Victoria Grodis 
December 23, 1998 
Victoria R. Grodis, 90, Of Damon Street, West Pittston Died Wednesday At 
Wilkes-barre General Hospital.

Angeline Finnen

Thursday, December 24, 1998 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 





Yes, Virginia, there is no Santa Claus in a truly Christian observance &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I spied an unusual nativity scene recently during a leisurely walk. The
figures of Joseph and Mary were present, but Jesus was not. The crib was
empty. Next to the display stood an imposing figure of Santa ClausThis curious
display captures the essence of the modern-day observance of Christmas. Sadly,
for many Jesus is absent. The incessant quest for gifts, decorations, parties
and Santa Claus have taken precedence in our secular society. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What is truly unsettling, however, is the infiltration of the Santa persona
into some churches. During a recent sermon, a pastor remarked, "Be a Santa to
someone." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In another church, I noticed pictures of Santa interspersed with other,
traditional Christmas decorations. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 What place does Santa have in the house of the living Lord? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Our children must realize that Santa Claus- although based on a historic
individual- is a myth and has no place alongside Jesus Christ, the Savior of
the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Without Jesus, Christmas is meaningless. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 My hope is that Chri

Yes, Virginia, There Is No Santa Claus In A Truly Christian Observance 
I Spied An Unusual Nativity Scene Recently During A Leisurely Walk. The 
Figures Of Joseph And Mary Were Present, But Jesus Was Not. The Crib Was 
Empty. Next To The Display Stood An Imposing Figure Of Santa Claus.

Yes, Virginia, There Is No Santa Claus In A Truly Christian Observance I Spied An Unusual Nativity Scene Recently During A Leisurely Walk. The Figures Of Joseph And Mary Were Present, But Jesus Was Not. The Crib Was Empty. Next To The Display Stood An Imposing Figure Of Santa Claus.