.

His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous character we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement. "Teach The Children!" I was puzzled; what did he mean? He guessed my question, and with one quick movement pulled a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant star. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise." Once again he reached into his bag and removed a wreath and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases, like Gods love which has no beginning or end." He then brought out a Holly Leaf. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him." Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a candy cane and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the sugar cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back lost sheep to the flock.", our GOD." Suddenly, I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a bell. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring to guide us to God. The bell symbolizes guidance and return. It reminds us that we are all precious in the eyes of God."