Merry Christmas to ALL

The Christmas Guest

It happened on day at December's end. Two neighbors called on an old friend. They found his shop so meager and lean, made gay with a thousand boughs of green. Conrad was sitting with a face a-shine, as he suddenly stopped as he stitched a twine. And said "Old friends, at dawn today, when the cock was crowing the night away, the Lord appeared in a dream to me, and said " I am coming your guest to be".

So i've been busy with feet astir, strewing my shop with branches of fir. The table is spread and the kettle is shined, and over the rafters the holly is twined.

So now i'll wait for my Lord to appear and listen closley so I will hear his steps as he nears my humble place, i'll open the door and look on his face..."

So his friends went home and left Conrad alone, for this was the happiest day he had known. For long since his family had passed away and Conrad had spent a many sade Christmas Day.

As he listened with only joy in his heart and with every sound he would rise with a start. To look for the Lord to be at his door like the vision he had had a few hours before. And look for the Lord to be standing there, in an answer to his earnest prayer.

So he ran to the window after hearing a sound, but all he could see on the snow covered ground. Was a shaggy beggar with bruised cold feet, who's shues were torn, and all of his cloths were ragged and worn.

Conrad was touched and went to the door, and he said "You know your feet must be frozen and sore. I have some shues in my shop for you, and a coat that will keep you warmer, too".

With a greatfull heart the man went away, but as Conrad noticed the time of day. He wondered what made the Lord so late, and how much longer he's have to wait.

When he heard a knock he ran to the door, but it was only a stranger once more. A bent old lady with a shawl of black, and a bundle of kindling piled on her back. She asked for only a place to rest but that was reserved for Conrad's great guest. Her voice seem to plead, "Don't send me away, let me rest awhile on this Christmas Day".

So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup, and told her to sit at the table and sup. After she left he was filled with dismay, for he saw that the hours were passing away. And the Lord had not come as he said he would, and Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood. When out of the stillness he heard a cry, "Please help me and tell me where am I".

So again he opened his friendly door, and stood disappointed as twice before. It was only a child who had wondered away, and was lost from her family on Christmas Day. Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad. But he knew he should make the little girl glad. So he called her in and wiped her tears, and quieted her childish fears.

Then he led her back to her home once more, and as he entered his own darkened door. He knew the Lord was not coming today. For the hours of Christmas had passed away. So he went to his room and knelt down to pray. And he said "Dear Lord, why did you delay? What hept you from coming to call on me? For I wanted so much your face to see..."

When soft in the silent a voice he heard, "Lift up your head, for I kept my word. Three times my shadow crossed your floor. Three times I came to your lonley door. For I was the beggar with bruised cold feet. I was the woman you gave something to eat. I was the child on the homless street. Three times I knocked, and three times I came in. Each time I found the warmth of a friend. Out of all of the gifts, love is the best. I was honored to be you're Christmas Guest!!

Merry Christmas

Love, Shannon xoxo

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shannon Chambers on December 22, 2010 at 4:45pm

Merry Christmas Michael, and I extend my holiday greetings to your family as well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. God bless us every one!!!! Love, Shannon xoxo

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Permalink Reply by Alison Glass on December 21, 2010 at 7:41pm

Hey Shannon,

I do not think you realize how many lives you may have touched with this story. We are having our Christmas party today at work. I always have something to read and share with my co-workers. Today I did not until I found your story. Thank you. It will be read to around 35-40 people and I know that some will ask for copies to share with their families. You have truly been a blessing and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Alison

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Permalink Reply by Shannon Chambers on December 23, 2010 at 8:38pm

Thank you Alison that was very sweet of you. Let us know how every one at your office likes the story. I am glade that the story touched your heart. It brings tears to my eyes every year. I hope you have a wonderfuly blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

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Permalink Reply by Sylvia on December 24, 2010 at 9:35pm

For unto you is born this day in the city of David our savior, which is Christ the LORD... ~Luke2:11

To all Michael Bolton fans and friends I made here I would like to take the time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

May your heart be filled with peace and joy this holiday season and for the New Year.

Happy belated Hanukkah too!

It's been so great meeting you all, stay well :-) Blessing from Texas- Sylvia

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Permalink Reply by sylvia doughty on December 24, 2010 at 10:30pm

Hi Sylvia,

Thanks a million for your message, Sylvia and the same back to you, may you have a great Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year, when it arrives! Have FUN!

Sylvia. Wee Scottish friend.

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Permalink Reply by helen alicia anderson on December 25, 2010 at 2:56am

heres wishing everyone a happy christmas and a fantastic new year and a special thanks to gail for being such a great moderator on this forum hope you have a wonderfull day with family and friends and a fantastic new year