Many years ago, I used to volunteer in a second grade class at a local elementary school. I absolutely loved the kids and greatly enjoyed tutoring them and assisting them in any way possible. There were also some students who spoke little English. Their families had recently moved to the area from Mexico as migrant workers. Gratefully, I had some knowledge of Spanish and would sometimes have to translate assignments from English to Spanish or write notes home to the kids' parents in Spanish.
After Christmas break, the students were all a buzz talking about the presents they received for Christmas. Every child's face was lit with a radiant glow...every child except Ismael, a child of one of the migrant workers. My friend Nick was also tutoring with me that day. Nick, in his caring manner, asked Ismael about his sorrow. Ismael whispered into Nick's ear. Immediately, Nick's countenance fell. A short while later, the students were dismissed for their afternoon recess break. As soon as the students had vacated the classroom, Nick divulged Ismael's secret. "Santa did not come to Ismael's house this year. Ismael did not receive a single present for Christmas." I, too, was instantly saddened by this revelation. But unlike my colleague, I knew what I had to do.
When I arrived home from the elementary school, I went to my meager savings stash and fished out ten dollars. I then joyfully took this money with me to my local Walmart, hoping I could buy Ismael a Christmas gift. When I arrived in the toy department, an incredible blessing awaited me. Since it was about ten days after Christmas, everything left on the toy department shelves was 90% off! I was nearly leaping for joy! Instead of being able to get Ismael just one gift, I was able to purchase a plethora of items--crayons, a coloring book, Play-doh, a stuffed animal, an easy to read storybook and several other items which filled up a paper grocery bag.
When I arrived at the elementary school the next day, I tried to discreetly give Ismael his presents. I did not want to make a big scene upon giving Ismael his gifts for I did not want the other children to see me give Ismael a bag full of presents. I quietly told Ismael, "When I arrived home last night, I found this bag full of gifts beneath my tree. It seems Santa was not sure where your home was this year because you recently moved. But, Santa gave me a message to deliver these gifts to you." Ismael's eyes grew wide and excitement and joy filled his face. Ismael quickly ran off to the coat room to put his gifts next to his book bag. He also took a few moments to rifle through the brown paper grocery bag. When Ismael returned, he began telling everyone about the gifts he had received for Christmas and about how Santa was late getting him gifts because Santa did not know where he lived.
As I sat silently listening to Ismael and watching laughter spill out from his mouth, I took a moment to enjoy the true blessing of Christmas. What a joy it was to have been able to buy Ismael gifts. What a blessing it was that Walmart had their toys on sale. What a miracle it was that God revealed to me Ismael's burden, and I was able to bring happiness to this little boy's life. May this Christmas season be filled with lots of love, joy and kindness. Shalom.
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