During the first week of December, fellow students brought decorations for the Christmas tree: bells, ribbons, pinecones, and candy canes. Miss Higgins read from the book of Matthew in the Bible, one of the greatest stories ever told about the birth of Jesus.
The class had decided to do a gift exchange with fellow students. Leon rubbed his hand down one leg of his pants, sweaty palms, and a fluttery feeling in the pit of his stomach. How can I ask Momma for a gift when she barely has money to buy food for our family?
When the time came to open presents, Leon stepped forward and asked, “Miss Higgins, can I clean the chalkboard erasers today?” If I take my time, I might be able to escape the gift exchange completely, he thought.
Miss Higgins stood quietly for a moment, then replied, “Yes, Leon, you may clean the erasers.” When she returned to her desk, her eyes moistened, and a lone tear dropped down her cheek. She had long suspected that Leon’s family had fallen on hard times.
At almost three in the afternoon, the Christmas party was winding down. Leon stepped back inside the classroom. Miss Higgins stood and announced, “Students, I have one last gift to bestow on someone special.” Everyone turned around when she said, “Leon, will you come up to my desk for a moment?”
Leon’s mind raced. With a bowed head and a downward gaze, he thought, What could she have for me? Maybe if I don’t make eye contact, they won’t know how humiliated I am.
“Chocolate covered cherries … for you.”
A flush crept over Leon’s cheeks. “Thank you,” he said humbly, then rushed back to his seat.
That Christmas, Miss Higgins taught her students the blessing of giving and receiving gifts, which later opened the door to Leon’s father’s heart. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
This Christmas, make sure you have accepted God’s gift of salvation. And if you have, share it with someone else.
Lisa Holley is a wife of thirty-five years, mom, and grandma, currently living in beautiful historic Jonesborough, Tennessee. In her free time, she enjoys writing Christian devotions while sharing her unique family history. She is a part of a local creative circle of writers group and a certified story collector.