TOMMY'S CHRISTMAS LIST By, Martha S. Hooker
“I’ll try, Uncle John,” replied Tommy, “I know two boys who never even go to Sunday School.” “Perhaps you could give some gift, too, in Jesus’ name, to some who do not have as many things as you have,” con tinued Uncle John, as he watched the interest and eagerness on Tommy’s face. “I’ll do it, Uncle John, I really will,” said Tommy as he rushed to the fire with his long list of Christmas wishes. And that night, before Tommy went to sleep, a brand new list lay on his table. And such a long list it was, too! The names of all the poor boys and girls in his room at school were written there. Opposite each was a gift listed; and some of the gifts were his own best games and toys. And at the bottom of the page, written in large letters, were these words: “FOR HIS BIRTHDAY.”
W HEN Uncle John came into the room, Tommy was very busy at Mother’s desk with pencil and paper—so busy, in fact, that he did not look up from his writing to greet his visitor. This was very unusual, for Uncle John was Tommy’s favorite uncle. “Well, Tommy, my lad,” began Uncle John, after he had stood in the room for a few minutes unnoticed, “what is this important letter you’re writing?” “Oh, it’s not a letter—but—a list,” replied Tommy slowly, scarcely looking up from the desk. “A list?” repeated Uncle John, “a list of all your aunts and uncles and cousins, I suppose?” “Oh, no, Uncle John—don’t you know that Christmas is only two weeks away? I’m writing out a list of the things I want most of all for Christmas; I thought Mother and Daddy might like to have it.”
Christmas list.” Privately, Tommy was thinking, “Uncle does act so stupid. He doesn’t seem to understand what Christ mas is for.” After looking at the list for what seemed to Tommy a long, long time, Uncle John leaned back in the chair and began talking in a heart-to-heart fashion. “Christmas is such a blessed season, Tommy. It’s the time when we remember the day so long ago when God gave to the world His best of all gifts, the Gift of His only Son. You and I have both accepted Him as our Saviour, Tommy; and now at this Christmas time we are remembering the earthly birthday of our Saviour. What a wonderful day it was, nearly two thousand years ago; when our Lord Jesus left His beautiful home in glory to come into this dark, sinful world as a Babe in Bethlehem’s manger! Angels bent low that night to announce the good news of His birth, and a star of wondrous light, seen by the Wise Men, caused them to travel across desert sands to the very place where Jesus was, that they might lay their gifts at His feet. Yes, Christmas should be kept as His earthly birthday. And if it is His birthday, Tommy, who then should re ceive the gifts?” asked Uncle John, looking toward Tommy, who had been sitting very quiet as he listened" eagerly to the story of that first Christmas Day. “Why—Jesus should—of course,” an swered Tommy thoughtfully, as he re membered his own last birthday and all the fine gifts he had received. “I guess, Uncle John, that I had forgotten about Him on His birthday,” Tommy added, looking down at the floor. “But tell me, what can I give Him?” “Well, Tolnmy, you have already given Him the very best gift,” continued Uncle John, as he put his arm about the shoulders of his nephew. “You have accepted Him as your Saviour and have given Him the gift of yourself; that is the first gift, and that brings Him great joy. But how it would rejoice His heart if you could tell some friend about Him and get that friend to receive Jesus as Saviour! Do you think you could do this, Tommy, and become a soul winner at this season when we are remembering His birthday? This would be a wonder ful gift.”
“You are a helpful lad,” teased Uncle John, as he chose a comfortable chair by the lighted grate. “Would you mind letting me have a look at that list?” Tommy, remembering Uncle John’s gen erous gifts in the past, eagerly granted this request, and was soon seated on the arm of his uncle’s chair, while Uncle John adjusted his glasses and began reading aloud the long Christmas list: “Roller skates, a ball and bat,” and on to the very last item, “a brand new bi cycle.” “That is a very interesting list, my boy—but I thought your birthday was in Julv.” commented Uncle John. “I t is,” replied Tommy, “but this is a Page Twelve
What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man I would do my part, But what can I give Him? Give Him my heart. —Christina G. Rossetti T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
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