Encouragement

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The Greatest Christmas
© 2011

by


Stephen A. Peterson


“Are you going Christmas chopping at this moment?” Specialist Cynthia Butler asked her barricks mate.

“It is my plan,” responded Specialist Carla Spears.

Christmas is only ten days away. I’ve had my leave approved by the CO yesterday. So I’ve decided to take the day off; head to the PX and then off post to buy gifts for my mom, dad, brother and sisters. I’ve been saving most of my pay for three straight months so I can get some really great gifts for them. Do you want to come along. I’m sure you can get this day off if you talk to the First Sergeant. I know you have the time.”

Specialist Butler just sat on the end of her bunk listening to Specialist Spears’ every word. “Well, no. I’m going to spend my time helping the Chaplain help some of our miltary and non-military families.”

“Is there anything wrong, Cindy?”

“No. I just wanted to know if you can help me out a little.”

“How? Are you in trouble, Cindy?”

“Carla, as you know, I’ve been working with the Chaplain for just about five months. Before Thanksgiving I met this teenage mom with three kids. She and her kids won’t have anything for Christmas unless she gets help. So while you’r shopping would you at least get a gift for each of the her kids? She has a 3 year old son, a 2 year old daughter, and a 10 month old daughter.”

Specialist Spears stood motionless with a blank look on her face. She thought that there was no way possible she could buy three children gifts. That means she won’t be able to get what she had planned to purchase for her family. But in the moment of silence, Specialist Spears heard the voice of God speak to her.

Well,” Specialist Butler asked Specialist Spears.

“Sure. Consider it done,” replied Specialist Spears. “Got any ideas on what to get? I’ve never gotten anything for real little kids. You mean you can’t go with me.”

“Thanks Carla. I, the kids’ mother and the kids thank you! You’ll see how important what you’re gifts will do,” said an enthusiastic Specialist Butler. “Get whatever you think. Let your heart guide you, Cindy. You’ll do okay.”

“Gosh, Cindy. You’re really into this community service stuff.”
“Yeah. Maybe you can get involved. The Chaplain’s Community Service Program does a lot a great work for civilian and military personnel all year long but a lot more from Halloween through Christmas,” Specialist Butler said.

Specialist Spears drove the four miles to the Post Exchange to begin her shopping. Once inside she was shocked to note the cost of a 32 inch HD television she had planned to purchase for her father. In order to save money, she purchased a 22 inch television. Next she purchased a notebook computer for her brother. She left post to pruchase earrings and bracelets for her mother and two sisters. Afterwards it was on to a toy store to get gifts for her adopted family.

“What to get very young kids. Help me, Lord. I don’t know what to get and I don’t think I have enough money either,” prayed Specialist Spears. “Let’s see, a dollhouse and a doll for the two year old girl; a truck and two games for the boy; a learning center that makes all kinds of sounds for the 10 month old.” Specialist Spears proceeded to the check out register and held her breath while the cashier rang up the items.

As the cashier rang up the final item, a noisy horn sounded along with flashing lights. “Congradulations! Ma’am! You’re the one millionth shopper since this store opened to have made pruchases here. Because you are the one millionth shopper, your purchases are free. You have also won $10,000 in the form of a debt card that you may use in this store or elsewhere.

Specialist Butler was shocked and stunned not so much by her good fortune but by her earlier reluctance to trust in God to see to her needs. After receiving her debit card from the store manager, Specialist Spears purchased an additional $300 in toys for the children. She then moved on to a grocery store to purchase $300 worth of food for the family.

On her return to her barricks, she and Specialist Butler received permission to take her purchases to the needy family. Although Christmas had not yet arrived, Specialist Spears could not forget the smiles on the faces of the mother and her very young children when she and Specialist Butler transported bag after bag of toys and food to the little house. More tears came to the mother’s eyes when Specialist Spears gave her $1,000 in cash.

While at home with her family, when Specialist Spears had the opportunity contemplate what had happened to her just before Christmas, she realized that there was a family two hundred miles away benefiting from the blessings she had received. She imagined them laughing, smiling and having enough to eat. She also imagined that because of her kindness, the mother of three may have shared her blessings with another family in need. The possibilities were endless. For her, this was the greatest Christmas of her life. It was this Christmas that taught her not to hold back on sharing whatever she has with others. That miracles occur when faith replaces doubt. At that point, God will step in making many things possible when it seems impossible.

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