Photo by Inga Seliverstova on Pexels.com

Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

Johnny always feels a little robbed during the holidays. The presents of a wife he loved, a job he cherished, and his dog “Bella” were all taken from him. He made the mistake of turning the radio on as he drove to the grocery store. He couldn’t get away from the memories that soaked his emotions when “that” Christmas song came on. 

After a quick wipe of his face, he walked to the deli to talk to Gloria. She always took care of him. He had a special meal to prepare. 

Since he knew how it felt to sit home alone on Christmas Eve, he wasn’t going to let the widows at his church do the same. Johnny couldn’t replace the presents that had been stolen from their lives, but he could offer his presence and a hot meal. Looking forward to that dinner, and the Christmas Eve service, made the holidays tolerable.

He was also excited about speaking at that service, sharing the message “The Presence of Christ”, because it’s available to everyone. In front of the mirror, he started practicing. “God came near in a baby, so that we can come near to God.” “The presents that the three wise men brought, of gold, frankincense, and myrrh didn’t hold a candle to what God gave: His Presence.” 

The meal was a success and after Johnny spoke, a woman came to the microphone and sang, as if she was Mary, singing to baby Jesus:

“Hold on now, gotta take a deep breath

I don’t know what to say when I look in Your eyes

You made the world before I was born

But here I am holding You in my arms tonight

Noel, Noel, Jesus our Emmanuel

You’re here, I’m holding You so near

I’m staring into the face of my Saviour, King and Creator

You could have left us on our own, but You’re here

I don’t know how long I’m gonna have You for

But I’ll be watching when You change the world

But look at Your hands, they’re still so small

Someday You’re gonna stretch them out and save us all

Noel, Noel, God with us, Emmanuel

You’re here, I’m holding you so near

I’m staring into the face of my Saviour, King and Creator

You could’ve left us on our own, but You’re here, You’re here

Someday I’m gonna look back on this

The night that God became a baby boy

Someday you’re gonna go home again,

But You’ll leave Your spirit, and flood the world with joy

You’ll be here, I’m holding You so near

I’m staring into the face of my Saviour, King and Creator

You could have left me on my own, but You’re here, You’re here

Hallelujah You’re here Hallelujah

You’re here”

Afterwards, Johnny made sure all of his widow friends were safely in their cars, heading home. He walked home with a smile, thanking God for His presence through the present of baby Jesus. May we also do the same.