On the eve of a miracle

Shots heard round the country
December 23, 2014
Families giving God thanks is important
December 23, 2014
Shots heard round the country
December 23, 2014
Families giving God thanks is important
December 23, 2014

I was probably five, maybe six. My goals were twofold, meet Santa and make sure he knew I really, really wanted a guitar.


I’d been asking every single day for the last year. Even told the mall Santa with the saggy beard in case he did have St. Nick’s ear.

So, that particular Christmas Eve I faked sleep in an effort to be extra vigilant for Santa’s arrival at my house.

Probably around 4 a.m., I woke up. Bleary-eyed and frustrated with myself for having slept on Santa watch, I stumbled into the living room. By the glow of the Christmas tree lights, I spotted it. A ukulele. Close, Santa, but no cigar.


I tiptoed to the bathroom to wash the sleep from my eyes and returned, careful not to wake my dad who, for some strange reason, was sleeping on the sofa, his toolbox near his side.

On the bright side, Santa knew best. I came to love that ukulele.

On the flipside, my parents quickly reminded me that morning that I’d lost sight of the reason for the season after I pouted that the mini-guitar was not what I’d hoped for.


This is the eve of the Christmas miracle – the night the world was given the gift of grace, redemption and love. Born in a lowly manger, he was God in the flesh, who was born to save the world.

In the spirit of the season, we wish you a Merry Christmas and pray God blesses you all the days of your life.