By Greg Miller © 2018
Over the years, Jerry and his wife Josephine had developed a unique strategy for the Christmas holiday season.
Every Christmas, the couple committed themselves to granting the Christmas wishes of each of their three children — Jenni, Jerald and Jamison.
Jamison had asked his parents for the newest and greatest cell phone. Of course, he was not at all surprised when he opened his present. “Thanks, mom and dad!” Jamison exclaimed. “You’re the best, and this new phone’s the best! I knew I could count on you!”
“You’re welcome, son,” Josephine replied. “It was our pleasure to get the phone for you.”
Jerald’s Christmas wish was for a new short wave radio. “I want to be able to listen to Christian programs all over the world,” he said.
With a sparkle in his eyes, Jerald opened his present. “This new short wave radio is beautiful,” he said. “It will help me decide how to begin a new short wave ministry of my own.”
“That’s wonderful, son!” declared Jerry. “Your mom and I are very proud of you!”
At the beginning of the year, Jenni had requested a special handmade gift from her parents. “I believe the Lord is calling me to begin a puppet ministry,” she said. “Mom and dad, I would really appreciate it if you would construct a new puppet stage for me.”
Naturally, when Christmas arrived, Jenni was happily anticipating her gift. Tears of joy streamed down Jenni’s cheeks as she opened the gigantic box containing her present. “It’s beautiful, mom and dad,” she said. “Thanks so much. I’ll be able to use this stage for many years.”
Jerry and Josephine spent so much time throughout the year providing Christmas gifts for their sons and daughter that they thought little about themselves. Eventually, they decided to create their own memorable Christmas tradition. Just before going to bed on Christmas Eve, the couple sat on the couch in front of the fireplace and read aloud the story of the birth Jesus found in Luke chapter 2.
After reading the Christmas story, Jerry said, “I’m glad we started this tradition many years ago.”
“Me, too, honey,” smiled Josephine. “Our Christmas present came wrapped in swaddling clothes about 2,000 years ago. And I’d say it was the most elaborately wrapped Christmas present the world has ever seen!”
Jerry replied, “Not only was Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. He was wrapped in the divine love of God the Father, and that’s better than any wrapping paper!”
To contact the writer of this column about speaking engagements (in the U.S.), including Christian Comedy Fundraising Outreaches, Christian Creativity Seminars and/or puppet ministry, please email kidcool4jesus@yahoo.com, raysofson@gmail.com or ministry4jesus@yahoo.com, with “Rays of Son” or “Request Speaking Engagement” in the subject line.