This past Christmas I had no money to spend on gifts, so I decided to give “gifts from the heart” – things that didn’t cost money but still blessed people.
I could think of ways to help most people; but my 23-year-old son, Brian, had me stumped. I asked the Lord about it. He impressed upon my heart that I should fast and pray Christmas Eve day that Brian's deepest need would be met.
It was definitely a Spirit-led fast. I sensed the presence of Jesus growing stronger and stronger as I “prayed without ceasing” all day for Brian. “I don’t know what he needs, Lord, but You do,” I prayed.
I was reminded of when the Apostle Peter said to the crippled beggar, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Brian had been depressed lately. His usual “spark” was gone, and it seemed to me he had a crippled spirit. So I prayed that Jesus would make him “walk” again. “Whatever is weighing down his spirit, Lord, lift it!”
Usually I end a fast at dinner time, but dinner time came and I had no desire to stop fasting. I decided I’d fast through the night, go to church Christmas morning, and then break the fast after church.
Brian had stopped going to church lately (and my nagging him only made it worse). So, Christmas morning I left a note on the table wishing him a Merry Christmas, adding that I would cook him a nice breakfast when I got home from church.
Church was wonderful, of course! I sang praise songs all the way home in the car, high on the Holy Spirit. Back home, I opened the side door to find Brian at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee. “Merry Christmas,” he said. “I’ll cook you breakfast now,” I said, pulling off my coat. “No, Mom,” he said. “I’ll cook you breakfast. You’ve done so much for me this past year. I want to cook for you.”
I was genuinely touched (Brian had been acting very self-centered lately, so this was a breakthrough). “And,” he continued, “I want to go work in a soup kitchen today.”
I gulped. “You do?” (This was definitely a breakthrough!)
“Yeah,” he said. “I figured the only way I’ll quit feeling sorry for myself is if I go help people who are worse off than I.”
Wow! What an insight. This was truly a work of God! “Brian, that’s wonderful!” I exclaimed.
He started frying eggs, then asked, “Will you call around and find a shelter that needs help today?”
Detroit Rescue Mission came to mind, so I called. The guy on the other end said all volunteers were welcome.
I conveyed the information to Brian. He nodded. Then he said, “I want to give some of my clothes to the poor too. Do you have any boxes I can put them in?” (At that point, tears were streaming down my face. What a transformation. Thank you, God!)
“Sure,” I said. “I have a couple of boxes in the bedroom I’ll get for you.”
After packing the clothes, Brian called his paternal Grandpa to wish him a merry Christmas. It just so happened his dad was there visiting, and I heard him wish him a merry Christmas too. This was another breakthrough since he hadn’t spoken to him in months.
Brian handed the phone to me. “Dad wants to talk to you,” he said. We wished each other a Merry Christmas and then I told him Brian’s plan to go down and help feed the poor. “I’ll go with him,” his dad said. “Tell him to call me back if he wants me to go.” I felt like a miracle was blossoming!
After hanging up, I conveyed the message to Brian, and then let it go. I didn’t want to push him to reconcile with his dad. It had to be his choice.
A little while later, I heard him on the phone, and I knew he was making plans with his dad. Thank you, Lord!
As Brian was heading out the door with the boxes of clothing, I stopped him and gave him a big hug. “Brian,” I said, gulping back tears, “I’m so proud of you! You’re being the Lord's hands and feet…and I know He’s pleased.”
As Brian drove off, I realized what a special son I have. I’ve always known it. I just hadn’t seen that side of him in a while.
God reminded me on the birthday of His Son, that despite our hang-ups and hassles, our attitudes and alienations, our disappointments and dysfunctions, “Christ, the hope of glory dwelleth in us.”
Sometimes He has to rub away the tarnish to get the glow. But that’s why He came. And that is why He alone is the true gift of Christmas.
Republished from The Breakthrough Intercessor vol. 24, no. 1, winter 2003.
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