(As told by my wife Cathy)
It had been one of those damp and very wet Decembers in the Northwest. And now, as Christmas was soon approaching the temperature had dropped and the days were starting to get frosty and cold. Each morning I would bundle up the children for school with coats, mittens and even stocking hats. They would march off to the bus stop snug and warm along with all the other kids on our street. That is, all except for the two little children who lived in the corner house. They were a brother and sister who were being raised by their grandparents. They never played much with the other children. In fact, the only time we ever saw them was when they would walk up the street to the bus stop and then home again. They were always neat and clean but I could tell by their clothing that their family didn’t have much money. In fact, since the weather had turned cold I had noticed them going off to school in tattered jackets, far too thin for the cold December weather. But what could I do? I really didn’t even know them.
It had been one of those damp and very wet Decembers in the Northwest. And now, as Christmas was soon approaching the temperature had dropped and the days were starting to get frosty and cold. Each morning I would bundle up the children for school with coats, mittens and even stocking hats. They would march off to the bus stop snug and warm along with all the other kids on our street. That is, all except for the two little children who lived in the corner house. They were a brother and sister who were being raised by their grandparents. They never played much with the other children. In fact, the only time we ever saw them was when they would walk up the street to the bus stop and then home again. They were always neat and clean but I could tell by their clothing that their family didn’t have much money. In fact, since the weather had turned cold I had noticed them going off to school in tattered jackets, far too thin for the cold December weather. But what could I do? I really didn’t even know them.
Christmas was in the air! My thoughts and days were filled with shopping, baking, decorating, and the anticipation of family gatherings. I loved this wonderful, magical season. The carolers, the lights, the kid’s Christmas program at church, the eggnog, the presents - all of this and more filled my heart with happiness and joy. My children loved this time of year, too. They talked of new toys, new clothes, video games and the list grew and grew with each advertisement they saw on television. Even though we didn’t have a lot of money I wanted this to be the best Christmas ever for them so I was determined to buy them as much as I could. I couldn’t wait to see their faces on Christmas morning when they saw the tree filled with presents waiting to be opened.
But as each day passed and Christmas drew nearer, I became less and less excited. I was uneasy, unsettled. I prayed and asked the Lord to help this be the best Christmas ever for my family but still the nagging feeling that something was wrong wouldn’t leave. Then one morning, while standing at the window watching my children walk up the street to the bus stop - I SAW THEM! The children from the corner house. And all at once I knew what was wrong - what had been tugging at my heart. An overwhelming shame and conviction filled me. I realized that the “Spirit of Christmas” in my home had been placed on getting – rather than on giving. I asked the Lord to forgive me and I asked Him to somehow help us teach our children the real meaning of Christmas this year.
That evening Dave and I shared the Christmas story with our children and told them how God gave His most precious gift to us – His Son Jesus. We talked about how Christmas is a season of love and sharing. We asked the kids if they would be willing to sacrifice some of their gifts in order to help others less fortunate have a happy Christmas. With excitement in their voices they all said, "YES!"
The next day we went shopping and picked out two warm coats – one for the little girl and one for the little boy along with toys for each of them. We came home and everyone helped with the wrapping. Something had changed in our family. I felt it and I know everyone else did too. We were happy – not for ourselves but for the feeling that only comes in giving. . . of ourselves.
Late on Christmas Eve Dave loaded up the gifts along with a ham and a few other things we’d bought for a Christmas dinner and he walked across the street. I prayed that the elderly couple wouldn’t be offended but would accept our gifts with joy. A few minutes later he returned empty-handed and told how the grandma and grandpa thanked him over and over with tears in their eyes.
Christmas morning arrived sunny and very cold! It wasn’t long before our kids were out of bed and squeals of excitement were heard as they ran to the tree. Wrapping paper was thrown everywhere as presents were opened and hugs were given. As we began to clean up the mess, my son Jeff looked out the living room window and very quietly, almost reverently called for all of us to come look.
What we saw that morning will always be in my memory. Outside were the two little kids from the corner house, buttoned up tight in their new coats running up and down their driveway with huge smiles on their faces. We stood there in silence, every one of us with tears in our eyes. No one said a word but we all knew that somehow, almost magically, the true meaning of Christmas had come into our home.
Those children never did know who gave them those gifts that year - none of us ever said a word - but every time we saw them wearing their new coats we secretly smiled - having learned that it truly is - more blessed to give than to receive! We also experienced a wonderful lesson about life that Christmas. Something that works every day of the year – not just during the holiday season. We realized that the giving of ourselves to others is so much more rewarding than the taking.
The years have come and gone and Dave and I are much older now, my children are all grown with families of their own – but that Christmas memory many years ago is one that my family will never forget.
So as this Christmas season approaches, share some kindness and generousity with someone in need - believe me . . . it's the best way to fill your heart with Christmas Spirit!
Merry Christmas!