Page 9 - CWW CHRISTMAS

December 3

A CHRISTMAS BLESSING TO REMEMBER
Dr. John C. Parker

My wife and I had a long-standing tradition started early in our marriage. We had
a desire to share the joy of Christmas with a family in need: a custom which brought us
untold blessings year after year. I often received a monetary gift at Christmas from the
churches I served. This gift, although not sizable, was appreciated.
We became aware of an unemployed young man whose wife passed away six
weeks before Christmas. Brokenhearted and grieving, with three little girls, he knew he
could not provide a Christmas for them. Destitute financially from months of caring for
his dying wife, he was about as downcast as one can get. There would be no Christmas
for the children this years.
His desperate situation tugged at our hearts. This was the family we should assist
for that year’s Christmas. Their family had moved away to a small city and were living in
a government-subsidized housing unit.
Not dissuaded, we put our plans into action. We located where the family was
living, purchased a small Christmas tree, a few decorations, and toys for the little girls.
To the young father we presented several gift cards.
The family didn’t know we were coming or bringing their Christmas. Our hearts
were racing joyfully with the anticipation and excitement of sharing our Christmas with
this family. The joy of Jesus’ birth flooded our hearts as we saw these precious little girls
greeting us with their glee of excitement and a twinkling sparkle in their eyes. It brought
happy tears to our eyes.
God gave his Son at Christmas. Our churches gave love to us with their Christmas
gifts, and we gave our love as we fulfilled our passion. Thank God for a Christmas to
remember!