Look for Santa and Jesus

People could tell things about Jesus, too. In this week's Gospel (Luke 2:22-40), even though Jesus was just born, two people can already tell He's going to be special!

When Jesus was a baby, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple (like church) for the first time. An old man named Simeon was there. He saw baby Jesus and just knew Jesus was the Messiah, the person who would save the world! Then an old lady named Anna said the same thing. Mary and Joseph were amazed! They took Jesus home to Nazareth, where He grew up strong and smart and close to God.

Simeon and Anna weren't looking for Santa; they had spent their whole lives looking for God. They knew Jesus would come to save the world someday, so they prayed and waited for Him. But Jesus wasn't like Santa -- they really could see Him. When they saw Jesus, they knew He was God!

If you know Santa's watching you, you'll work really hard at one thing: being good. You want to make sure Santa knows you're good, so he'll bring you presents at Christmas!

Anna and Simeon were good people, too. That's why they could tell Jesus was God before He was even a grownup. Even Mary and Joseph were surprised they could tell that!

While you're waiting these last couple of days before Christmas, your parents might want you to remember that Santa can tell how good you're acting.

But there's someone else you should be good for besides Santa: Jesus. Jesus is always watching you and wants to be proud of you -- not just at Christmas!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me find you everywhere, at Christmas and all the time! Amen. Merry Christmas!

(12-23-99)