Grayson received this letter on Christmas morning. He sure is blessed to have such a wonderful, loving grandfather Santa.

(You can read last year’s letter here.)

Dear Grayson,

Well, here I am again. Remember last year when I told you I added you to my list? Once on my list, always on my list. You can count on that.

I know you have not had much to celebrate this past year. Doctor appointments, trips to the emergency room, tubes down your nose, a hole in your stomach- not a whole lot there to remember with pleasure. But here I am on your roof again. You can count on that.

Which is the reason that everybody is celebrating now- something to count on. Many years ago a prophet named Isaiah said, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” You see, back then there was also a lot of unpleasant stuff. The darkness of sickness, pain and disappointment has always tried to overcome us. Back then, however, there was no reason to believe that we had any choice to give in. One can not see very far in the dark.

But the God who loves us stepped in with-get this-a special child. I know the term is one that you and your mom and dad wish would go away, but the reason that you and I and everyone else are able to know more than darkness is because on that first Christmas we learned what special really means- God among us. He took all that sickness, pain and disappointment on himself and showed us all that the life he has given us is abundant, eternal and above all else, something we can count on. From that single light many years ago come all the lights you see today, all the songs, all the good wishes, and even a fat man in a red suit.

Your family is celebrating today because they too know that God is among us. they know it especially well this year because even as weariness and tubes came in and out, so did God’s promises and new strengths. Light always defeats darkness. You can count on that.

A man that visits every house in the world in a single evening also counts on nourishment, as do his reindeer (who also say hi). Thanks for the cookies and carrots and waffles. I especially like visiting a house where gaining weight is a good thing!

Enjoy this day with your family and continue to bring out the best in them. I will have my elves keep an eye on you and will be back myself next year. You can count on that.

Love,

Santa