The Stranger

At Christmas time there was a man who looked so out of place, as people who rushed about him at a hurried sort of pace. He stared at all the Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere, The shopping center, Santa Claus, with children gathered near.

The Mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro, some with smiles and some with frowns and some too tired to go. They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way, to fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day.

The music from a stereo was playing loud and clear of Santa Claus, and snow men, and a funny-nosed reindeer. He heard the people talk about the good times on the way, of parties, fun, and food galore, and gifts exchanged that day.

«I’d like to know what’s going on,» the man was heard to say, «There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way. «And would you tell me who this is, all dressed in red and white? And why are children asking him about a special night»?

The answer came in disbelief, «I can’t believe my ear! I can’t believe you do not know that Christmas time is here, The time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys, When they’re asleep on Christmas, he leaves them books and toys».

«The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus, so sly, the children love his joyful laugh and twinkle in his eye. His gift packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer, As he flies quickly through the air, while darting here and there.»

«The children learn of Santa while they are still quite small. When Christmas comes, he is the most important one of all. The stranger hung his head in shame, he closed a nail-pierced hand. His body shook in disbelief; he did not understand.

A shadow crossed his stricken face, his voice was low but clear, «After all these year, they still don’t know.»

And Jesus shed a tear.

Continues with another worthwhile Xmas story…

My brother, Dustin works at a fast food restaurant and everyday he sees and meets new people, but last night after he got home from work he came into my room and
told me about this man who just changed his life.
He was working the drive threw when a homeless man on foot walked up to the window and asked if anyone could give him something hot to eat or to drink.
My brother thought the man sounded very sick so he pulled out his wallet bought the man some food, and man him a fresh cup of coffee.
It had snowed the day before and the weather was really bad. Knowing that the lobby was closed my brother let the man in and watched as the man ate his food.
When the man was finished my brother shook his hand and said, «Merry Christmas», then the man thanked him and turned away.
As the man reached the door he turned back around, looked at my brother, reached out his hand once more and said, «Happy New Years». He then walked out the door.
When he was out of sight my brother opened his hand, and was holding a Saint Christopher. My brother just smiled then pined it on his uniform.
After my brother finished his story he looked at me with a gleam in his eye and said, God tested me and I think I did o.k. In my heart I know my brother was right. God calls a lot but sometimes people don’t answer. My brother did.