— Chapter Twenty-Nine —
Another year, another Christmas. I wanted it to be special. The joy I’d prayed for filled my heart. There was no other way to explain it. The church family where my husband and I had ministered had responsibly, thoughtfully, and lovingly cared for me. God had touched my life through friends!
Cards, rose buds, mowed lawns, flowers, pizzas—each brought a loving hug. Concerts, “let’s-do-lunches’ and a hilarious play in town delighted my soul. And the list continued!
A staff pastor, with more important things to do, came over to replace a burned out light bulb on my front porch. One of my neighbors kept my gutters clean. A door on the tool shed got a much needed paint job. Rides to the airport eased my load, and a precious stuffed rabbit reminded me of how good God was to comfort me with such friends. These friends were the “immeasurably more than I could ask or think” gifts from God!
So what can I do? I’ve got to do something! I’ve got to celebrate! Somehow I’ve got to let these people know how special they have been to me! But how?
An exciting idea popped into my mind. “What about a Christmas open house?” It grew greater, “WHAT ABOUT A CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE?” And finally it shouted! “WHAT ABOUT A CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE?”
“That’s a fantastic idea,” I said to myself. “I think I’ll have a Christmas open house!”
I shared my enthusiasm with my counselor who had helped me keep focused on the power of God during this healing time. He politely waited until I was finished then asked, “Do you know what Joseph named his first son?”
“No.”
“Joseph named his first born Manassah.” He continued, “Do you know the literal Hebrew meaning for Manassah?” Again I had no idea. “Manassah means ‘the sting is gone.’ This open house will be your Manassah. God is removing the sting in your heart and replacing it with His joy.”
I thought, “Joseph, the one who was hated by his brothers and sold into slavery. Joseph, who felt every pulse of his rejection. Joseph, who had desperately longed for his father and the love from his brothers. He named his son Manassah?
“Manassah. Why, every time he called his son, he was reminded of the reason for the name. Manassah! A good name. A good reason for an open house. God is removing the sting in my heart!”
With the help of a graphic designer, Psalm 28:6&7 was beautifully inscribed on my invitation:
“Blessed be the
Lord,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplications.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.”
Excitedly I began my preparations late one unseasonably warm November night. During the midnight hours I placed hundreds of tiny white lights in all the bushes in front of the house. Finishing around 2 A.M., I tested them before the cul-de-sac awakened. When I flipped the switch, I felt like the President lighting the national Christmas tree!
I decorated my whole house. I put candles in every window and hung garlands from pillar to post. The Christmas tree twinkled as luminaries brightened the driveway. Lights were everywhere. I didn’t want my house to shine, I wanted it to dazzle! Make a statement! Astonish everyone!
After a few final touches, I took one last look at the table filled with beautifully arranged refreshments and inhaled the Christmas wassail brewing on the stove ready to be shared with friends. Excitedly, I threw open the door and hugged more than forty guests: my neighbors, bosses, co-workers and friends.
During this electrifying evening I gathered everyone in the living room while I introduced each one and shared how they shown me his love and good works!98
I will never forget that crisp December evening. It evolved into one of the most beautiful and memorable nights of my life. I had a wonderful time. God’s name was exalted, and I was thrilled that I had done it!
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you have refreshed the heart of ‘this saint”’ (Philemon 7).
Copyright 2001, 2004 Donna Christensen
All rights reserved.
Published Online by: The Biblical Reader
www.biblicalreader.com