesus Christ was born.

Teach the children that God always fulfills His promises, and that wise men still seek Him.”

“Red,” said Santa, “is the first color of Christmas.” “He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the color of the life-giving blood that flows through our veins.

It is the symbol of God’s greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave his life and shed his blood for them that they might have eternal life.

When they see the color red, it should remind them of that most wonderful gift.”

Santa found a silver bell in his pack and placed it on the tree. “Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold.

Teach the children to follow the true Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep.”

Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The soft glow from its one tiny flame brightened the room. “The glow of the candle represents how people can show their thanks for the gift of God’s son that Christmas Eve long ago.

Teach the children to follow in Christ’s foot steps…to go about doing good.

Teach them to let their light so shine before people that all may see it and glorify God.

This is what is symbolized when the twinkle lights shine on the tree like hundreds of bright, shining candles, each of them representing one of God’s precious children, their light shining for all to see.”

Again Santa reached into his bag and this time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped cane. As he hung it on the tree he spoke softly. “The candy cane is a stick of hard white candy.

White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock the foundation of the church, and the firmness of God’s promises.

The candy cane is in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth. It also represents the Good Shepherd’s crook, which He uses to reach down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.

The original candy cane had three small red stripes, which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus, so that we can have the promise of eternal life.

“Teach these things to the children.”

Santa brought out a beautiful wreath made of fresh, fragrant greenery tied with a bright red bow. “The bow reminds us of the bond of perfection, which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those with eyes to see and hearts to understand.

It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven-turned needles of the evergreen.

The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice. Even its very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ’s love.

It is a circle, without beginning and without end. These are the things you must teach the children.”

I asked, “But where does that leave you, Santa?”

The tears gone now from his eyes, a smile broke over Santa’s face. “Why bless you, my dear,” he laughed, “I’m only a symbol myself. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving.

If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I’ll ever be forgotten.”

“I think I’m beginning to understand.”

“That’s why I came,” said Santa. “You’re an adult. If you don’t teach the children these things, then who will?”

Source: Neloo

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

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