December 21 – “Santa and the Galveston Fire Department”

I took a few pictures out in the dark last night.  Now why would I do something like that?  Because Santa Claus was riding around in our neighborhood, that’s why.  Not in his sleigh, though.  I guess the reindeer were resting up for their big night on Saturday.  But this was even better.  See, Santa was up in the back of … drumroll here … none other than a fire engine.  Yep.  That’s right.  The Galveston Fire Department was enlisted by the jolly old dude to take him on one last trek around the city of Galveston to check out all the good little boys and girls.  Since Santa’s sleigh was getting last minute tune-ups and his reindeer were taking those final long naps, what better way to connect with the city than from the back of a fire truck? 

Chris and I walked around our neighborhood twice waiting for the big moment to arrive. One of the streets was relatively dark, but the one little girl we did see out with her Mom was absolutely giddy.  The other street on Santa’s route, though, was a veritable hotbed of festivity.  Many houses were lit up with Christmas lights.  Dads were out in the street tossing the football around with their children.  Moms and Grandmas were snuggled under blankets in lawn chairs.  One family had even brought their fire pit out near the street.  Apparently they were waiting for a family member to get back from the store with marshmallows for roasting. 

When Santa first pulled into the neighborhood, one exuberant youngster took off running after the truck.  I assured his Mom that the route would wind back right in front of their house if he could just be a little more patient.  She managed to call him back.  And sure enough, when the truck passed by the second time, the kiddo was racing to catch up again.  I watched as Santa gave his final, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”  The young one turned dejectedly back toward home, shoulders slumped.  Just as he passed me I heard him sigh, “There goes my dog.”  I think he wanted to let Santa know his hopes for Christmas morning.  His depression didn’t last but a second, though.  It’s hard to stay down in the dumps when you are a little kid and Christmas is in four days.  He was laughing as he headed back inside. 

Our neighborhood was among the last on the route of a three-night Santa excursion through the city.  The first two nights had been much colder, but Santa still made his rounds.  Thank you, Galveston Fire Department for this unique Christmas gift to the community. 

Ephesians 6:14-18 says, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Father, thank you for creative approaches to bringing joy to children’s hearts.  Amen.