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True story with names changed
Erica
felt it in the air. Christmas was coming, and along with it
came the hustle and bustle of her mother rushing to town,
only to return with huge bundles of brightly wrapped gifts,
topped with silk bows and adornments.
Erica
smiled as her mother hurriedly placed the gifts under the
Christmas tree. Glistening snow nestled on the branches of
the tree and was reflected in her brown eyes, while she
silently watched, mesmerized by the twinkling lights.
She
followed the lights to the top of the tree. A large angel
dressed in white with silver glitter adorning the gown,
glowed from the light hidden underneath. Wings, made of
feathers were spread wide and gave Erica the impression of
flight. She wondered if this might have been one of the
angels who sang so long ago, when Jesus was born.
The sweet
sounds of Christmas carols played on the Victorola. Oh Holy
Night, Silent Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, all
proclaiming the birth of a Savior. Not only were there
wonderful sounds, but Erica smelled the sweetest scents her
little button nose had ever experienced in her short life.
Apple cider, peppermint, cinnamon, and spices she had never
heard of, wafted throughout the house. "This must be a
dream," whispered Erica. "But if it is, I don't want to wake
up."
Finding a
catalog, she settled in a corner by the tree, while her mom
scurried to the kitchen to see how Daddy's baking was coming
along. (Daddy was the family maid, but Erica just considered
her the best friend a young girl could have.) Her infectious
smile brought joy to a hurting heart.
Flipping
the pages, Erica stopped, mouth gaping wide in awe. A brown
curly topped doll held her attention. The doll had chocolate
brown eyes, just like Erica. She had real hair, not just
designed hair on a rubber head....no, this was real! The
picture showed that she cried real tears, and even wet her
diaper. (Erica giggled., she'd have to make some diapers.)
How she longed to have a doll of her very own. She had never
owned a doll of any kind.
Bob,
Cynthia, and their two sons, Bryan and Robert gave Erica a
home when they heard she had been abandoned. They decided,
after a year, that it was time to make things permanent, so
they filed to adopt. The adoption was finalized just in time
for Christmas.
Cynthia
stood in the doorway watching their precious daughter. A
tear of joy trickled down her cheek. Joy and thanksgiving
filled her heart as she thought of the prayers sent up for a
daughter. She was so proud of their two sons. They took
Erica under their wings and loved her from the start. Their
fervent prayers could be heard in the late hours of the
night.
Flipping
the tear away, Cynthia called out in a sing-song voice,
"Daddy will be home soon." Erica jumped up and down with
glee, mimicking a song, " Daddy's coming hooomme, daddy's
coming hooomme." "Such precious words," thought Cynthia,
"Isn't that just how I feel about Jesus?" "Someday he's
coming back."
The door
flung open with Bob barreling through the door, gifts in
hand, he quickly placed them under the tree just in time to
catch one airborne little girl racing for a hug and kiss.
Knocking him to the floor, with Erica landing on his belly.
Everyone laughed as he untangled himself.
"Everyone
gather 'round, it's time for cider, prayer, and the story of
the birth of Christ," said Bob. "Let's sing a song, said
Bryan." "How about, O Come all ye Faithful?"
asked Robert.
As the
snow began to fall outside, one happy family sang their
praises to God. After the songs, each listened to the
greatest story ever told. A true story of a Savior, born in
a stable to a virgin. He was destined to live and die, that
all would live. The greatest gift of all.
Gifts
were handed out, each person taking a turn opening and
admiring their treasures. There was one last gift under the
tree. Bob picked it up and placed it in front of Erica.
"Cynthia leaned over and whispered to Bob, "What's in the
package?"
Bob winked, and replied, "Oh, just Tiny Tears."
?© 2003
by Marie
Williams
*Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
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May you be blessed today
Bob Johnston
Editor / Publisher
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May you be blessed today
Bob Johnston
Editor / Publisher
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