Sarah’s Christmas Gift

With the snow blowing all around, Sarah wrapped the worn woolen scarf snuggly about her neck. The sidewalks were still bustling with last minute shoppers and bargain hunters! Sara loved this time of year.

She let her thoughts drift to Christmas’s past. Sarah was 12, and could recall most of the Christmas holidays vividly! The family gathered about the tree while the delicious aroma cascaded into the living room. Sarah, being the youngest of 6 children, always had the pleasure of passing out the gifts following the Christmas story being read by her Grandfather.

Her grandfather had been special to her, forever smelling like the vanilla tobacco he smoked. There was always a kind word and loving smile on his face. No matter how down she would be, grandfather would make time to take her aside to share a story. He would made it a point to tell her how special she was to him! Sarah felt secure in his arms. When the Christmas story was read from the book of Luke, Sarah would move quickly to grandfather’s side to be front row! She enjoyed being close enough to see the tear find it’s way down his cheek when he got to the part of the shepherds bringing what meager gifts they could afford to the Lord Jesus on that special night.

The blare of the horn snapped Sarah from the daydream back to the sharp reality of the winter weather. School had been dismissed for the holidays and Sarah had wandered off the beaten path that led the way home. She suddenly stopped, not recognizing the surroundings. Darkness was falling and she searched for a familiar site to help guide her home. How could she have strayed so far from the tree lined streets of home? She began wandering back, trying to retrace her steps. Her family would be worried, she was always one to be on time, and she so wanted to be there when everyone arrived.

Sarah spotted a figure huddled against a cold block wall, trying to shield himself from the winds and drifting snow that was beginning to pile up. Something drew Sarah to the person against the wall. As she edged closer, his head turned towards the approaching girl. His tattered graying beard began to collect the newly fallen snow. Within a few feet of one another the old man straightened up and stood tall. His coat had been patched many times over, and the gloves proved to have too many holes to keep his hands from becoming numb. Sarah stopped and for the first time became frightened. Her parents had taught her to be aware of strangers! The stranger spoke in a soft and tender voice, a great contrast to his outward appearance.

“What are you looking for, little Princess?” he inquired. Explaining how she had become lost, the old gentleman smiled and offered to walk her home. Sarah accepted the offer, and soon recognized the surroundings. The walk was slow, as the old timer made his way as best he could. At times Sarah found herself helping him make his way, over the snow banks and across the icy snow covered roads. The man seldom spoke, but took her straight to her home.

When coming to the door, the gentleman stopped short and started to turn. The door was opened wide, and out rushed Sarah’s Mother and sisters to greet her! The family had arrived earlier, and Sarah’s father and oldest sister and brother were just now putting on their coats to search for Sarah. As the family ushered Sarah into the warm house, Sarah spotted grandfather sitting by the fire with Bible in hand, preparing to read the story. Sarah turned and ran to the walk by the gate. There, she took the hand of the stranger and led him into the house.

Mom, unsure of how to react, hesitated before welcoming the stranger in. As the family gathered by the fire, grandfather began to find his place in the book. As the story was read, Sarah couldn’t help but glance towards the man who had helped her make it home on this special day. Grandfather’s tear wasn’t the only one being shed that night. The old gentleman began to sob as the shepherds provided their gifts to the Baby Jesus.

Sarah’s family had provided a gift of their own to the old gentleman. The gift of Love and Sharing.