An Odd Christmas

           Travel back with me to the late 1990s. We’re going to revisit what I’d call an odd Christmas. At least it seemed that to me.

          Our dear friends, Glenn and Karen had recently moved his dad to live near them. Ed was a most pleasant gentleman. A Korean War veteran, avid model plane maker, and Christmas enthusiast extraordinaire! He also had a heart of gold and would’ve given the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

          Ed had a child-like faith. He knew of God from his Catholic upbringing, but we didn’t know how much he understood about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

          This particular year, Glenn and Karen invited us to come celebrate Jesus’ Birthday with them—dinner, gifts, the works! We were thrilled with this invite and set out to purchase our gifts for them.

          “What should we get Ed?” I asked my hubby.

          “Does he have a Bible?”

          “I don’t know. Maybe I can check with Glenn and Karen about that.” But I didn’t because, for some reason, although a Bible would’ve been our first choice, I didn’t have a peace about it.

          No peace about giving someone a Bible? What! That seemed crazy. Here we were—missionaries to the area, there to present the Gospel in any way possible. And inside myself says “hold off on the Bible?”

          I pondered this and thought maybe it was because such a precious Book should be given to Ed by his family. That’s it! Must be! We’re just not supposed to be the ones to get him a Bible.

          So next, being I’m the chief gift-buyer in the family, I figured we’d buy Ed some Christmas CDs. Of course! That must be what God would want us to do.

          But the same sense came over me as I explored a special catalog we bought our music from. It offered discounted prices not only on Christian music options but classical and more down-to-earth secular selections too.

          What in the world! Ed absolutely loves Christmas. Why wouldn’t we get him the next best thing—good Christmas carols?

          I didn’t realize it at the time, but we were being led in a different direction—one I entirely didn’t understand, and one—I admit—I didn’t even consult with my husband lest he wonder what had come over me.

          Inside myself, a voice kept saying, “Glenn Miller and his orchestra.” You’ve got to be kidding!

          But the whisper repeated the message.

          So, I ordered Glenn Miller and His Orchestra CDs. Not a Bible. No Christmas carols.

          I was embarrassed.

          The day came when Brian asked, “So did you get Ed some nice Christmas music?”

          “Um, no.”

          “So what did you order?”

          I stood there sheepishly. “Uh, something else. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra?”

          “Why did you choose that?”

          I knew why. That whisper. The one repeating the message, but I couldn’t confess that. “I, um, I just did.”

          “Ooo-kaaay.” Brian’s bewildered expression faded.

          No more was said about our gift. Our secular gift with no ties to Jesus.

          The evening arrived when we traveled across town to Glenn and Karen’s with our share of the meal and wrapped gifts for the couple, their kids…

          …and Ed.

          I carried our casserole dish into the kitchen and placed it near the other food.

          Karen gave me a hug then asked, “What did you get Ed for Christmas?”

          She had to ask me that??? “CDs. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra.”

          Karen clapped for joy! “How did you know?”

          “Know what?” I asked.

          “That Glenn Miller’s his favorite! That’s the reason he named his son Glenn!”

          I could hardly believe my ears. “Seriously???”

          “Yep. He’s really gonna love his gift!”

          Now, jump forward to present time. I still wonder about that message—the whisper. Still small voice. I mean, it seemed so odd.

          Did we just need to get acquainted with Ed on a friend level first? Would a Bible or Christian Christmas music have been too much too soon?

          Reader, what do you think?

          I think sometimes we believers, in our efforts to spread the Good News, proverbially hit people over the head with the Gospel rather than forming a friendship with them first. Yes, there are times we need to share Christ immediately because we won’t see a person again—maybe ever—and we mustn’t miss an opportunity to plant a Gospel seed.

          But are there truly times when we need to become friends first? Build a trust? A bridge? And that Christmas decades ago—were we obeying a command that, in turn, opened other times when we’d talk with Ed about Jesus?

          And may I not forget Ed was in very good hands with his son and daughter-in-law who loved the Lord with all their hearts, held a deep understanding of The Word, and lived out Jesus in their home. Ed was, in that sense, with loved ones who would minister to him. Undeniably.

          In this particular instance, I believe we did the right thing, strange as it seemed. It only happened that way once. Never since. And we did become friends with Ed and shared other visits over the remainder of his years on earth. He even invited our kids, who didn’t have a grandfather, to call him Grandpa.

          Reader, has this ever happened to you? Oh, I don’t mean that the Holy Spirit necessarily whispered, “Glenn Miller.” But did He prompt you in another direction for a time while you formed a friendship?

          As you prepare for the birthday of the Christ Child—our Lord and Savior—don’t be overly shocked if God directs you to a gift choice you question. Maybe by waiting to give the other gifts—a Bible, Christian music, biblical reads, etc.—He’s preparing the receiver to listen to someone whom he calls “friend.”

          Glenn (no, not Miller), Ed’s son, said his favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night, so I’ll share that with you now. And guess who’s playing it! Glenn (yes, Miller)!

Glenn Miller Orchestra - In the Christmas Mood (1991) [Full Album]

Click on the link. O Holy Night is on Track 2 which starts at timestamp 3:50.

 

          And here are the lyrics to verses one and three:

 

“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining;

It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope- the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

 

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!”

 

P.S.—Glenn (Ed’s son) carries on his father’s love of Christmas and decorates beautifully in- and outside their home. The Christmas village at the beginning of this post was part of Ed’s collection. Neighbors and family came to see his display each year.

Yes, Ed was “Mr. Christmas” to so many.

 

#Christmas #JesusBirthday #GlennMiller #Christmasmusic #friendshipevangelism

Photo credit:

Glenn & Karen

album cover from online