The very first Santa Claus was St. Nicholas. This saint a kind Bishop who gave food and gifts to the poor and those in need. Centuries later, The Christmas Preacher follows in his footsteps. The Christmas Preacher begins his Christmas preparations early in the year. Through ministering and observing his little parish, he has come to understand the needs of all the families he serves. He knows several families who would appreciate a little extra food at Christmas time, so breads and jams are placed in his basket. A big fat goose will make the Christmas dinner a feast to remember. The children of his congregation will be surprised to find new toys under their trees, a lovingly carved rocking horse, ships, a drum set, books and dolls. Other presents are wrapped in gaily-decorated paper and string. The Christmas Preacher carries a tree strung with bright red cranberries and surrounded by a little white fence. He wears a thick coat and long knit scarf to keep out the winter cold. To decorate his simple attire, he has placed a sprig of holly in the band on his hat. Humble and generous, the Christmas Preacher knows that the essence of Christmas is not just in words but in the good deeds one performs for his fellow man in the name of the Christ Child.
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