Which miracle do you teach your kids?

The miracle of Santa Claus is a magical thing. I truly mean that. Every year, Santa helps kids know someone truly cares about them and their behavior. It allows parents an easy chance for hidden charity. It leads to a fascination about the wonders of the world.

How could one man do so much? Not just for me, but for everyone on Earth. How could he be so caring? How could he know so well how good or bad we have been, but constantly hope that we can make his good list? How could he love children so much?

Parents spend extended amounts of time convincing and reconvincing their children of the miracle of Santa Claus. They answer their kids questions. They watch movies featuring Santa. They read stories of Santa's work and his busy Christmas Eve night. They have answers for everything, whether it is how so many Santas can be in so many malls or pinpointing exactly where Santa's sleigh is online.

But, what is the real miracle of Christmas? If you can't answer that on your own, please, go to Mormon.org/Christmas. But, I think you can guess it.

It is the birth of the Savior, in a small stable in the little town of Bethlehem. It is of Mary's miraculous pregnancy, of the miraculous appearance of angels to some unknowing shepherds, of the miraculous star which was understood by some men far off in the East. It is of the opportunity opened to all of mankind by the opening of Christ's mortal ministry.

Again, we might ask the same questions: How could one man do so much? Not just for me, but for everyone on Earth. How could he be so caring? How could he know so well how good or bad our lives have been, but constantly hope--and constantly work so hard to make sure--that we can return with our Father again? How could He love the children of God so much?

If only we put the emphasis in teaching children the story of Christ's birth as we do on teaching children the story of Santa Claus. Think of the difference that could be made! If we could only focus on the gift Christ brought into the world before we thought of all the gifts Santa might leave for us!

I love Santa Claus, and he truly embodies much of the Christmas spirit, if given the right emphasis. But this year, let us remember the true miracle of Christmas. Even while Santa might come into your home through the chimney this Christmas season, it would be even better if Christ could come into it through your children's hearts.