JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS

Santa lives at the North Pole;

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh;

JESUS calms winds and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year ;

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies ;

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ;

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa ;

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap;

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name; all he can say is, "Hi little boy /girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name,

He knows our address too.

He knows our history and future and He even knows

how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly;

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is, HO HO HO;

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry;"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys;

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes

and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree,

JESUS became our gift and died on the Tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND FULFILLED NEW YEAR.

December Challenge

Last Sunday, we were given an interesting and uplifting challenge in Relief Society. With the holiday season upon us, we were reminded that one of the greatest gifts we have is our Conference Issue Ensign magazine with all of the talks by our general authorities from October's General Conference.

Our Relief Society president, Carolyn Cottam, challenged us to read the entire Ensign during the month of December. Seems like a big request with us having "so much on our plate" this month. BUT, she said that she counted up the number of talks in both Saturday sessions, both Sunday sessions, and the Relief Society General Broadcast - - it totalled 31 - - the same number of days in the month of December. She told us if we read one article a day for the entire month, we will have read all 31. For extra credit, we could read the talks from the Priesthood Session as well.

One of the neat talks in the magazine was that of Elder Worthlin. You have to read it to appreciate it - - especially since he passed away this past Monday night at the age of 91. He talked about how important laughter is in life and in a family. There is a fun story in his talk that will make just about anyone that reads it laugh. He makes other good points as well -- but I'll let you read it for yourself.

I'm gonna take the challenge and have already read two articles - - Sister Cottam gave us a little checklist to help keep us motivated while we read. Sometimes when you have the opportunity to have a visual aid showing you how much you're accomplishing, it can help you keep going until your goal is complete.

ENJOY YOUR ENSIGN - - it is so full of valuable information - - intellectual and spiritual!