What is the most wonderful Christmas present?

by Lucille O’Donnell

Raymond MacDonald Alden, in his children’s book entitled, Why the Chimes Rang, tells the story of a far away country church on top of a high hill. Local legend says that on Christmas Eve the magnificent collection of chime bells in the bell tower will ring - but only when the perfect gift has been given in honor of the Christ Child. It was the custom on Christmas Eve for all the people to bring to the church their offerings to the Christ Child; and when the greatest and best offering was laid on the altar, the chimes would ring.

This one Christmas Eve Pedro and Little Brother started out on their journey to the church. On the path was a poor woman who had fallen sick. Pedro told Little Brother to go ahead to the church service while he stayed behind with the poor woman. He asked Little Brother to go up with the possession and when no one was watching, leave his little piece of silver for the Christ Child. Little Brother did as told and left Pedro’s gift at the altar among all the rich jewels and the king’s crown. The chimes began to ring.

What are the gifts we are giving the Christ Child this Christmas? Are they gifts of more stuff or are they gifts stuffed with love and self-sacrifice as was Pedro’s when he stayed behind to care for the poor sick woman?

Lucille O’Donnell is assistant professor of Occupational Therapy, College of St. Catherine St. Paul, MN.

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