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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Christmas Tree (10/09/08)
Time seems to speed by all too quickly. Left are the fond past memories of years gone by. I sit alone this Christmas Eve in my favorite cherry wood rocking chair. As I rock back and forth, my mind slips into the pleasant thoughts of many Christmas’s long passed.

Oh, how I cherish these sweet memories, as if I am still sharing this special time of year with my loved ones once again. My husband and children sitting by the fire on so many Christmas Eve’s unlike this one where I am alone for the first time.

Bill and I sitting by the fire, beside Susan and Angela. All four of us holding in our hands a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows in it. We are cozy, happy and warm as we give attention to the reason for the Christmas season. Jesus, our Savior. The memory seems just like yesterday.

Tears trickle out of my eighty-three-year-old eyes as I remember my life, when it was filled with the many joys of being surrounded by family and friends. Now, the silence quietly echoes through these old walls. I'm filled with an emptiness I have felt only a few times before in my long lifetime.

I close my eyes and pray for God to fill this empty heart. I ask Him to penetrate the lonely silence of this Christmas Eve. I thank Him for giving me good health, asking Him to take me home to Him if I must live alone like this. As I pray, the hot tears flow freely down my cheeks.

Bill, I miss those times when we would pray together. Now, I feel so lost without you by my side.

I open my Bible and begin to read from the Psalms. I lift my weary heart to God and ask Him to lift my spirit with His words of encouragement in my time of great loneliness.

Lord, I lift my heart up to you and ask you to comfort me through this Christmas season. Fill my emptiness with your peaceful and loving presence.

Resonating through these walls of silence is the sound of the door bell.

**********************************************************

The door now fully opened, I am stunned by what I see. My right hand clutches my old heart.

“Pastor Mike what brings you here on this Christmas Eve?” I asked.

“ I have come to bring you a Christmas you will never forget!” He exclaimed excitedly.

“Well don’t just stand there, come on in” I said as I attempted to usher him indoors.

“Just a minute Emily, first I have some things in the car to bring inside. Go and sit down I will be right back.” With that he was quickly moving toward the garage.

Once back in my favorite chair, I eagerly waited for him to return. Before long I saw him coming back carrying in front of him filling his arms a beautiful Christmas tree.

I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head that very moment!

“Emily, you are going to need this for tomorrow” He said.

“I will?” I questioned.

“Yes, you see Terry and I don’t think you should be alone on Christmas day so we decided to bring Christmas to you if that is okay. Along with us the Buckley’s would like to come over to spend Christmas with you. After the morning service Terry and Sheila will begin cooking dinner here. Your have a church family who love you.” Pastor Mike explained.

“I would love that so much. God has answered my prayer and sent you to me tonight. You cannot imagine just how you have lifted my spirits. I think I will dig out my old Christmas tree decorations right after you leave.” I replied with tears of joy watering the edges of my eyes.

“No need Emily, I have new ones in the car. Everything we will need to decorate this tree. Terry is coming over to help momentarily.” He said as he went to get the decorations.

Someday Lord you will call me home to be with you. Until then you have shown me that you supply my every need. This Christmas tree will remind me I am abundantly blessed.
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This article has been read 1107 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
10/18/08
What a wonderful church family Emily has!

Some of this is written in present tense, and some in past tense. It's best to stick to one.

This is a heartwarming story.
lynn potter
10/18/08
May all your days be Merry. You have reminded me how precious time and people are. thank you
Norma-Anne Hough
10/20/08
That's what christmas is all about. Lovely read.
Blessings,
Norms
C.L. Holcomb
10/21/08
This story goes straight to the heart.
Sandra Smith
10/22/08
What an awesome story. It brought out the true spirit of what a church family should be and to realize that when we pray- the Lord listens and takes care of all our needs when we are faithful.
Good witing-captures the heart!
Connie Dixon
10/23/08
Thank you, this story is a great reminder that there are many out there who will be alone for the holidays unless someone reaches out to them.