Jeffrey's Santa
Contributed by W. S. White
Mama is wrapping presents to get ready for the holidays. Christmas is 2 weeks away. However, it seems no one is in the holiday spirit. The mood has been glum, lately. But Mama has done all of her shopping and will be ready when the day arrives. Jeffery is crying outside the bedroom door. "Almost done, Jeffrey. You can't see what Mama is doing. There may be some surprises for you and the others."
When she has finished wrapping and has put away all of the wrapping paper, tape, and bows, she lets Jeff into the bedroom. He jumps up on the bed with Mama. "Christmas is coming, soon. Santa may have some treats for you. There will be plenty, but you must share with the others. What would you like from Santa?" Jeffrey doesn't hesitate. He wants a ball. " You be sure and tell Santa what you would like."
Jeffrey goes to look out of the window. From the bed, he can see outside and he looks up at the grey sky. "Santa, I want a ball for Christmas. Santa. Do you love The Lord? I do. You must love The Lord. He has blessed me, so. Oh! And I'd like a ball." It's been a strange winter with very little snow and temperatures rising to an unreasonable warmth. Bringing rain and ice roads. Mama prays every day for safe travels. Since Grandma and Grandpa have passed, Jeff has come to stay with Mama and the others. They have become bonded in a close friendship. Jeffrey didn't know about Santa and the love he has especially toward children and pups and kits. So, Santa mustn't forget Jeffrey's request for a ball. Else, Jeffrey may become disheartened. Mama puts some traditional Christmas carols on the radio to listen to. They are her favorite. Jeffrey relaxes and takes a nap.
"Jeffrey", Mama says, " your buddy will come to visit Christmas day. You and the others will be so happy to see him! It's been quite a long time since his last visit. The rest of the family will be here, too. I hope, everyone is in good spirits."
With Grandma and Grandpa gone, it's becoming harder to keep the family together at such times. No one is really interested in mirth and merriment. I guess, their grief is still felt. Mama just wants everyone to have a good Christmas and not to forget that it is important to keep in touch and show concern for one another. It's almost time for Jeff and the others to have their dinner. That is Jeff's favorite part of the day. Breakfast and dinner time, Jeff throws himself into a real fit of hysterics!
As soon as he hears the clanging of dinner bowls and food being distributed, he can't contain his excitement. Jeffrey has pleasure in simple things. He loves his Lord, in spite of the trials in his life. He even tries to evangelize the others in appreciating his Lord and how they must love Him as he dies. Of course, he doesn't realize that they love Him, as well.
After the dinner is over, Jeffrey goes in to spend time with his friends by the fireplace. He's thinking of Santa and if he really is a saint. Jeffrey rests and as he does so, he hears his guardian angel say, " Jeffrey, you will get your toy ball. Don't fret. I've been praying for you. I know, you wondered what happened to me. I've been here always. You have a Merry Christmas. And The Lord loves you, too."