The following story was shared by a son at his father’s funeral this past year. Don was a man I respected as much as anyone I have ever known. This story is only one of many about his life that inspire me.

Please note that while I share this in the first person (the son), the words are not exact but as I remember them.

“A few years ago I was helping my father with his grocery shopping, when a woman came up to my father and asked him if he remembered her. He apologized that he did not know who she was.

She told my Dad, that many years ago, when he owned a variety store,, she was one his customers. One Christmas Eve Day she called him with a special request. Her husband devastated her by telling her that he was leaving and she had no money for food. Could she buy some food on credit. He said she could and she gave him a list of the items she needed, agreeing to pick them up later in the day.

After picking the box(es) of food up, she took it home and opened it up. She noticed that  there was much more food than she had asked for and there were even some gifts for her children. She also noticed a note, and unfolding it, she read,

“I am so sorry about what has happened to you. I have included a few extra items for you and the children. Also, I want you to know, that as bad as things may seem now, they will be better. Merry Christmas. Don.

PS: Paid in full.”

She added "I want you to know how the gift and note carried me through that Christmas. Over the years, things have slowly gotten better for me.

Every Christmas for the past 30 years, I take out your note and display as a reminder to me that there are people who care and to give me hope.”

After washing the disciples’ feet and sharing His last supper with them, Jesus tells His disciples and us:

“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Christmas is a time of celebrating our Lord’s birth into this world. It is a reminder of His love for us, a love that took Him all the way to the cross.

When we become a “Don” at Christmas, we not only live out what Christ’s coming is all about, but we also give a present to the one whose birthday we celebrate. Jesus says:

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

May the grace and peace of our Lord shine in you this Christmas and shine through you upon others.