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ohnny always feels 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 and 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 were 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
8 // December 2020
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” (Francesca Battistelli) Afterward, 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.
About The Author
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by Nelson Haynes
Nelson Haynes lives in Ringgold, Georgia, with his wife and 2 Labrador Retrievers. Both of their daughters are grown. Check out his writer’s blog at www.nelsonhaynes500words.com for more meditations. He has a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary and besides writing, his hobbies include riding his mountain bike; reading; movies; gardening ; painting and going on dates with his bride.
