A Christmas To Remember

A Christmas to Remember

Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment.

Jude 1:23

At a party some time ago, I heard someone tell the following story:

I think all ten-year-old boys like fire, and I was no different. It was Christmas Day, and our guests were due to arrive any moment.

In the kitchen Mom was putting the finishing touches on her cookies. My older brother, Cody, was headed for the shower, at Mom’s insistence.

Much to my surprise and Cody’s disapproval, Dad decided to give me the much-coveted responsibility of starting the Christmas fire.

“Josh, can I trust you to handle this job while I go outside to cut more logs?” Dad asked.

“Absolutely, Dad, no problem,” I said, with a bit too much enthusiasm.

My excitement soon turned to frustration when the fire would not stay lit. Out to the garage I went for some newspaper, but instead I returned with a can of gasoline.

As I tossed the fuel toward the logs, I noticed a small glowing ember. For one brief moment, I felt a twinge of regret. Suddenly, a line of fire traveled straight up the fuel into the gas can. I dropped the can and yelled as the fumes ignited my shirt.

Cody arrived first, wearing only a towel. Using the towel, he beat the flame, now spreading across Mom’s new rug. Dad came in next and shoved me outside.

Instead of the expected rebuff, Dad yelled, “Stop! Drop and roll!”

I did as I was told, and the fire went out. I glanced up just in time to see our guests walking up the driveway. Stunned looks changed to surprise as they looked from me to the house. Framed by the big bay window, there was Cody in all his glory, putting out the last sparks of the flame with his towel.

It was a Christmas to remember!

—Susan M. C. Holland

Father, don’t let my pride or concern over what others may think of me get in the way of rescuing those in peril. Amen.