THE GREATEST GIFT - Beena Didi

It was a very cold night. But the whole street was decorated with lights. Christmas trees were seen all over the place. In front of every house, people were celebrating Christmas with fireworks and crackers. The sound of carols filled the air. People were celebrating with their choice food and cakes. It seemed that everyone is happy and joyful.

But in the dark alleys of the town not all are happy. Some are suffering even in the midst of celebration. Jose lived with his mother in a small hut. He lost his father some years ago when he was a small baby. His mother used to do chores in houses of neighbours in order to support themselves. With her megre income she was sending Jose to school also. In the school he did not have many friends. Only a few students befriended him. But he was happy that he could study in a school. One of his few friends was a Pastor's son.

The pastor had a small church on the other side of the river in the town. His son, John became a good friend of Jose. John used to help Jose by giving him books, pencils and other itmes for his study. One day Jose visited John's house which is beside the church. The pastor and family welcomed him and invited them to church. Jose and his mother thus began to attend the church.

During the Christmas season, the church had many programmes. The choir in the church used to go around the town and sing carols. They also used to preach the gospel wherever people gather to listen to their songs. Jose also used to participate in such activites.

But during this Christmas season, Jose could not participate in singing carols. His mother was sick for some days, and she could not go for work. With the help from heighbours, Jose bought medicines for her, and were nursing her. They did not have enough food to eat. It was a sad time for them. It was hard for them to be alone during the season in which they used to celebrate. No one from their church visited them for some time, because as usual most of them were busy with outreach programmes.

Jose and his mother listened to the elebration outside. They listened to a sermon on the birth of Jesus. “The greatest gift ever that man could get was Jesus the Son of God,” the preacher was telling. Jose and his mother looked at each other, and nodded in agreement. They whispered, even though they have nothing much to eat or celebrate, they should be joyful, as they are having Christ as their saviour. They cheered up.

It was almost midnight. Jose went to the small kitchen, and found whatever food is left, and brought it to his mother. They sat together, held their hands, and thanked God for His wonderful gift of His Son for them. For a moment they forgot that they had nothing to eat. His mother forgot that she was sick. They felt the presence to God in their hut. They became joyful and tears of joy came down from their eyes. They hugged each other, and ate whatever food that could be found in the kitchen.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Jose opened the door. He was surprised to find John at the door. Behind his was the pastor. They came inside, sat there and prayed for his mother. John went out and brought a big basket full of food, cakes and other delicacies. Jose and his mother could not believe their eyes. It was the most amazing Christmas they ever had. They all sat together and had supper. When the pastor and John left, they gave them money for their food and medicines for some days.

Jose's mother felt better. She was thankful to God that He provided for them whatever they needed. She felt that she was now cured, and was ready to go to work soon. They both remembered the way God presented them a valuable Christmas gift, which helped them in the time of need.

Dear little friend, during Christmas season, the people celebrate the festival in different ways. But the most appropriate way to celerate is to present a gift to someone who is in need. Christmas reminds us of God's greatest gift to mankind. Let us also gift something valuable to someone in need. That will make us understand the true meaning of giving.

Let us make a decision that in the new year we will be sensitive to the needs of others. Let us help them as we can. Prayer: “Dear Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of others and help them in thier time of need. Amen.” May God bless you! Wishing you a very blessed new year!