Hear the snow crunch,

see the kids bunch,

This is Santa’s big scene.

— from “Silver Bells” composed in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

The Christmas season has a magical effect of changing the way we see our world.

“Magic” is not too strong a word to describe the season’s power of restorative hope. The word comes from magi, the mystic kings from the east who followed a star to pay tribute — and give lavish gifts — to the infant king/saviour Jesus.

From the magi tradition comes our own fascination with Santa Claus, the loving mystic who grants wishes and gives presents to the most innocent among us: the children.

On a recent cold evening, three children stood before one of Santa Claus’s many helpers, as so many children do this time of year, pondering the standard question: what would you like to find under your tree on Christmas morning?

The three girls stood before Santa, all about 10 or 11 years old, considering their options.

“Just give me money, cash,” the first said with a determined grin. “That’s all I want.”

She said it a little defiantly, a fifth-grader’s bold challenge of the implausible, maybe even a gentle provocation.

“Ah! A future banker, a financier,” Santa exclaimed. “Good! Bankers help their neighbors achieve financial security!”

“I’d like watercolors and paint brushes,” said the second girl. “So, you’re an artist, how wonderful!” Santa replied. “You will show your friends how beautiful their world can be.”

The third said, “I want a new laptop and tablet.”

“Hah! A future engineer! You’ll take us to Mars, and beyond!” Santa laughed.

And behold! The Jolly Old Elf had transformed the three children into modern-day magi, capable of discerning within themselves the likeness and image of their divine creator.

There was nothing these modern-day magi, these not-yet mature wise women could not accomplish if given the proper encouragement.

On that original Christmas night 2018 years ago, God gave the world his very best — his only son — with the expectation that his son would encourage the very best in every one of us. He instilled in us the hope to achieve the best, too.

This Christmas season, let’s restore the magic of the magi, the hope of dreams that constitute a community’s vision, and the innocence and joy — and promise — of childhood.