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Topic: The Reason for the Season of Christmas (12/04/08)
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TITLE: The Shelter | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ann McDaniels
12/10/08 -
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College graduate Elizabeth was alone once again in the dark with her thoughts. At least she thought!
“Hi, I’m Allison. First night here?”
“Yeah”, extending her hand, “Elizabeth.”
“WOW! That’s a big ring. Is it real? You better hide it ‘cause they steal around here. You married?”
“My husband died in September. I miss him everyday.”
Momentary silence and sympathy filled the air. “Do you think God missed his son as much as you missed your husband?” blurted Allison.
Candidly and furiously Elizabeth responded, “Yeah, but God got his son back.”
Rhetorically Allison asked, “But do you ever wonder where he was for those three days before his resurrection?” Pausing, then continuing, “I guess your husband didn’t leave you any money?”
Elizabeth, now angry at the world, said, “He did, but the courts, lawyers, funeral home, doctors and economy took it all. I tried looking for a job, but kept getting turned down for young, recent graduates. I got evicted . . .”
Allison interjected, “I would’ve pawned that big ring before I got kicked out of my house.”
Shaking her head, Elizabeth said, “This is the only thing I got that belonged to my husband. I no longer have the house where we celebrated Jesus’ birthday on December 25th for 28 years. Lightheartedly with fond memories, she continued, “We would decorate the tree with lights and ornaments, putting a shiny star on top and wrapped presents underneath. The inside and outside was decorated with lights, garland and many other Christmas trinkets. We baked an overabundance of Christmas goodies and sat down on Christmas Day to an elaborate meal where we overindulged ourselves. We exceeded our financial budget buying gifts for relatives and friends. My husband hosted many office Christmas parties and organized the Christmas carolers.” Depression suddenly crept back into her thoughts, “I had planned this year to add a little more garland or some other Christmas symbol in this area (looking at the picture she carried with her), but. . . .”
“That’s beautiful, but ah-ah where is Jesus? Didn’t you say you celebrated His birthday on December 25th?” asked Allison.
Hiding her face with her pillow and speaking very low, Elizabeth murmur, “Someone did bless the food before we ate and somewhere we have baby Jesus in a manger.”
Passionately, yet pleasingly sensitive, seeming almost angelic, Allison continued , “So on December 25, you celebrated the birth of Jesus the Christ, a present to all from God, the Father. Do you sing happy birthday to Jesus? Do you talked about Jesus’ self-sacrificing act at Calvary where he died to cleanse our sins, was buried and now has risen. He is our mediator, our defense attorney. In other words, ‘Jesus got your back’.”
“Yeah right! Jesus got my back, but the rest of my body is sprawled out on a wobbly cot, husbandless, homeless, hungry and hurting emotionally,” moaned Elizabeth.
Wanting desperately to help Elizabeth, Allison gently embraced her and softly asked, “Why not let Jesus be your husband? He doesn’t need a big or small ring. He loves you just as you are, with just what you have. He will be your shelter at all times, building a hedge of love around you to protect and provide your every need. I know you are hungry, but try God, the bread of life. He will give you comfort, fulfillment and answers to every question including healing all open wounds.”
“Here, I’ve been saving this for someone special like you.” said Allison.
Lethargically Elizabeth said, “But, I don’t have anything to give you.”
“Oh! You already gave me a present.”
“What’s that?” queried Elizabeth.
“You listened from your heart.”
In silence and bewilderment, Elizabeth opened the package and stared momentarily at its contents, a book, entitled, The Children’s Bible.
Allison said, “My mom gave this to me before she died last month and made me promise that after I finished reading it that I would give it to someone who would take care of it and promise to pass it on when they finished reading.”
The inscription read: My gift to you:
Joy to the world
Eternal life to all my children
Salvation to all
Unselfishness demonstrated by the
Son of God
Love God
John 3:16, Rom 5:8b
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