Light in a Dark Hallway

The air was chilled and stagnant as the group stood in the unlit hallway. Albanian women and children crowded around to see what the excitement was all about. The skeptical and shy stood back a ways, unsure if they should partake or even believe what was going on before their eyes. As the leader of the group began to present the reason behind Christmas, the crowd stilled and quietened. Several children cautiously eyed the boxes held closely by the other team members. They recognised those brightly-coloured shoeboxes. Inside they contained goodies for them! But what was this man talking about? Christmas was more than just getting a present? There was a story behind it? Someone loved them enough to give up all that He had to be born and eventually die for them? What it meant, they weren’t exactly sure. But they quietly listened and thought about what was said. When the shoeboxes were passed out, the level of noise and merriment rose and drowned out the moments of silent contemplation. The children were happy to be remembered by someone!

Several weeks later, Kalie*, one of the OM team members found herself standing in that same dark hallway, talking to one of the mothers. As they conversed about the mother's needs, the mother proudly opened the door wide to display the two shoeboxes her children had received. They were on the shelf, as if to say, “We feel honoured that you remembered us, and we won’t forget you either!” As Kalie walked home, the weight of what that had meant challenged her heart. No, they hadn’t been forgotten! Nor would He ever forget them! As those shoeboxes sit on display, may the Lord continue to remind that mother and her children that He is Immanuel- God who has remembered His creation and now abides with them!