Archive for December 14, 2010
A REAL Christmas Story…..
The true meaning of Christmas often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. Interestingly, a fellow shopper and I were talking about this very issue at Michaels Arts and Crafts store after a women (who happened to be my neighbor!) cut in line in front of us. Instead of making a big scene, the fellow shopper and I both smiled at each other and began to talk about Christmas. I remarked that I would rather folks not give gifts at all if it means that the true meaning of Christ’s birth is lost in the process.
One year, I am going to get myself in gear and make everyone’s gift. That would be a true testament of my love for them. Most of all, I will be sure to think of Robert E. Jones, a Utah prisoner, when I do it too. He is my inspiration for the week and a true example of the meaning of Christmas – love, redemption and hope.
Jones recently made 540 (yes 540!) crocheted hats with pom-poms on top for the students of Oquirrh Hills Elementary School, the majority of which are poor and rarely receive such gifts. Jones is serving a prison sentence for murdering a man nearly 30 years ago. Each year, he picks a project to complete in honor of his victim, Kim Chapman. Jones paid for all of the yarn himself (he makes $0.40/hour in prison) and spent many long nights crocheting each hat in time for a special Christmas assembly at the school where each child received a hat. Believe it or not, his grandmother taught him to crochet at age 6.
I can only imagine what profound impact this small gift could have on each one of their lives - “Someone out there loves me. Someone made a big mistake with their life and is choosing to make it right by doing good.”
Courtesy of Paul Fraughton @ The Salt Lake Tribune
The sheer joy on their little faces brings to my mind the joy of the Savior’s birth. Because of Him, Jones and I are forgiven. Because of Christ’s love, redemption is possible. There is HOPE for everyone; and that is the message I wish was prominently displayed during every tv commercial and on every sale flyer that comes my way.
Can we take back Christmas one loving deed at a time? Let’s get out our hooks and needles and give it a try!
