I read an article this morning of an editorial that appeared in the New York Sun on September 21, 1897 in response to an inquiry from eight-year-old, Virginia O’Hanlon. “I’m eight years old. Some of my friends say there is no Santa Claus. My papa says if you see it in the “Sun” it’s so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?” The reply from the Sun’s editor, Frank Church, is still one of the most memorable editorials of all time.

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love, and generosity and devotion exist…How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginia’s…The most real things in the world are things that neither children nor men can see…Thank God, he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now he will continue to make glad the hearts of childhood.”

I’ve read that story before, and I enjoy reading the perspective in which Mr. Church wrote his response. He wrote not to destroy one’s faith or hope, but for adults who would understand as it is love, generosity, and devotion.

As believers in Christ we know and understand the love, hope, and generosity bestowed on us from the creator of the universe, God Almighty. There are Virginia’s in the world today who would ask, Is there really a Savior? We should be ready to answer, Yes, my friend, there is a Savior, Jesus Christ. He rose from the dead on the third day from a burial tomb. He rose so that you and I can have eternal life after this life is over and abundant life in Him while alive on this earth. He rose from the grave, He lives today, and He will live forever. Not 10×10,000, that would only be the beginning and He invites you to join Him, during this life and forever.

You may not be able to see Him, but as Mr. Church wrote, “The most real things in the world are things that neither children nor men can see.” Jesus Christ is the most real thing present on this earth.

How dreary it would be without Jesus Christ, our living Lord and Savior. Yes, my friend, Jesus is alive and lives forever in the heart of every true believer. And we should rejoice that He is real and living. He is not a storybook or fictional character. He is a blessed reality – it is Christ who will continue to make glad the hearts of children and men. That, my friend, is the real truth. Do you truly know Him?

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.