Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Christmas Tree (10/09/08)
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TITLE: REMAKING CHRISTMAS | Previous Challenge Entry
By Hannah Hunter
10/16/08 -
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Mom understood too. “It will be different this year, Lindy.” She promised. ”Daddy’s changed since he met Jesus. We can’t afford a new tree, but we will have a good Christmas this year.”
My box bounced across the floor as they drug me into the small living room. Then I was tugged and pulled from my cramped space into the blinding light. My branches were carefully straightened and I was plugged in. I began to show my most beautiful colors, hoping the beauty would make Lindy forget the past and be happy. She stood away, afraid to enjoy the beauty because she feared it would only end in pain. My colors dimmed and my branches sagged.
In a blast of cold air, Daddy came in. As he saw me he turned away but I caught a glimpse of the pain in his eyes. The memories had scarred him too. I sat for hours wishing I could be back in the safety of my box or even tossed out on the curb. Anything would be better than being here and causing pain.
When my family came back in Daddy carried a book. It wasn’t the tall picture book Mom had read to Lindy last year: this one was thick with a dark cover. Before he opened the book, Daddy asked Lindy and Mom to sit beside him on the couch. He put an arm around each of them and hugged them close. “I’m so sorry about last year.” He said. “My drinking spoiled your Christmas. But I promise you that will never happen again.” “God has changed my heart and now I know the true meaning of Christmas. Let me share the story with you.”
He opened the book, which he called a Bible, and began to read about a woman having a baby in a stable and angels singing to shepherds. The words they sang were beautiful, “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, good will toward men.” Daddy began crying as he read. He said, “This Jesus who was born at Christmas became the savior of the world. He is my savior now. In love he gave himself as a sacrifice that saved me from myself and changed my life.” “Now he lives inside of me giving me the desire and ability to love you the way he loves you.”
I saw a spark of hope in Lindy’s eyes. The story had touched her, but her father’s love touched her even more. She hugged him tight and let herself dream of the perfect Christmas.
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