The unannounced christma.., p.22
The Unannounced Christmas Visitor, page 22
She observed and listened in silence.
In between sniffles, John cried out in the darkness, “Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before You, with all my heart, confessing my need for You. Now that I’ve been given a small glimpse of just how big You really are, thanks to Enoch, I feel so unworthy being in Your presence for even a second.
“All I can do is humble myself before You, as the weak and helpless man I really am. Save me, Jesus, as only You can, from that dreadful place called hell. By faith and with all my heart I believe You really are the King of kings and Lord of lords. I also believe only You have the power to forgive my sins.
“Have mercy on me, Lord, and be my Savior. Cleanse me of my sins. Transform me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. If my friends at the park can accept Your Word as the highest authority over their lives, and if three kings bowed down to You in worship when You were just an infant, it’s time for me to do the same.
“I also ask forgiveness for being a constant stumbling block to my wife and children all this time. Teach me to be more like You, Lord. Help me to pray more, share Your Gospel more, sacrifice more and weep more for that which breaks Your heart.
“Help me to be less self-centered and more in tune to the needs of others. Less judgmental and more compassionate. Less vengeful and more forgiving. Teach me to love everyone and not just some. These things I ask in Your mighty and precious name, dear Jesus, Amen.”
“Amen,” Lydia said, joyously.
John craned his neck back and saw his wife standing in the doorway wiping tears from her eyes.
Reaching deep for a breath, John rose to his feet. In the darkness, the newly converted child of God said, “I’m so sorry, Lydia. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me for all I’ve done?”
“Of course, I forgive you,” she said, getting all choked up herself.
John cupped her face with both hands, tilted her head ever so gently, and kissed his wife firmly on the lips. Lydia let his affection wash over the dry wasteland of her heart like an overpowering river, healing and reviving her body everywhere it touched.
Gazing deep into her eyes, he said, “I’m sure it’s crossed your mind as to whether or not there ever was another woman. I can assure you there never was. All that time I spent online was nothing more than me looking for ways to escape reality.
“Guess you could say I was locked up in the dark chambers of my own selfishness. Life became an endless cycle. I was dizzy and wanted to get off the hamster wheel for a while. But I’m ready to get back on again. With you.”
John kissed her on the lips again. Then again. And again. He wanted her to know he still found her attractive.
Lydia rejoiced knowing something sweet had shifted inside her husband. It was the obvious result of Light breaking through the darkness of John’s heart. Lydia bathed in it, as she silently praised God for this amazing day full of Christmas miracles.
After one more kiss, the newly restored couple descended the stairs hand in hand.
Freeway was lying at the base of the stairway and was the first to greet them. It was evident they both had been crying.
“Are you okay, Daddy?” Grace asked. Concern was splashed all over her face. But she couldn’t ignore her father’s facial features; they were softer, kinder, gentler and more peaceful, much like in the past. He even looked younger.
“I’m fine, sweetheart, just fine.” John took his daughter in his arms for the first time in many months.
“Then why were you crying?” Grace squeezed her father for dear life, hoping to comfort him.
“Because I finally believe.”
“Believe what?” Matthew asked.
“That Jesus is my Lord and Savior!” John declared, triumphantly.
“I thought you always believed that, Daddy?” Grace was clearly confused.
Looking his daughter in the eye, John explained, “So did I, sweetheart. Sorry to say that I was one of the many fake Christians in the world. I was quite the actor though, wasn’t I?”
Grace looked shocked by her father’s confession.
“I know, sweetheart. It took seeing Enoch’s strong example as a true follower of Yeshua to force me to question my overall disbelief in God. After rededicating my life to Christ tonight, wait, strike that,” John said, winking at Enoch, “I didn’t rededicate anything. After finally surrendering my life to Jesus, I know what it feels like to be born again. I feel so rejuvenated.”
John kneeled on the carpeted floor John gathered his two precious children in his arms. “Sorry for the way I acted the past few months. Daddy was simply lost and no longer knew how to act. I’ve already asked for your mother’s forgiveness. Now I’m asking for yours. Can you please forgive me?”
Both nodded yes. They were too choked up to reply to their father.
John squeezed his two children, “Daddy loves you both so much.”
“Love you too, Dad,” Matthew replied softly, teary-eyed.
Air got stuck in John’s throat when he saw a tear riding down his son’s right cheek.
“I love you too, Daddy,” Grace whispered in her father’s ear.
“One gift you will not find under the tree tomorrow,” John said to Lydia, “comes in the form of a promise from me to you. The three of you, in fact. From this moment forward, I promise to be a better husband and father in every way. Just like before, kids, only better.
“Now that my eyes have finally been opened, I’ll never again overlook the precious family God has blessed me with.”
Shifting his gaze to Enoch, John said, “Thanks to you, I plan to live the rest of my life alive. My new long-term goal is to hear Jesus say, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.’”
“Glory to God,” Enoch said, softly.
“And that, my dear family, is my main gift to you this Christmas.”
Lydia threw herself into her husband’s arms and wept joyously.
John stroked his wife’s hair. “Oh, there’s one more thing. How much did you spend yesterday, Matthew?”
“Seven-hundred and fifty dollars and thirty-seven cents, to be exact.”
John reached into his back pants pocket for his wallet and retrieved a copy of his bonus check that had already been deposited into his bank electronically. “This will cover the seven-fifty…” The man of the house then pulled loose change from his front pocket. He counted thirty-seven cents. “This will cover the rest.”
Then to Lydia: “When the credit card bill comes in next month, use my bonus check money to pay it in full.”
Lydia gave her husband a sideways look. She felt a tight constriction in her throat. Worry filled her eyes. “Are you sure, honey? What about the other bills?”
“It’s time for me to trust God in all things, not just some. Since my bonus check was one-tenth of last year’s bonus check, consider it a tithe of sorts.”
Lydia was taken aback by her husband’s comment, “Yes, but ten percent of seven-fifty is only seventy-five dollars...”
John nodded agreement. “Hopefully God will apply the rest to the many times I short-changed Him over the years.” He winked at Enoch.
The old man smiled and remained silent, not wanting to ruin this beautiful moment unfolding before him.
John steadied his gaze back onto his children. “I saw you at the park today.”
“You did?” exclaimed Grace.
“It was one of the most beautiful sights these eyes have ever seen. I can’t tell you how proud you made me.”
Matthew said, “We were happy to do it, Daddy.”
“I know. Everyone at the park knew it too. Do you plan on doing it again next Christmas?”
“We hadn’t thought about it, but yeah, I guess so. Right, Grace?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Would it be okay if I joined you next year? Who knows, perhaps the two of you have just started a new Jensen family Christmas tradition without even knowing it.”
“Really?” Grace said. “Oh, Daddy, welcome back!” She kissed her father on the cheek.
To Lydia, John said, “Now that my mind’s been renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, when I go back to work next week, I plan on becoming a star employee again. But for totally different reasons than in the past.”
“And what might they be?”
“First, so I can increase the amount we give at church without ever missing a single week. I also want to give ten percent of my earnings to you, as an offering, to help fund your upstart feeding ministry.
“Even if it becomes a struggle at times, we’ll just have to learn to get by on eighty percent of what I bring home. But no more robbing God for me. I want to learn to rest in His future promises like our friends at the park do. And speaking of the park, I plan to volunteer all my free time and help you to the best of my ability.”
“This is the best Christmas ever!” Grace shouted, seeing the sheer ecstasy in her mother’s eyes, and she hadn’t opened a single gift yet.
It was quite impressive for a seven-year-old.
The Jensens clung to each other on the living room floor. All pain from the past seven months dissipated as if it had never happened. It was replaced with a boundless joy that could only come from above.
Enoch remained silent. But hearing John say those words to his family, and seeing the expressions on their faces, satisfied him immensely. His joy filled the room so much, it nearly pressed against the panes of glass. His eyes shone like the brightest two stars in the universe.
And that’s because this gift had nothing to do with the worldly, materialistic gifts Enoch feared most humans believed represented the true essence of Christmas, including the Jensens.
This gift didn’t cost a cent, but it was more precious than any material item Lydia could ever receive, because it came straight from John’s heart.
But the greatest and most important thing to happen to John Jensen went far beyond reconciling with his family. He finally knew what it meant to be a true child of God. This gave him the eternal sense of belonging he’d been searching for all his life without ever finding it.
Finally, he gets it, the old man thought, taking the final sip of his beverage.
Enoch also knew what that meant...
32
CHRISTMAS MORNING
“WAIT FOR MOMMY AND Daddy!” Lydia wiped sleep from her eyes. She sat up in bed and squinted at the clock: 8:13 a.m. Didn’t feel like six hours of rest, she thought, lowering her feet onto the carpeted floor.
Just like in previous years, Matthew, Grace and Freeway were seated on the top step anxious to race down the stairway. They knew nothing under the tree could top the many priceless gifts already received, but with kids being kids, they were eager to see what was waiting for them.
John and Lydia emerged from the master bedroom wearing matching red robes. Both looked as if they hadn’t slept in days.
Another hour of sleep would be the perfect gift now, Lydia thought, her mouth formed in a yawn.
Matthew and Grace rose to their feet. Both bubbled over with excitement.
“Not so fast, you too,” Lydia said, “not until Daddy turns on all the lights and lights the fireplace.”
“Okay...” Grace sat down on the top step again. Matthew followed.
John went to the kitchen and flicked the coffeemaker switch. As it brewed, he dashed through the house with an energy he hadn’t felt in quite some time. He lit candles, turned on the Christmas tree lights and all other decorative lights.
Finally, he turned on Christmas music and struck a match to the kindling inside the fireplace. Satisfied that he hadn’t forgotten to do something, he said, “Okay, kids, you can come down now.”
Like a flash of lightning—two flashes—Matthew and Grace dashed down the steps straight to the Christmas tree.
Freeway was right behind them.
“Shh, don’t wake Enoch!” Lydia ordered in a loud whisper, slowly descending the carpeted steps.
“Okay, Mommy,” they replied softly, in unison.
John was mildly impressed that his children didn’t flinch seeing the significantly-smaller piles of gifts beneath the tree. He was also relieved.
Even if Matthew and Grace didn’t offer to sacrifice gifts, so they could give to others, they still would have found less under the tree this year.
Matthew wasted no time finding a package with his name on it.
Just as he was about to tear it open, John said, “Aren’t you forgetting something, son?”
“Oops, sorry, Daddy…” Matthew carefully placed the gift back where he found it under the tree.
“Before we start, let me wake Enoch. I’m sure he’ll want to pray with us before we open the gifts. Since it’s Christmas morning, I’ll bring him coffee.”
“Okay, Mommy,” Grace said.
Lydia went to the kitchen and poured coffee into three holiday-themed cups, then added the right amount of cream and sugar, leaving John’s black. She poured milk into plastic cups for the kids and placed everything on a serving tray. Lydia carefully placed the tray on the living room coffee table, then grabbed the cup for Enoch.
“Be right back.” Lydia climbed the stairs slowly to avoid spilling coffee on herself. A few moments later she returned downstairs, coffee cup in hand, totally bewildered. “He’s gone.”
“What do you mean he’s gone, honey?” John asked.
“He isn’t here. I knocked three times before opening the door. The bed was made and his new pajamas and outfit he wore to church last night were folded neatly on top of the blanket. And his slippers were beside the bed.”
“Wonder where he went,” Matthew said, feeling no need for concern. But what he saw on his mother’s face told another story altogether.
John shrugged it off, “Perhaps he went to the park to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I’m sure he’ll be back soon enough.”
“How would he get there?” Lydia replied. “And why is his coat still hanging on the rack by the front door?”
“Beats me.” Now John, too, was perplexed.
Lydia stared out the front window. Call it woman’s intuition, but the mother of two had a sinking feeling that Enoch was gone for good. Where could he have possibly gone?
“Let’s pray,” John said, hoping to redirect their focus. The family of four dropped to their knees and held hands. John began, “Lord Father God, as we celebrate the birth of our precious Savior this day, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank You for sending Enoch into our lives. Please protect and watch over our dear friend wherever he may be.
“Most of all, I want to thank You for restoring this family and for blessing me with the greatest Christmas Gift I could ever receive. Happy birthday, Jesus! Thanks for being my Savior and King. I will serve you all the days of my life, Amen!”
Much like Grace did at the park, Lydia started singing Happy Birthday, Jesus.
Happy birthday, Jesus,
I’m so glad it’s Christmas,
All the tinsel and lights and the presents are nice
but the real Gift is You,
Happy birthday, Jesus,
I’m so glad it’s Christmas,
all the carols and bells make the holiday swell
and it’s all about You
Happy Birthday, Jesus,
Jesus, I love You.
The second time through everyone sang along. It was nice, but it couldn’t compare to yesterday’s rendition, with the assistance of the city park musicians.
Once they were finished singing, John said, “You know the rules, kids. One at a time, and Grace goes first.”
“We know, we know,” said Matthew.
Grace reached for a gift addressed to her. A smile curled onto her lips. It was the novel that was at the top of her list. She couldn’t wait to start reading it. But beneath her smile was a sadness she couldn’t hide, even despite her best efforts.
No one had to ask why. Grace wanted Enoch to be with them. It didn’t feel complete without him.
More than anything, the seven-year-old wanted to see his reaction when he opened the “Best Friends Always” picture frame she got for him. Inside was a photograph her mother took of the two of them.
It was all Grace could think about before dozing off last night. Her shoulders slumped. She felt like crying.
Now his turn, Matthew tore off the shiny wrapping paper with reckless abandon, to find the sneakers he badly wanted stuffed inside the box. He wondered if his friends, Zach and Bryce, also got them. All three had asked for them for Christmas.
The smile on Matthew’s face faded after he was seized with a thought: Wonder how many people I could feed with these eighty-dollar sneakers?
Thanks to Enoch, his whole outlook on life was forever changed.
One by one they took turns opening packages. Grace unwrapped one of Freeway’s gifts. Even though she wrapped the dog treats, she feigned surprise. She gave her a treat, “Merry Christmas, Freeway!”
Freeway practically inhaled it and begged and yelped for another.
“Okay. One more, but only because it’s Christmas,” Grace said, acquiescing to her pet’s wishes. Where are you, Enoch?
With much less under the tree than in past years, it didn’t take long to sort through all the gifts.
Lydia went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Despite the many miracles witnessed all this week, with Enoch gone, she couldn’t help but feel melancholy.
The hardest part was that she never got to thank the man God had sent to restore her family. It was the least she could do after all he did for them.
With her family still in the living room, Lydia had a good cry...
33
AFTER BREAKFAST, MATTHEW REMOVED his and his kid sister’s stockings that were hanging from the fireplace mantle. Handing Grace her stocking, they wasted no time emptying the contents onto the floor.
Lydia’s phone vibrated. The message read: Be there by 11.
She replied, OK. See you soon. Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad.
John’s parents were also out making the rounds, presently visiting John’s brother and sister-in-law. From there they would visit John’s recently divorced kid sister before dropping by at around 4 p.m.
