Merry Christmas! As I type these words, it is Christmas
Day, 2000. Seven more days and we will begin the third
millennium since the first Christmas. This little story
is a dream, so it all happens now. The facts are
imaginary, based on my memory of existing stories and
legends. Maybe some of these ideas are available to us
all from the same source. We work to inspire each other
to get it for ourselves.
Near the end of the movie, Gandhi, Miriam, his English
disciple, tells the American reporter that Mahatma
Gandhi had the secret to peace. At the time, I thought
she was talking about his non-violent methods. But that
was just his strategy for victory. Gandhi's greatest
contribution, in my opinion, came after India's
independence. The Muslims and Hindus were struggling for
control. The flag pole at Gandhi's residence bore no
flag. He refused to take sides. The secret to peace is
for government not to take sides in religious and
cultural issues. Dr. Martin Luther King followed Gandhi,
not only in non-violence as a strategy, but in his dream
for a world of tolerance. He did not preach dominance of
either race. This little day-dream is about the
advantages of government not taking sides. Since I
expect nearly everyone has taken some side or another in
religious and cultural issues, you might be
offended-offended because I have not taken your side. If
you are not offended then either: a) we agree on all
questions and we must be spiritual clones, or b) you
have reached a level of spiritual maturity beyond
offense and the world is blessed by your presence.
If you find something outrageous or offensive, I suggest
you consult your own inner source of truth-maybe a quiet
meditation in the mountains. If your truths are
vindicated, they will be stronger and you will expound
them with more power. If you are prompted to discover
some previously unknown inner truth, this story can be a
spiritual blessing.
If you accept any of my truths, without checking your
inner source, you are probably violating the very truth
you are accepting. Please, believe me when I advise you
not to believe me. I don't believe any of us can make it
on borrowed beliefs. If you consult your inner source,
regardless of your answer, my job is done. If you do not
consult your inner source, I have written in vain and
can only hope you have been entertained. If not, then
please accept my most sincere apology.
Before we begin, I want to thank the following friends
who reviewed my manuscript and gave useful suggestions:
Paolo Barattini, Jim Cadman, Ben Valdez, Bryant Larsen,
Scott Bergeson, David Reed, Bob Madrid, Steve Gustaveson
(Hank), David Marsh, Bill Hinz.
Review:
"Thank you for letting me read this document. It was a
genuine honor and I really enjoyed it. As I mentioned, I
think it would make a great movie."
-Steve Gustaveson (Hank)
***
PROLOGUE
***
Our story begins yesterday, Christmas Eve before the
third millennial dawn. I'm about to finish being Santa
for one more year. I make a pretty good Santa. I put on
his costume and he speaks through me. I'm perfectly
shaped to be Santa. I'm 5 feet 9 inches tall and weigh
about 230 pounds. The Santa outfit is snug, but not
tight. The beard and wig are perfect. Some women have
even said I'm an attractive Santa. So, lean back, close
your eyes (not your physical ones) and enjoy the show. I
work as Santa at the Valley Fair Mall. I'm seated at the
top of a double stair-way so the kids can come up one
side and go down the other. They sit on my lap while
nervous parents coach and the store photographer takes a
picture. In the case of crying infants, I encourage the
mother to sit on my lap holding her child. That usually
works. Somewhere in the madness, I try to have a
personal conversation with each child.
Chapter I
