A Gift From God
Author: Rev. Robert Throckmorton, Jr.
The package appeared mysteriously under the Chrismon tree in the sanctuary the week after Thanksgiving. The shirt box shaped gift had been carefully wrapped but was not particularly fancy. Small notes taped on its side offered three bits of mystifying information on them. The first printed in bright blue, read: “To Gods Church”. The second note said, in golden cursive: “From the Lord”. And the bottom one declared in regal purple, “Open on Christmas Eve”.
“Who might this have come from?” everyone chattered. Different members were named, but ultimately, no one claimed to have brought the gift. The children were anxious to open the box and an elder, accustomed to sitting on the back pew, suggested that opening the gift might help resolve the mystery. A teacher pointed out that the giver had requested that it be opened on Christmas Eve and that perhaps it would be best to wait until then. And so it was agreed. After the last hymn, the preacher suggested that all might think about what would be the best gift to receive from God. On the Sundays that followed, as the worshippers gathered, they checked on the package and talked about what it could be. It was obvious that many had begun to imagine wondrous gifts.
The organist wished for a new piece of music, so beautiful that it would sound like a chorale of angels. The preacher desired a more powerful delivery so that the good news of the Gospel would stir people’s hearts. The Finance committee wanted money to retire the debt on the educational wing. Members of one adult class longed to cure the poverty in their community. Many hoped for a magic formula for filling the church pews. One retiree yearned for a solution to the large number of teens that hung around at the comer. It seemed that the church had developed quite a list.
As Christmas Eve approached, the excitement rose. As the service started, it was obvious that this would be a night to remember. The church had not seen so many folks in years. The service began with the organist playing a magnificent arrangement of sacred carols that stirred the listeners to a hearty “amen”. The time came at last for the opening of the gift from God. Carefully, the wrapping paper was removed and the lid lifted off. Slowly, the preacher pulled aside the tissue paper and lifted the long awaited present.
It was a simply a mirror. It did not appear to be made of special materials or even finely crafted. There was nothing extraordinary to capture one’s gaze, … only the reflection of the mirror. With one accord, the fellowship let out a heavy sigh of disappointment. Many began to mutter as people often do when they think their wishing has been for naught. As the mirror was being held up for all to see, someone noticed writing on its back. “Read the message,” she exclaimed.
Thoughtfully the preacher read: “Hold this mirror before you and gaze into its pane. Then you will see my gift to the Church of the Lord.”
There was a long pause, as the mirror was set before the tree. “I don t get it,” said an usher.
Finally, a child squatted down and looked long into the mirror. “All I see is me, ” she whispered.
Since that night, many have picked up the gift and studied the depths of what they saw. Always, the mirror reflected only the crystal clear image of the person holding the gift. No voices from heaven or flashy magic ever came. But life has not been the same around the church since.
The adult class started a mission with a soup kitchen that has made a marked change in the poverty of their community. The retiree and several of his acquaintances joined together to start a job training program aimed at the kids hanging around the comer. Many of these teens have begun attending the church. A member who had gazed into what has grown to be referred to as “God’s mirror”, donated enough to pay off the debt on the educational wing. Those that come to worship, frequently remark at the inspiration they receive from the choir’s new music and pastor’s powerful sermons. No, things around the community just haven’t been the same since the members discovered that perhaps God’s greatest gift to their church might just be His work in the one staring back at them from the mirror.
About the Author:
Rev. Robert Throckmorton has been married to Patti Throckmortton since his Randolph Macon days. He graduated in 1981 with a DMin from Union Theological Seminary (Richmond). He is retired after 37 years in ministry with the Virginia Conference and resides in Stephens City, VA. This Christmas story was published as an editorial in the Winchester Star.
