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The Spirit of Christmas

by

Betsy Brannon Green

December 2011

Kate Iverson glanced out the window, searching the darkness for the headlights of her husband’s car. She had talked to Mark an hour before and he’d promised to leave work soon. It was the first Monday night in December, the day that they traditionally decorated their Christmas tree. But it was already eight-thirty and before too much longer she was going to have to make a tough decision. It was a school night so if Mark didn’t make it home soon they would either have to postpone their Christmas-tree decorating or do it without him. She couldn’t bear the thought of either option. So she told the children to sing a few Christmas carols and walked out of the room to call Mark and hopefully speed his arrival.

         “Why does Mama want us to sing Christmas carols before we decorate the tree?” Charles asked Emily.

         Kate paused, anxious to see how her six-year-old daughter would answer.

         “She wants us to have the Christmas spirit,” Emily replied.

         Kate was impressed and pleased by this response. But then Charles asked another, more difficult question.

         “What is the Christmas spirit?”

         Kate tiptoed back and peeked around the doorframe into the living room. She saw Emily’s brow furrowed, considering her answer. Charles waited patiently and with complete confidence that his older sister could provide the correct answer. It was a special moment and Kate hated that Mark was missing it.

Finally Emily said, “It’s the really good feeling you have thinking about all the stuff you’re getting for Christmas.”

        Kate’s heart sank.

Charles beamed at his sister. “Oh yeah I know how that feels. I love the Christmas spirit!”

Kate slipped quietly down the hall and into the kitchen. She stood there in the semi-darkness, confused. She didn’t expect her young children to fully understand the meaning of Christmas. But they had taught them about the Savior and the importance of His birth. So she was unpleasantly surprised that Emily was focusing only on the joy of receiving.

         She was standing in the kitchen, staring at the fudge the children had helped her make for their after-decorating treat, when Mark walked in through the backdoor. She crossed the room and threw herself into his arms.

         “Our children don’t understand Christmas!” she wailed. “Emily told Charles the ‘spirit of Christmas’ was the excitement of getting gifts!”

         He held her close and murmured against her hair, “All kids are excited about getting gifts. I think that’s why we do it.”

“I’m not upset because they are excited about their gifts,” Kate tried to explain. “I just don’t want them to think that’s the ‘spirit’ of Christmas. I want them to know that it’s better to give than to receive and have good will toward their fellow men.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that too much. They’re just kids,” he said. “They’ll learn.”

         Pulling back so she could see his face she said, “But that’s our job – to teach them. And right now they don’t know.”

         He laughed softly. “Our job is to teach them, but that doesn’t mean they’ll learn right away. So we’ll just keep teaching until they catch on.”

         “I’m serious, Mark. I want them to understand – at least better than they do now. What can we do to help them?”

         He reached around her and took a piece of fudge from the plate on the table. “I’ll have to give that some thought.”

         “Hey!” Emily cried from the hallway.

         They looked over to see both their children watching them with matching scowls.

         “We’re supposed to be decorating the tree!” Emily reminded them unnecessarily. “So why are you in here hugging and eating our treats?”

         Mark gave his wife a quick kiss and then released her. He picked up the plate of fudge and started walking toward the front room where the Christmas tree was waiting. “I’ll decorate but I’m starving so I’m going to have to eat while we work.”

***

         That night after the children were asleep Kate and Mark sat close on the couch, looking at their Christmas tree.

         “I think this is the best one we’ve ever had,” Kate said.

         Mark laughed. “You say that every year.”

         “That’s because we get better at tree-decorating every year.”

         They enjoyed the twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments for a few minutes.

         Then Kate asked, “Have you had a chance to think of what we can do to teach the kids about the spirit of Christmas?”

         “I’ve been thinking but I haven’t come up with anything specific,” he said. “Maybe a service project of some kind – geared to their ages.”

         She nodded. “I think something personal will be the most effective.”

“It can’t be anything too difficult since they are so young,” Mark mused.

“It can’t be making cookies for our neighbors or caroling to lonely people because we’ve already been doing that and obviously it didn’t work,” Kate pointed out. “It’s going to have to be something special – something compelling and memorable.”

         Mark sighed. “That’s a tall order.”

         “We’ll think of something.”

         Mark stood and held out a hand to his wife. “I hope so. But for now let’s go to bed.”

***

         The next day when Mark called at lunchtime, he asked, “Are you catching a cold?”

“No,” Kate reported stuffily. “I’ve been reading Christmas stories – looking for inspiration and ideas to help our children. Unfortunately, the stories are very sentimental so I’ve been crying all morning.”

         “If reading Christmas stories makes you sad, maybe you don’t understand the spirit of Christmas very well yourself,” he teased.

         She ignored this. “There was one story about a family who made their children give their favorite gift to needy children,” Kate told him. “At first I liked that idea, but then I was afraid our children were too young to appreciate the concept.”

          “I don’t love that idea,” he agreed. “It might backfire on us and make them resentful. But giving something to a needy person is good.”

“There was another story where a family took a Christmas tree to an elderly lady. Then the children decorated it for her.”

There was a short pause while Mark considered this. “I think the kids would like that better than giving away their favorite present. But I’m not sure it’s meaningful enough.”

“The family in the story loved it,” Kate told him.

         “The whole thing would be over in an hour. If we want to make a lasting impression we need a longer project that requires more commitment.”

Kate sniffled. “There was also a story of a family who did the Twelve Days of Christmas Nativity. Maybe that would meet your requirements.”

         “How does it work?” Mark asked cautiously.

         “We buy a nativity set with twelve pieces and then talk to the children about the story of the Savior’s birth and how important it is and how we need to share it with the world. Then we pick the person we want to give it to and secretly deliver one piece a day until finally on Christmas Eve we deliver the Baby Jesus.”

         “How would we secretly deliver the pieces?” Mark asked.

         “In the story they sneaked up to the house under the cover of darkness and put the pieces in the mailbox,” Kate told him. “I think the children would love that.”

         “That sounds entertaining, but I’m not sure it’s legal,” Mark said. “Mailboxes are property of the Federal government and if you tamper with them you can go to jail.”

         “I don’t think the government will throw us in jail for putting a piece of a nativity set in the mailbox for twelve days – at Christmas!” Kate was certain. “It will be so fun and since the experience will last for twelve days, it will be memorable.”

         “I’ll have to check on the mailbox thing, but assuming we won’t be risking Christmas in prison . . .”

Kate laughed. “We will not go to prison.”

“That’s our plan then,” Mark agreed. “So now you can quit reading those sad stories. I want you to be cheerful by the time I get home.”

“Christmas stories make me sad in a good way.”

“I prefer cheerful,” he responded. “And now you just have to find a twelve-piece nativity set.”

         “My job’s easy,” she told him. “You have to figure out who should be the recipient of our Twelve Days of Nativity.”

         He sighed. “I’m going to have to give that some thought.”

         “You’d better hurry up,” she admonished him, “the twelve days start on the thirteenth – and that’s only a week away.”

***

         That night at dinner they discussed the plan with the Emily and Charles – who were both anxious to participate.  Since the whole project was for the children’s benefit, Kate wanted them to be involved in the purchase of the nativity set. So on Saturday morning Kate loaded the children in their van and headed for Albany to shop.  

Finding the perfect twelve-piece nativity set turned out to be more difficult than Kate had anticipated. Emily and Charles could not agree on most of the sets they found and if they did – it either had too few or too many pieces. But finally at a department store in the mall Emily found the perfect set. It was wooden and hand-painted and cost considerably more than Kate was planning to spend. But both children loved it instantly and since she couldn’t put a price on Christmas spirit, Kate paid for it – figuring she could trim the holiday budget elsewhere.

         When they got home the children were excited to show Mark their purchase. They set up the whole Nativity on the coffee table in the living room with the lights from the Christmas tree sparkling over them. Once they were satisfied with the placement of each piece, they looked to their father for approval.

         “It’s perfect,” he told them.

         Emily and Charles exchanged a satisfied glance.

         “So we’ve completed our assignment,” Kate said. “How about you?”

         “I’ve been thinking and praying about it,” Mark said.

“That’s a good start,” Kate said.

“Praying is good,” Charles concurred.

Mark ruffled his son’s dark hair. “At first I thought it would be best to choose someone who lives close to us – since we’re going to have to go there every night for twelve nights.”

         “That is logical.” Kate had been thinking the same thing. Any one of the old ladies on their street would make a fuss over the children and guarantee a good service experience. Miss Eugenia herself was an option.

Mark dashed these hopes by adding, “But I’ve considered all our neighbors one by one and none of them seem right.”

         Kate was disappointed. “Where else is there to look?”

         “The list of our church members,” Mark said. “And my eyes keep coming back to one name. Brother Witherspoon.”

         Kate frowned. “Isn’t he the old man who never comes to church and won’t return calls or answer the door when anyone visits?”

         “That’s him,” Mark confirmed.

         “Sister Rayburn told me he said if another member of the Church set foot on his property he’d call the . . .” she glanced at the children, “p-o-l-i-c-e.”

Mark seemed unconcerned. “Even if that rumor is true, as long as we don’t go any closer than his mailbox we should be safe.”

         “And doesn’t he live in Lindale?” Kate knew this town was almost thirty minutes away from Haggerty.

         “He does,” Mark said.

         Kate frowned. “And you think he will provide the Christmas experience we want for our children?”

         Mark sighed. “I think he’s the one the Lord wants us to choose.”

         What could she say? “Then we’ll use Brother Witherspoon for our Twelve Days of Christmas Nativity Project. If that’s what the Lord wants us to do – He’ll handle the spiritual part.”

         Mark smiled. “I think that’s the way it’s supposed to work.”

         “So we’re giving our manger set to Brother Witherspoon?” Emily asked. “Even though we don’t know him because he doesn’t come to church or like visitors?”

         “We’re giving him the nativity set because we want to share some of the Christmas spirit with him,” Mark clarified gently.

         “Is he lonely and sad?” Charles asked.

         “Well, he does live alone,” Mark replied. “His wife died a long time ago and they didn’t have any children.
         “I’m sure he’s sad if his wife died,” Emily remarked.

         “I don’t know why the Lord wants us to choose Brother Witherspoon for our project,” Mark said. “I just know that He does.”

         “And since we’ll be giving the manger set one piece at a time, Brother Witherspoon will have something to look forward to every day,” Kate added, “in case he is sad and lonely.”

         “That’s good,” Charles said with a nod. “Are we going to invite Miss Eugenia and Lady to come with us when we take the manger parts?”

         Kate wanted to discourage this idea, so she said, “What if Lady started barking while we were trying to sneak up on Brother Witherspoon’s mailbox?”

         “She does bark loud,” Charles acknowledged.

         “Miss Eugenia is kind of loud too,” Emily added.

         Mark raised his eyebrows and Kate laughed. “I think its best that we limit the participants to just our family. But you can tell Miss Eugenia and Lady all about it.”

         “Right now?” Emily wanted to know.

         “After lunch,” Kate said as she walked toward the kitchen. “Who wants a grilled cheese sandwich?”

***

         When they were through eating, Mark and Kate stood at the back door and watched while Emily and Charles ran across to Miss Eugenia’s house. Once the children were safely inside Kate and Mark returned to the kitchen table.

         “How long do you think it will be before Miss Eugenia charges over here asking questions about our project,” Kate asked.

         Mark looked at his watch. “I’ll say five minutes.”

         “I’ll say less,” Kate said with a grin.

         Three minutes later they heard the back door open.

         “Helloooo!” Miss Eugenia called.

         “I win,” Kate whispered. Then she raised her voice and greeted, “Hello yourself.”

         Miss Eugenia, carrying Lady and followed by the children, walked into the kitchen. “Emily says you are going to give a Nativity set to a sad old man one piece at a time until Christmas.”

         Kate nodded. “Starting on December thirteenth. It’s a twelve-day project.”

         Miss Eugenia put the little dog on the floor and sat down at the table. “She also said there’s a chance the sad old man you’re giving the set to will call the police.”

         Kate looked at her daughter.

         Emily shrugged. “I can spell.”

         “He won’t call the police,” Mark said.

         “Well, if you get thrown in jail, just call me,” Miss Eugenia said. “I’ll bail out the children at least.”

         Mark smiled. “It’s always good to have backup.”

***

For the next week the Iverson family prepared for their Twelve-Day Nativity Project. Kate and Mark looked for teaching opportunities and found ways to work service and Christ-like love into most every conversation. So when they sat down to discuss the logistics of their plan on December 12th, Kate felt that they were ready to feel the Christmas spirit.

         “Which piece are we going to deliver tomorrow?” Kate asked for opinions.

         Emily said, “I think the stable is good because it had to be there first.”

         “Not the Baby Jesus,” Charles said.

         Kate smiled. “No, that’s the last piece we’ll deliver on Christmas Eve.”

         “Sounds good to me,” Mark said. “What time should we make our delivery?”

         “It has to be dark,” Emily pointed out.

         “Since it’s a secret,” Charles added.

         Emily nodded. “And so the police can’t see us if Brother Witherspoon calls them.”

         Mark sighed. “Do not worry about the police.”

         Kate knew she had better hurry the discussion along. Addressing Mark she said, “We need to pick a time when you’re sure you can be home – preferably before bedtime.”

         “Let’s say seven-thirty,” he proposed. “I think I can commit to that.”

         Kate knew that dedicating this prime timeslot to their project would require adjustments to both his work and church schedules. She appreciated his sacrifices for her and the children and even Brother Witherspoon.

“Seven-thirty it is, then,” she said. “I’ll have the kids ready when you get here so we can just jump in the car and go.”

         Emily smiled. “I’ll be holding the nativity piece!”

         Charles turned to her and said, “Can I have a turn to hold it?”

         “Sure,” Emily agreed. “But you have to be real careful and don’t break it. We want Brother Witherspoon to feel the Christmas spirit so he’ll want to come to church again.”

         Kate and Mark exchanged a warm glance. It was working already.

         “And so he won’t call the police,” Charles added.

         Mark rolled his eyes.

***

         That Monday was busier than usual because of the upcoming holidays, but as Kate went about her duties she made a point to pass through the living room often so she could see the nativity set that would soon belong to Brother Witherspoon, neatly arranged by her children on the coffee table. She found herself thinking about Brother Witherspoon and praying that he would be touched by the spirit of Christmas through their efforts.

         After picking up Emily at school, the children helped Kate pack the gifts they were sending to her family in Utah and Mark’s family in Texas. Kate had done a lot of work in advance to make the process easy and fun for the children. While they worked they talked about the wise men who visited Mary and Joseph and the Baby Jesus. They discussed the sacrifices they had made to bring things they treasured to the Savior. Kate asked Emily how she thought they felt after their long journey on a camel.

         “Tired,” Emily said.

         “And sweaty,” Charles contributed.

         “How do you think they felt when they gave the baby their presents?”

         “Good,” Emily said.

         “Real good,” Charles seconded.

         Then Kate posed the question, “Even though Baby Jesus didn’t have a gift for them?”

         The children considered this. Then Charles asked, “The wise men didn’t get anything for Christmas?”

         Kate shook her head. “No. They only gave presents. But I think you were right when you said they felt good. But why?”

         Emily’s brow furrowed with deep thought. Then she said, “Is it the spirit of Christmas?”

         Kate blinked back tears. “Yes, it is. They loved Jesus and wanted to honor Him. Giving Him the nicest gift they could made them happy.”

         “Like we’re going to be happy for giving Brother Witherspoon this nicest manger we have?” Charles asked.

         Kate hugged him to her. “Exactly.”

         They loaded the boxes full of presents into the van and drove to the post office. When they got home Kate made a simple dinner that the children were too excited to eat. Then they all dressed in dark clothes and were sitting in the living room, watching the clock on the mantle, when Miss Eugenia called.

         “So, tonight the big Christmas project begins?”

         “It does,” Kate confirmed. “We’re ready and waiting for Mark to come home and get us.”

         “Well, be careful and let the children call and tell me all about it when you get back. Unless you get arrested. Then call Winston first and maybe he can pull some strings for you.”

         “We’ll call one way or the other,” Kate promised.

         Mark arrived with just minutes to spare. Kate had a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt laid out for him to change into. She followed him to their bedroom and while he changed she told him about their day and the progress they were making with the children’s understanding of Christmas.

         “I think it’s really working,” she said as he pulled on his black shirt.

         “I feel like a burglar,” he teased.

         She frowned. “You kind of look like one.”

         He pulled her into a quick hug. “I’m glad this project has been successful so far. Now let’s go get Brother Witherspoon involved.”

         During the first part of the drive the Iversons sang Christmas carols. But as they got close, they all fell silent in anticipation – and the desire to remain undetected.

         Mark parked the car by some trees and pointed through the windshield. “There is Brother Witherspoon’s house.”

         Kate looked at the large brick home, surrounded by a manicured lawn. “This is where Brother Witherspoon lives?”

         “This is it,” Mark confirmed.

         “It doesn’t look like the house of a sad person,” Emily remarked.

         “We don’t know if Brother Witherspoon is sad or not,” Mark reminded them. “We only know that the Lord wants him to have our nativity set. Right?”

         Everyone nodded.

         “Now we need to get out quickly and close the car doors softly. Then we’ll walk together to the mailbox,” Mark instructed. “Emily, do you have the stable?”

         She held it up, her eyes shining with excitement.

         Mark winked at her. “Then let’s go.”

         They got out of the car without attracting any attention. Then they crept silently along the road to the large mailbox, enclosed in a brick column that matched the house. Lights spilled onto the lawn from many windows, but fortunately a huge oak tree cast a shadow over the mailbox.

         Mark opened the mailbox and Emily placed the stable right in front where Brother Witherspoon wouldn’t be able to miss it. Kate held Charles up so he could see the stable in its appointed spot. Then they hurried to their car. Everyone was silent until they were back on the highway headed toward Haggerty.

         Then Emily said, “We did it!”

         There were smiles all around.

***

         When they got home they sat around the kitchen table and discussed their adventure while sipping hot chocolate. Sitting in the cozy kitchen with the people she loved most in the world, Kate felt a new appreciation for the Savior and His birth and the spirit of Christmas. It truly was a wonderful time of year and giving was definitely better than receiving.

         Emily called Miss Eugenia and gave her a detailed report. Then it was bedtime.

         After the children were asleep Kate and Mark sat on the couch, admiring their tree.

         “Well, what did you think about tonight?” Mark asked.

         “It couldn’t have been any better,” Kate said. “It was absolutely perfect.”

***

         The next morning during breakfast the children were still excited about the success of the night before – and were looking forward to their delivery that evening.

         “What should we take tonight?” Kate asked.

         “Maybe a cow or a goat since they live in the stable,” Emily proposed.

         Charles nodded. “Yes because Mary and Joseph probably want to stay with Baby Jesus until the very last.”

         Kate blinked back tears. “I think you’re right.”

         Mark smiled. “We’ll take a cow tonight so Brother Witherspoon can put it in his stable.”

         After Mark left for work Kate took Emily to school. And then because she had Santa shopping to do, she dropped Charles off with Miss Eugenia.

         “I’m glad you aren’t in jail,” Miss Eugenia said when Kate and Charles walked into her kitchen.

         “Me too,” Kate agreed. She took a piece of peanut brittle from a plate on the table. “Actually we had a really good time making our delivery.”

         Miss Eugenia asked Charles to play with Lady in the living room. Then she asked Kate, “Explain to me again why you’re doing this?”

         “We want the children to understand the joy of giving and serving others,” Kate told her. “And since they are so young we thought it had better be fun too.”

         Miss Eugenia pursed her lips. “We’ll see how much fun you’re having ten days from now after you’ve been driving to Lindale every night, tromping around in the dark just to deliver a little nativity piece when you could have given this strange man the whole thing at once.”

         Kate took one more piece of brittle and headed for the door. “You’ve got to stop being such an optimist.”

         Miss Eugenia’s cackling followed her out the door.

***

         Kate was afraid that some of the excitement might have worn off by the second night but she was wrong. The children were even more anxious to make their delivery and she had to absolutely insist that they eat their dinner. Then they took their positions in the living room to wait for Mark. He arrived right on time, changed into his burglar clothes, and they were off to Lindale.

         Mark reduced his speed a little farther away from the house this time and turned off his headlights, just in case Brother Witherspoon was watching for them. He parked beside the trees and they all climbed out of the car. Then they crept toward the house, careful to avoid the pools of light coming from the windows.

“Can I put the cow in tonight?” Charles whispered. “I’m not scared of jail.”

“You won’t go to jail!” Mark whispered back emphatically. “But you can put it in.”

He lifted Charles up and opened the mailbox. There, sitting just where they had left it, was the stable. They all stared at it in surprise and disappointment.

Finally Mark said softly, “Go ahead and put the cow by the stable.”

Charles did as he had instructed.

Mark pointed toward the trees down the road. “Now let’s get back to the car.”

They were silent for several minutes as they drove to Haggerty.

“Maybe Brother Witherspoon is out of town and he didn’t see the stable yet,” Kate proposed finally.

Emily looked so relieved. “Maybe he’ll come home tomorrow and then he’ll get it!”

“And the cow too!” Charles added.

Mark remained ominously silent.

Once they were home and sipping hot chocolate, Kate found the opportunity to talk to Mark privately. “You don’t think Brother Witherspoon is out of town?”

He shook his head. “Not with all those lights on in the house.”

“And it couldn’t just be that he didn’t check his mailbox?”

“It could be,” Mark acknowledged. “But I have a terrible feeling that he might be purposely ignoring our gift and that by choosing him I may have ruined this whole experience for the children.”

“You felt inspired that we should give our nativity set to Brother Witherspoon,” Kate reminded him. “So it will be okay. We’re leaving the spiritual part in the Lord’s hands – remember?”

He kissed her forehead. “Thanks for reminding me.”

***

         Despite her brave words, the next day Kate was anxious. What would the night bring? Would Brother Witherspoon accept their gift or would the stable and cow still be sitting in the mailbox where they left it. And if so – how would this affect her children and their feelings toward service?

         When they picked up Emily at school she said, “I hope Mr. Witherspoon is back in town so he can see his nativity set!”

“I hope so too,” Kate assured her.

After dinner the children gathered in the living room and chose the goat as the piece they would deliver that night.

“He goes in the stable too,” Emily explained her reasoning.

“And he might be friends with the cow,” Charles added.

Miss Eugenia arrived at this point. “Why is everybody dressed up in black?” she asked.

“Because we’re going to take Brother Witherspoon his next nativity piece,” Emily said.

Miss Eugenia frowned. “I thought he was out of town.”

“We still have to take him a piece every day for twelve days of Christmas,” Emily insisted. “That’s the rules.”

“Hmmph!” Miss Eugenia replied.

Mark walked through the backdoor, already pulling off his tie as he headed to the stairs. “I’ll change into my burglar clothes and be right back.”

“I don’t know if it’s wise to teach the children that illegal activity is funny,” Miss Eugenia said.

“They know Mark is joking,” Kate assured her. “Now I hate to rush you off, but we’ve got to make a trip to Lindale.”

***

They parked in their usual location and approached Brother Witherspoon’s house stealthily. When they reached the mailbox Emily extended the goat toward Kate.

“Do you want a turn?” she asked.

Kate shook her head. “No, you put it in.”

Mark opened the mailbox and inside sat the stable and the cow, looking as forlorn as Kate felt.

Emily placed the goat beside the cow and then stepped back. “I guess Brother Witherspoon is still out of town.”

Mark and Kate exchanged a glance.

“I guess so,” Kate said.

A little chill settled around Kate’s heart. If Brother Witherspoon was really out of town it seemed like there would have been mail left in his mailbox along with nativity pieces. She wanted to be hopeful, but felt that Mark was right. Brother Witherspoon was home. The question was, why hadn’t he taken the pieces out of the mailbox?

***

         The next night the children chose the shepherd as their piece to deliver, but seemed a little less excited about the prospect of driving to Lindale. Kate could see the apprehension in Emily’s face as Mark opened the mailbox. And this time she wasn’t even surprised to see the first three pieces just where they had left them. Charles added the shepherd and they returned home.

         Over the next few days the Iversons delivered a lamb and three wise men. And every time they made a delivery they found the other pieces still in the mailbox.

On the evening of the ninth day a cold rain was falling as Kate assembled her children in the living room to decide which piece they should take to Brother Witherspoon’s mailbox.

         “I guess Joseph,” Emily said.

         “Yes Joseph,” Charles agreed.

         Kate forced some eagerness as she said, “Emily will you get Joseph for us?”

         Emily approached the coffee table. Then she stood staring down at the remaining pieces. “It’s a pretty nativity set, isn’t it Mama?”

         “It’s beautiful,” Kate assured her. “Anyone would love to have it.”

         Emily picked up Joseph without further comment and returned to her seat on the couch.

         When Mark arrived Kate followed him into the bedroom. As he unbuttoned his dress shirt she said, “Enthusiasm for our project has waned. I really hope when we get there tonight he has removed the pieces of our nativity.”

         “Don’t get your hopes up,” Mark said. “If he was going to take them out he would have by now.”

         “And you’re sure he’s not out of town?”

         “Positive,” Mark said. “I had a meeting in Tifton today and on my way back I stopped by Lindale. I parked at the end of the street and watched Brother Witherspoon come out and get his mail.”

         “And he left the nativity pieces?”

         He pulled the black T-shirt over his head. “Yep.”

         “Maybe we could take the pieces out ourselves,” Kate suggested thoughtfully.

         “Believe me, I considered that when I was sitting in my car at the end of the street.”

         “You were afraid he’d call the police!” Kate teased.

         “He might have, but that’s not the reason I didn’t do it. I decided to leave this in the Lord’s hands.”

Kate nodded. “I think that was the right thing to do.”

“But the whole purpose of the project was to help the kids feel the true Christmas spirit,” Mark said. “If they aren’t enjoying it – we can deliver all the remaining pieces tonight and be done with it.”

         “Let’s ask the kids how they feel,” Kate suggested.

         They walked downstairs and sat in the living room. Then Mark said, “If Brother Witherspoon is out of town he might not return until after the holidays. So if you want to stop driving to Lindale every night we can just take all the rest of the pieces to him now and our project will be over.”

         “It has to be for twelve days,” Emily objected. “It’s part of the gift.”

         “But if he’s not home . . .” Kate allowed her voice to trail off.

         “Daddy said the Lord wants us to do the Twelve Days Nativity for Brother Witherspoon,” Emily reminded them.

Mark nodded. “I did feel very sure about that. But I didn’t think that Brother Witherspoon would be . . . out of town.”

Emily’s face was solemn as she said, “I think we should keep going every night if that’s what the Lord wants.”

Tears stung Kate’s eyes as Mark nodded. “Then we’ll keep going.”

They bundled the children up against the cold and walked out to the car. As they drove to Brother Witherspoon’s house Kate prayed for her children and the success of their project.

They walked to the mailbox in the driving rain. Mark opened it and no one was surprised to see the other pieces crowded inside. Emily added Joseph and Mark closed the mailbox. Then they hurried back to the warmth of the car.

As they drove home Mark led the children in Christmas carols while Kate watched the windshield wipers and tried not to be discouraged.

***

The next two days were filled with Christmas activities and at night the Iversons dutifully delivered first Mary and then the manger bed to Brother Witherspoon’s mailbox.

Finally Christmas Eve arrived. Mark had the day off so they slept in late. After a big breakfast they made and decorated sugar cookies. Once the cookies were finished they walked around the neighborhood delivering them to their neighbors. Then the children made gingerbread houses out of graham crackers while watching Christmas movies. Dinner that night was at Miss Eugenia’s and the only dark spot of the whole day came when it was time to make the final trip to Brother Witherspoon’s house.

The children were going to change into their black clothes, but Mark decided it wasn’t necessary. “If he catches us tonight – what difference will it make?”

Kate shrugged. That was a question she’d been asking herself for days. What difference had this made? She’d spent a small fortune on a nativity set that was molding in Brother Witherspoon’s mailbox. They had wasted gas and time driving back and forth to Lindale. And her children would probably come away from the whole expensive experience with a negative attitude toward service. She felt more like a failure than she had at the beginning of the project.  

“We’ve got to hurry and get home before Santa Claus comes,” Charles said.

“We’ll make it back in plenty of time,” Mark assured him with a wink at Kate.

Kate smiled half-heartedly.

“Cheer up,” Mark whispered. “It’s almost over.”

She nodded. “I will be glad when it comes to an end.”

Emily walked over to the coffee table and picked up the one remaining piece of the nativity set – the Baby Jesus. “I kind of hate to give Him away,” she said. “It’s almost like when one of our foster babies has to go to their real home.”

Kate was touched. “Remember this piece only represents Jesus. We don’t have to give Him away really. He’s with us all the time.”

“I know,” Emily said, still clutching the piece of carved wood.

It was almost nine o’clock by the time they got their coats on and went out to Mark’s car. After the excitement of the day the children struggled to stay awake during the long drive. When the car was parked in their usual spot they all climbed out and walked with purpose toward the mailbox.

Kate hoped for a Christmas miracle. Maybe they would open the mailbox and find the nativity set gone and a note of thanks from Brother Witherspoon in its place.

They reached the mailbox and Mark opened the door. The pieces were not where they had left them. Instead they were pushed to the back, presumably to make room for mail. Mark lifted Charles up and he placed Baby Jesus in the manger bed.

“Is he ever going to get it out?” Charles asked.

“It doesn’t seem right to leave Baby Jesus in a mailbox at Christmas,” Emily expressed concern.

“The real Baby Jesus was born in a stable,” Kate reminded her.

“And Brother Witherspoon will have to get it out sometime or he won’t have room for his mail.” Mark started to close the mailbox.

Emily held out a hand and said, “Wait.” She reached in and arranged all the pieces the way they should be – around the Christ Child. Then she pulled a folded piece of paper from her coat pocket. “I wrote him a note,” she explained. “I told him that this nativity set is from the Lord too, not just us.”

“Oh Emily.” Kate stroked her daughter’s cheek. Then she stared at the folded paper, wanting to snatch it back. Brother Witherspoon didn’t deserve the nativity set, let alone Emily’s heartfelt words.

Mark closed the door and they all turned away from the mailbox for the last time.

“Maybe its better that he didn’t thank us or anything,” Emily said as they walked. “This way we can really be like the wise men, giving a present and not getting anything.”

“And the wise men had to go a lot farther than Lindale to give their presents to Baby Jesus!” Charles added with a grin.

Kate thought her heart would burst. She hugged them both. “You are the best children in the world!”

Mark smiled. “And I believe you understand the spirit of Christmas.”

While they were driving back to Haggerty, Emily said, “I have a question about the Christmas spirit.”

Kate turned around in her seat so she was facing her daughter. “What would you like to know?”

“Is it okay to still like getting presents?”

Kate laughed. “You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t like getting presents.”

Emily smiled back. “Good! Cause I really like it!”

***

During their ride home Kate considered the past two weeks. The project hadn’t gone exactly as she’d hoped, but the basic goal had been achieved. So she felt a sense of peace as Mark turned the car onto Maple Street. Then his headlights caught an apparition and he slammed on the brakes.

“What in the world?” he yelled.

The children leaned forward to get a better look.

Emily said, “It’s Miss Eugenia!”

“Wearing a Santa hat!” Charles added.

Kate laughed. “Indeed it is.”

Mark rolled down his window and asked, “Why are you walking around in the dark?”

She held up a grocery bag. “I’m delivering nativity sets – just like you. Although I did have the good sense to buy them at the dollar store and I’m giving them at one time instead of making twelve trips.”

Emily giggled. “You have the spirit of Christmas too!”

“I certainly do,” Miss Eugenia confirmed, tucking a loose pink curler back under her Santa hat. “Next year we can do our nativity projects together.”

“Now that gives me something to look forward to,” Mark muttered under his breath.

Kate pressed her lips tightly together to prevent a giggle.

“Are you coming to see us in our Christmas pajamas?” Emily asked.

“I’ll be there as soon as I get through passing out these mangers,” Miss Eugenia promised.

Mark cut his eyes over at Kate.

This time she did laugh. “We’ll see you then.”

At home Kate and Mark got the children bathed and dressed in their Christmas pajamas. Then while waiting for Miss Eugenia to arrive, Emily and Charles begged their parents to let them watch Elf.

         “I hate that movie!” Mark objected.

         “We know!” Emily cried. “That’s why we want to watch it! To hear you say funny things!”

         He sighed. “I guess we can watch it – but I won’t promise I can stand it all the way to the end.”

         The movie had barely started when Miss Eugenia arrived. She complimented the children on festive appearances.

         Then Charles pointed at the television. “We’re watching Elf!”

         Miss Eugenia looked at Mark. “I thought you hated that movie.”

         He shrugged. “The kids like to hear me make fun of it.”

         Miss Eugenia smiled. “Well then I’ll be going. Merry Christmas!”

         “Merry Christmas!” the children chorused.

After Miss Eugenia left they all settled back on the couch to watch the movie. Fortunately for Mark, the children fell asleep just a few minutes later.

         “I guess this is your little Christmas miracle,” Kate teased as she turned off the television.

         They carried the children upstairs and tucked them into bed. They were walking back down the stairs when the front doorbell rang.

         Kate and Mark exchanged a glance.

         “Who could that possibly be this late on Christmas Eve?” Kate whispered.

         “Anyone in Haggerty,” Mark muttered. “Nobody here has any respect for privacy.”

         Kate smiled. “It’s probably Miss Eugenia bringing Lady over to see the kids in their Christmas pajamas.”

         Mark raised an eyebrow. “Using the front door?”

         “It is Christmas Eve,” she pointed out. “Perhaps she’s honoring the occasion.”

         The doorbell rang again.

         “Whoever it is, they aren’t going away,” Kate whispered. “Much more of that and the kids will wake up – and then you might be forced to watch the rest of Elf.”

         Mark shuddered and led the way to the front door. Kate followed a few steps behind. He opened the door and they saw an elderly man standing on the porch. He was wearing a hat and a long wool overcoat – both of which had been fashionable in days gone by.

         “Hello Brother Witherspoon,” Mark said.

         “I’m sorry to visit so late, but I just got into town.”

         Mark stepped back and motioned for him to enter. “Please come inside out of the cold.”

         “I can only stay a minute,” Brother Witherspoon warned.

         Mark nodded. Then he introduced Kate.

         Brother Witherspoon removed his hat and said, “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am. Please excuse the intrusion, but when I found the nativity set and read the letter,” he held up the note Emily had written, “I had to come by.”

“We’re glad you came,” Kate assured him.

“How did you find us?” Mark asked.

“Your daughter drew a picture of your family at the bottom of her note – complete with names and your home phone number. It only took me a few minutes on the Internet to get your address.”

Kate’s emotions hovered between happiness and horror. She was glad Brother Witherspoon had made contact with them, but Emily should not have put so much personal information in the note.

“I have a little something for the children.” Brother Witherspoon pulled two coins out of his pocket and placed them in Kate’s hand. “These silver dollars are over a hundred years old. I collect them.”

         Kate fingered the coins. “They are lovely.”

         “I wanted to give them a little something,” Brother Witherspoon said, “To thank them.”

         “I’m afraid Emily and Charles are asleep,” Mark said.

         Kate was surprised that he didn’t offer to wake them.

         Brother Witherspoon took a step back toward the door. “Oh, well, if you’ll give them the coins then.”

         “We will,” Mark promised.

         “Merry Christmas,” Kate said as Mark opened the door.

Brother Witherspoon put his hat on his head and, with a wave, walked out onto the porch.

         Mark followed behind him. Once they were outside Mark said, “It was nice of you to drive all the way here to thank us.”

         Brother Witherspoon shoved his hands into his coat pockets.

         “I’m surprised, though, since you could have just come out and told us while we were delivering the last piece to your mailbox. I know you weren’t out of town and I’m pretty sure you were watching us.”

         Brother Witherspoon had the decency to look ashamed. “My wife was a friendly, social person. I am not. She liked going to church and being visited all the time. I just want to be left alone. It doesn’t seem too much to ask.”

         “It’s your choice and people should honor it,” Mark agreed.

         “I’ve made my choice clear, but every time the Mormons get a new bishop people start coming again. When I saw your family delivering the first nativity piece I figured I’d been put on the list of Christmas charity cases again. I was even a little angry that you’d brought your kids. I felt like you were trying to force me into coming to church. I hoped if I ignored you . . .”

         “That we’d just go away?” Mark finished for him.

         He nodded. “But when I saw your daughter’s note, well, I felt different. I thank you for the efforts you made. I appreciate the nativity set and all the visits, but I ask you not to come again.”

         “We’ll respect your wishes,” Mark promised. “But like Emily told you in her letter, the Lord wanted you to have the nativity set. If the choice had been mine we would have given it to a friendly old lady right here in Haggerty.”

         Brother Witherspoon paused and almost smiled.

         “The Lord also wants you to be visited," Mark added, "and to come to church.”

“I don’t think I can,” he whispered.

“We’ll be praying for you,” Mark promised. “And if you change our mind, just call us – since Emily gave you our number.”

This time Brother Witherspoon did smile a little. Then he waved and trudged off to his car.

Mark went back inside where Kate was waiting. He started to repeat the conversation but she stopped him.

“I heard most of it through the door.  Do you think he’ll ever come to church?”

He pulled her into his arms. “I think with Emily and Charles praying for him it’s going to be hard to resist. But even if he never comes to church, at least we reached out to him the way the Savior wanted us to.”

“Maybe we all learned a little bit about the Christmas spirit,” Kate murmured.

Mark pointed at some mistletoe over the door. “Speaking of Christmas, I believe there is a rule associated with mistletoe.”

Kate pressed her lips against his briefly. Then she whispered, “We still have work to do.”

Mark groaned. “I’d rather just stand here under the mistletoe and kiss.”

“You won’t have to be an elf for long,” she promised with a smile. “And only a few things require assembly. So get a screwdriver and a hammer and meet me by the Christmas tree!”

The End