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Sunday, December 4
One of my favorite Christmas stories. Hope you don't mind the traditional rerun...
With the parking lot full, finding a space was almost impossible. Shopper after shopper filed in the store’s front door, list in hand, and most lacking the Christmas spirit.
The lines at the checkout lanes stretched halfway through the store. As angers were on the verge of erupting, loneliness carved a swath through the throng of shoppers, fighting for a place in each line.
“Why don’t they have more checkout lanes open?” complained one shopper.
“I don’t know. This is so depressing,” grumbled another nearby.
Each lane had its share of Grinches and lonely hearts, each moaning over all the congestion. In one lane stood a mother with three small children in tow, all whining and wanting everything in sight.
In the next lane stood another mother with her three little ones, all in a joyous mood. Six year-old Olivia asked her mother, “Mommy, why is everyone so grumpy?”
Lowering her voice so others wouldn’t hear their conversation, Olivia’s mother whispered, “I’m not sure, dear. I think everyone is in a hurry and they don’t know the meaning of Christmas.”
“Don’t they know it’s Jesus’ birthday?”
Trying to shush Olivia, she lowered her voice again, “I guess not. Some people just don’t know.”
“Well, why don’t we tell them?”
“I don’t think this is a very good time, dear.”
“Why not, Mommy? Didn’t you say it’s always time for Jesus?”
“Well, yes, I did, but…”
“Well, let’s tell them.”
Overhearing their conversation, those standing near this family began shifting their weight from one foot to another, uncomfortable as to what they might hear next.
The mother began to silently pray, “Oh, Lord, if You desire others to know it is Your birthday that they’re supposed to be celebrating, then please resolve this situation.”
Olivia bowed her head and thought for a moment. Then, a very soft, little voice began to sweetly sing…
Silence fell on the checkout lanes. All that could be heard was the whirring of the cash registers. No one said a word.
Then, that sweet little voice began to sing again…
Just as a place was made for baby Jesus to be born so many years ago, a place was made for Him in the checkout lanes. Smiles erupted across the stone-cold faces of the Grinches. Peace swept across the store, carving a swath through the crowd of shoppers and banishing loneliness and the Grinch from the checkout lanes.
As you weave your way in and out of the stores this Christmas season, remember the Reason for the Season…it’s the celebration of Jesus’ birth!
May the blessings of the manger find a place in your heart.
Simply B E A U T I F U L Thank you! I just returned from a precious little country church childrens Christmas program - this was a perfect ending. Bless you friend.
Love this!
Lynn -
I love this. I actually haven't heard this one before. What else can you say? Child-like faith...
God bless!
Dean
I have never seen this one. Loved it, thanks for sharing it! :)
How wonderful, Doug! I'm sure the program was really sweet. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I appreciate it. Blessings to you!
P to P...I'm honored to have you visit. Thank you so much for the comment. Bless you!
Thanks so much, Dean. It's one I wrote. That's probably why you've never read it before! :D Blessings to you!
I had not read this before. As they say, out of the mouths of babes. Wonderfu addition to this Advent season, Lynn. Thank you for repeating this beautiful post so we who have not previously had the pleasure had the chance to enjoy it. Merry Christimas!
Thank you so much, Ceci, for your sweet comment. You bless me. Blessings to you!
Don't know how long I've been following your blog Lynn, but I didn't know this one.
Thanks!
Sweet story, Lynn!
Great post, Lynn!
Beautiful story! I haven't started Christmas shopping yet, so I'll have to remember this when I'm waiting in line. :)
Thanks for sharing Lynn.
What a sweet story! It brought tears to my eyes. Bless you, sweet Lynn, for sharing!
Marja, I think you were one of my earliest followers. And always appreciated! So glad you liked this post. Bless you!
Thanks so much, Carol! I appreciate it! Blessings to you!
Thanks so much, Lorna! So happy to see you! Bless you!
Thanks, Cathy! Maybe you'll start humming or even singing while you're in line! LOL Appreciate your visit. Bless you!
Awww...thank you so much, sweet Connie! You make my heart happy! Blessings to you!
You brought tears of joy to my eyes as I read this. Well done. Merry Christmas!
You brought tears to my eyes as I read this. Well done. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for sharing this sweet Christmas story, Lynn. I guess I must be one of the few who has never read it!
Love & blessings,
Anna
Aww, thank you so much, Elizabeth! I'm so glad you liked it. So appreciate your comment. Bless you!
Hey, dear Anna! So glad you got to read it. I'm pretty sure you're in a larger group than just a few who haven't read it! LOL Thanks so much! Blessings to you!