SHOES

As they listened to Conrad’s story, the wise men thought back to their angel tree gifts, and to another seeker of Christ who used to leave presents for children in their shoes.  Santa Clause had even stolen his name in a poem or two.  They thought about not only being grateful for presents in their shoes, but shoes themselves, and for the gift of feet to put inside them.

SCRIPTURE

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation. (Isaiah 52:7)

So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they came in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger.  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which told them concerning this Child.  And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (Luke 2:15-18)

THE CHRISTMAS GUEST -Part Two (Helen Steiner Rice)

So Conrad listened with only joy in his heart,

And with every sound he would rise with a start,

And look for the Lord to be at his door,

Like the vision that he had had a few hours before.

So he ran to the window after hearing a sound,

Be all he could see on the snow covered ground,

Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn,

and all of his clothes were ragged and worn.

But old Conrad was touched, and he went to the door

And said, “Your feet must be cold and sore.

I have some shoes in my shop for you.

And I have a coat to keep you warmer too.”

So with grateful heart the man went away.

But Conrad noticed the time of day

And he wondered what made the dear Lord so late,

And how much longer he’d have to wait.

Then he heard another knock, and he ran to the door,

But it was only a stranger once more.

A bent old lady with a shawl of black,

And a bundle of kindling piled on her back.

But she asked only for a place to rest,

a place that was reserved for Conrad’s great guest.

Her voice seemed to plead, “Don’t send me away,

Let me rest for awhile this Christmas Day.”

So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup

and told her to sit at the table and sup.

And after she had left, he was filled with dismay,

For he saw that hours were slipping away

The Lord had not come as He said He would,

And Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.