THE OTHER MAN WITH THE WHITE BEARD 

After reading Charity's post, I was realizing that I have had more of those "I miss Grandfather moments" during the holiday season than I have experienced the rest of the year.  Maybe it's because Christmas is the time we traditionally think about sharing with family and having time to enjoy one another.  Maybe it's because I remember several childhood Christmases when Grandfather and Grandmother were able to be with us.  As I pondered this I realized that Grandfather embodied so many of the qualities that people generally associate with Christmas.  Charity's post did a great job of demonstrating this.  It is during this season that people extend uncommon generosity and kindness, especially to those who are in need.  Grandfather always had time for those who were down and out.  Whether it was picking up a hitch hiker and sharing the Gospel and some encouraging words, or blessing a single mother with the money he had in his pocket,  he always was looking to meet the needs of others.   Christmas is a time we put family first.  Grandfather was an example of this every day of the year.  He was so good about giving a quick call to share some encouragement and to let us know how we could be praying for the needs of others in the family.  Most of all, Christmas is a time that people are focused on Christ. It is so refreshing to walk through places like Walmart and hear songs like Joy to the World, and O Come let Us Adore Him.    Grandfather left his family a legacy of faith by daily walking out his salvation and seeking to keep Christ at the center of every aspect of his life.  I pondered these things and a smile came to my face as the thought came to my mind, " The other man with the white beard."  The world created an icon that is supposed to represent Christmas, but their guy does not hold a candle to the man who embodies the Spirit of Christmas in my mind. 

I want to wish all my extended family a very merry Christmas! We pray for blessing and provision in your families this coming year.

Elisha 

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

As we traveled through the hours of driving, Sarah and I listened to stories and visited each other.  We were running out of CDs. I hesitated to put on the Christmas carol CD that Daddy gave to us, when we lived in Maryland. I knew it would make me miss him so much, but I knew he meant for us to enjoy its happy music, and praises to God.  At least I wanted Sarah to be able to enjoy it. 

It was about the middle of the third song, when Sarah was crying in the back, saying, “Mommy, I used to like the Christmas songs, but now it seems like the only thing they’re saying is, ‘Grandfather’s not here. Grandfather’s not here. Grandfather’s not here.”  How well she described my feelings!

A few days later, as Sarah and I headed for groceries, we hoped to bless someone’s day, the way Auntie Marie does. She buys a treat for the cashier and gives it to them with the receipt and a Bible tract.  We stashed a few tracts in our pocket.

As we approached the store, we saw a grandmother-looking lady and a lady about my age ringing the Salvation Army bell.  The younger one was singing carols by herself, w/ no accompaniment, just using her hymn book. I joined her carol and Sarah put her gift into the barrel. The ladies we so happy to have someone join in, and Sarah and I sang more carols.  When we finished, we had a tract in hand to give them. Yet, before we could give them ours, they handed one to us!  I laughed for joy and showed them the one we had planned to give.

Sarah went inside to buy the ladies some drinks and treats with her gift money and savings.

Margaret, the elder of the two ladies, was born a Siamese twin, whose brother died at 6 months old.  She wasn’t expected to live past 1yr. and was predicted to be a vegetable.  Her bone was eaten away ( ½ inch in one place I think ).  She had cancer, but through prayer, God healed her and filled in her bone. She now has been a widow for 11yrs. Also, she just lost her sister this year.  She knows grief and God’s comfort.  She was able to pray for us with great compassion for Mother, who is missing Daddy so very much! 

We sang more songs until our voices wore out. Sometimes others passing by would join us too.  The singing wasn’t that lovely by musical standards, but it was very joyous, and by passers showed they were happy for it.  Even one of the store employees (who was the choir director for years) said he was hearing us from his office, and couldn’t wait to join us for at least one carol.

The ladies kept joyously saying how kind God was to send us there that day.  And I kept thinking how precious it was to be able to carol.  When we were doing it to spread the Gospel, it was easier for us not to cry.  This time I felt like the music was saying, “This is what Grandfather wanted! This is what Grandfather wanted! This is what Grandfather wanted!”