I Love Christmas
The soft falling snow and crisp cold air reminded me of a time long ago when a prophet of the Lord went to a small struggling church and presented a hare brained idea of sponsoring an "Old Fashioned Country Christmas". The small church was baffled. The pastor was from Africa and his wife from the Caribbean. The few followers they had were poor and had nothing to offer for ideas.
The prophet enthused, "Yes we will publish fliers to let the people know and give away goody bags to the children. We will make a home made creche and a 4 pointed star to hang above the manger. We will serve hot chocolate and cookies.
The little church had no idea how to start so they retired to the doughnut shop across the street. The owner of the store heard their discussion and offered to pay for the fliers. Another man offered to pay for the toys. A woman stranger offered to donate the candy and mandarin oranges. They were good to their word. The big night arrived and as the doors opened there was a line up of people waiting to get in out of the cold and snow. Some had driven for an hour to get there others lived in the area and wanted to see what was going on. The few chairs set out were filled in mere minutes and more chairs were needed then still more then more until there were no chairs and still the people came. The lady with the hot chocolate was worried she would run out of the tasty treat and the pastor worried that his few goody bags would never meet the numbers of children coming in.
The songs were sung and the ancient story retold. Spirits were lifted. New friends were made and everyone went home with a tummy full and the children all had a goody bag. The pastor and the prophet looked at the numbers. The little church of 8 people had served almost 200 people that cold and snowy night.
And the stars shone bright on the way home from that blessed night
Blessed Merry Christmas one and all.
The prophet enthused, "Yes we will publish fliers to let the people know and give away goody bags to the children. We will make a home made creche and a 4 pointed star to hang above the manger. We will serve hot chocolate and cookies.
The little church had no idea how to start so they retired to the doughnut shop across the street. The owner of the store heard their discussion and offered to pay for the fliers. Another man offered to pay for the toys. A woman stranger offered to donate the candy and mandarin oranges. They were good to their word. The big night arrived and as the doors opened there was a line up of people waiting to get in out of the cold and snow. Some had driven for an hour to get there others lived in the area and wanted to see what was going on. The few chairs set out were filled in mere minutes and more chairs were needed then still more then more until there were no chairs and still the people came. The lady with the hot chocolate was worried she would run out of the tasty treat and the pastor worried that his few goody bags would never meet the numbers of children coming in.
The songs were sung and the ancient story retold. Spirits were lifted. New friends were made and everyone went home with a tummy full and the children all had a goody bag. The pastor and the prophet looked at the numbers. The little church of 8 people had served almost 200 people that cold and snowy night.
And the stars shone bright on the way home from that blessed night
Blessed Merry Christmas one and all.
61-69, M
