It will be his first Christmas.
His first time helping his granddad put the train around the tree.
His first time hanging decorations.
His first time baking cookies.
His first time learning that the cookie dough is really quite good.
His first time decorating the cookies he made.
His first Christmas stocking.
His first presents.
His first time hearing Papa read the Christmas story.
His first time singing carols surrounded by brothers and cousins and uncles and aunts and grandparents.
His first Christmas.
And the most poignant part of it all will be when he pulls his Angel Tree dollars out of his stocking and gives the money to an angel on the tree.
Last year he was just a picture.
Just another orphan among hundreds of other orphans.
This year.
He gets to be under the tree. Opening presents. Experiencing the wonder. The joy. The reason for it all.
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Please help an orphan find a family this Christmas.
Maybe next year that orphan will be under the tree too.
I looked at his eyes in before and after....THAT is what family does. Happy sigh....
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post. Thank you Julia.
ReplyDeleteSamara J.