Jimmy was just six years old. He was all boy. He could go outside and get dirty in under one minute. His mother was a single Mom and she struggled just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Christmas was an especially rough time for them. She could work a second job but she needed the money just to heat their simple apartment."

Jimmy wanted a Christmas tree. He knew if he had a tree then Santa Claus would come. See, all the times before Santa hadn't seen a tree.. that's why he hadn't left any presents. His mother wanted to buy a tree but she just couldn't afford it. In the big city, trees were expensive and the lot owners would rather burn them up than give them away.

Jimmy went to Church on Sundays. He liked the Children's Pastor, Brother Bob. Brother Bob and his wife would give them special treats for no reason. They would say that they just loved kids. They didn't have any kids anymore. Their kids were all grown up.

One day, Jimmy asked Brother Bob, "Do you believe in Santa Claus? Some of the older kids said there isn't a Santa Claus."

Brother Bob said, "Well, Jimmy, when you get older it is harder and harder to believe in Santa Claus."

Jimmy wanted a tree and he decided to take things into his own hands. After Church, he went down to the altar and he began to pray. "God.. I have been really good this year. Well, pretty good and I was wondering if you give us a Christmas tree this year. I want one but I really want it for my Mom. She works so hard and I want Santa Claus to stop by our house. I want my Mom to get something special."

As Jimmy finished praying, he got up and he saw Brother Bob walking toward the back of Church. He yelled, "Brother Bob, you looking for me?"

Brother Bob, turned around with a strange look on his face, and said, "No.. No.. I was just going by."

Christmas eve came and little Jimmy was afraid that God didn't hear him. It was already night and there was no tree. There was a knock on the door. Jimmy's Mom opened the door and there stood a young man. Jimmy thought he recognized him from the Church. On the young man shoulder was a beautiful Christmas Tree. The young man said, "Jimmy here? Got a Christmas Tree special delivery for a boy named Jimmy."

Jimmy was beside himself. He ran and jumped up and down. He looked at the beautiful green fir. It must be six feet tall he thought. There was a tag on the tree. It said, "To: Jimmy From: Jesus"

Right behind the young man, came someone else stomping up the steps. It was Santa Claus. On his shoulder was huge bag. Jimmy could hear him, "Oh, Oh, Oh and a Merry Christmas!" He opened his bag and out poured presents. Not one or two but dozens of presents with Jimmy's name and his Mom's name written on them." Jimmy went wild and he looked at his Mom and she had tears streaming down her face but she was smiling.

As they walked away, the young man turned to Santa Claus and said, "Brother Bob, I haven't believed in Santa Claus for a long time. But tonight, I think I do."

Santa Claus is a mythical figure. The story started with a religious man who wanted to share the love of Christ with desperate people. Nickolas would gather food, clothing, small gifts and candies. And then in the cold of winter he would ride and sled to the poorest areas and share his bounty with the less fortunate. From this kind, loving, Christian man who shared Christ's love came the image we have today.

Christmas should be a time of sharing. We should give gifts. It reminds us that God gave the greatest gift.. His Son. What better way to celebrate His birth than by giving gifts to others. But don't stop with just your loved ones.. Be like Nickolas.. Be like Brother Bob.. give to someone who can't give back!