Christmas through the Eyes of a Child
By kenny merrell
On a terrible night, Christmas Eve, my six year old Granddaughter, Sophia, and I held our bundles and climbed upon an elevator filled with people tired and cranky their Christmas spirit all but extinguished.
We lost our glow staring at people muttering all enraged at too long lines and toys all gone not listening to the words in Christmas songs.
As the elevator started down a voice from the back of the elevator said in loud and angry voice, "Whoever thought of this holiday should be crucified
With the words ringing in our ears the elevator jerked, then stopped suddenly between the floors. The lights went off and an emergency light began to shine upon my granddaughter’s face next to mine.
Like an angel in the light of God, Sophia said thoroughly entranced,
in a clear sweet voice heard by all
" HE WAS CRUCIFIED!" "AND HIS NAME IS JESUS!"
It became so silent you could hear a pin fall.
She told us a story of a wonderful time
If only we would listen it would be sublime
About a baby born savior on a miraculous night
And how we could be saved if we only did right
The joy on her face was so touchingly sincere
She began to unfold a story learned from her mother
"It was a clear and cold, beautiful night
One star in the heavens was shining bright
The angels were singing
They were bringing the news
Everyone who would listen
Would be blessed and enthused"
For they came down a road traveled far
A mother to be led by a beautiful star
There was no room in the Inn
The stable would do
She began to laugh and with an excited voice continued
" There was a baby born.
There was a Star. A big shiny star, all alone, showing the way.
Angels told people. A Savior is born, on this very day.
They followed the Star and brought gifts.
Everyone was so happy.
The baby was named Jesus.
He was going to save the whole world.
When he grew up he cured the sick.
He fed the poor. He walked on water
He said believe in me.
He had to carry a cross and God was sad
And made the heavens dark,
But Jesus said, "Father forgive them,
They know not what they do."
So we are buying gifts for all my family
To celebrate Christmas and to celebrate
Jesus who was born on this day
And was crucified for our sins"
We all stood there entranced by this little girl who knew
the real story of Christmas and why we were here.
Suddenly the lights came on.
A Loud voice coming through the speaker startled us by saying
"Push the button and the elevator will start again."
As if in a daze we started down. No one spoke.
It was quiet all around.
The store manager was surprised as we exited the doors,
Not a voice expressed distress, there was nothing but joy.
For you see a miracle had happened to we shoppers that night
We saw the story of Christmas through the eyes of a child
