copyright Millie Plastaras December 25, 1992
Outside the weather is snowy and cold. The brisk, blustery
winds stir the snow up and blow it against the last
minute shoppers. They head towards home clutching
their coats closer, longing to leave the coldness for
the warmth and comfort of their homes.
Overhead a star twinkles brightly, but few have time or the
inclination to look at it's brilliance. Its' twinkles seem
a ray of hope beaming on those who take time to view it.
Perhaps the star of Bethlehem also seemed to
warm and cheer those who saw it. For it directed them
towards the greatest hope of all, Jesus Christ.
In the corner of a alley a disreputable looking, unkempt man
sits in the corner fingering his tattered coat as he tries
to draw it closer to his body. No matter what he does,
the chill seeps into his body and now, into his soul.
Tears silently stream down his face as he recalls
Christmases past and the vivid memories of a warm home,
a pleasant loving wife and a precious little daughter.
All lost because he put his alcohol before them. Is
there any hope left for him in this world? And would
he deserve it after the life he has led?
A lone shopper pulls out of the crowd after catching a glimpse
of the poor destitute stranger. He eases towards him and
offers him a warm Christmas dinner and the fellowship of
a family gathering, with love to spare for those who have
no place to go, or no one to care. The dirty stranger
can scarce believe what he is hearing, but pulls himself
to his feet. He straightens his shoulders and brushes the
dirt off his tattered coat. He musters all the dignity he
can and gladly accepts the invitation, his heart rejoicing
that someone took time to care and notice him.
Perhaps there is a hope for a new chance in life.
Will this family have any answers for him? The star
seems to twinkle even more brightly as they walk towards
home. A odd couple, these strangers and yet companions,
as they walk down the street, the well dressed family man
with a smile upon his face and the disheveled stranger
with a glitter of hope bursting within his heart.
His life would be changed during this visit,
because of the generosity of strangers and the love
Christ had bought into their homes and hearts.
I can wish you no higher wish than the Christ Child to
be present in your home during this blessed Christmas season,
and always. May the peace that passes all understanding fill your
home. May the hope of Christ resonate within your heart.
May joy unspeakable and full of glory inspire you and spread
to all those you come in contact with. May the gift
of salvation be the most precious gift in your home and
hearts as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the lamb of
God who came to take away the sins of the world. He
came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
Receive that, and live it, find hope in it, and share it,
and never let anyone steal the joy from your heart
and the word of God from your life and daily routine.
Jesus lives, and so shall we.. forever with him.
Merry Christmas from my home to yours.
Love,
Millie and John
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