CONRAD THE WIDOWER

Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar came across a widower who had given a poinsettia in honor of his wife.  His name was Conrad and he told them a story that has taught the meaning of Christmas for almost 100 years.  And how it began with a dream he had.  

SCRIPTURE

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,  That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. (Joel 2:28-32)

FOOLISH WISDOM

The Christmas Guest

It happened one day at December’s end

Three wise men called on an old-time friend.

And this found his shop so meager and mean,

Made gay with a thousand boughs of green.

And old Conrad was sitting with face ashine,

When suddenly he stopped as he stitched the twine,

And he said, “My friends, at dawn today,

When the cock was crowing the night away,

The Lord appeared in a dream to me,

And He said, “I’m coming your guest to be,’

So I’ve been busy with feet astir,

Strewing my shop with branches of fir.

The table is spread and the kettle is shined,

and over the rafters the holly is twined.

And now I’ll wait for my Lord to appear;

And listen closely so I will hear,

His steps as He nears my humble place,

And I’ll open the door and I’ll look on His face.”

So his friends went on and left Conrad alone,

For this was the happiest day he had known.

For long since his family had passed away,

And Conrad had spent many a sad Christmas Day.

But he knew with Lord as Christmas guest,

This Christmas would be dearest and best … (Helen Steiner Rice)

PRAYER

Come, Jesus, the house is prepared.  Let me approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.  Lord let me listen for your footsteps, I can’t hear them when I’m running my self.  Slow me down Lord, quiet me down Lord, so that I might hear, and see you when you appear.  Amen.