By Linda Booth,
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, USA
My friend, Laurie, called me one morning during Advent and told me this story about her only child, Eric.
Laurie wanted to teach Eric the meaning of Christmas, so she took him to a large discount store in Olathe, Kansas, USA, where a Christmas tree stood near the entrance. White pieces of paper were attached to the tree.
On each slip was a number and a description of a child: gender, age, clothing sizes, and grade. Laurie told Eric that without the community’s support, these children’s Christmases would be disappointing because their parents couldn’t afford clothes and toys like Eric’s parents could buy.
Eric spent a long time walking around the tree, looking for a card describing a boy like him: his age, grade level, and size. When satisfied with his selection, Eric immediately wanted to go shopping for the boy. But Laurie told him they didn’t have time. Shopping would have to wait.
That night, Eric prayed for the unnamed boy. He ended his prayer with, “I want this Christmas to be his best Christmas ever!”
“Right, Mom?” Eric asked. “Yes, Eric. That’s what Christmas should be all about—God’s love and generosity.”
Eric continued to pray for the boy and beg Laurie to go shopping.
Finally, the day arrived. Eric was excited as he rushed to the toy aisles. But Laurie first wanted to buy clothes for the child.
On each slip was a number and a description of a child: gender, age, clothing sizes, and grade. Laurie told Eric that without the community’s support, these children’s Christmases would be disappointing because their parents couldn’t afford clothes and toys like Eric’s parents could buy.
Eric protested. “Clothes won’t make this the best Christmas ever!” They compromised. Laurie picked out jeans and shirts. Eric was told how much he could spend on toys. He picked out two inexpensive toys.
That night Eric prayed again for the boy. After prayers, Eric turned to his mom and said, “I want to give him my bicycle.”
“Oh, no,” Laurie said. “You just got that bike for your birthday. If you give it away, when spring comes you won’t be able to go riding with your friends.”
But Eric persisted.
“All right,” Laurie finally said. “You think about it. If you decide that’s what you want to do, then you can give him your bike.”
The next day, Eric helped Laurie wrap the boy’s presents. Then, with the gifts and Eric’s new bike in the trunk, they drove to Salvation Army.
Laurie said Eric kept smiling and was excited when they delivered the presents.
Praying for a little boy he never would meet changed Eric’s understanding of Christmas—and Laurie’s, too. The little boy became more than a number on a white card. This child was one of God’s beloved children, deserving of the “best Christmas ever.”
Amen.