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ANGELUS TEMPLE, CHRISTMAS 1924
A scroungy little girl wanders in off the streets and finds a seat among the other children down near the front of the church.
Close by on the platform was a beautiful Christmas tree, its jewel-tone ornaments radiant in the soft light that filtered
through multicolored windows . . . and all around music--Christmas singing.
Then a smiling lady began to tell a story--
"That's Sister", someone whispered. She told about a very special Baby, born long, long ago in a land far, far away. He was
named Jesus. She told about the angels, and the shepherds, and then about some great kings from distant lands who came with
gifts for the Baby.
The scroungy little girl thought it was the most wonderful story she had ever heard . . . was it really a true story?
Then Sister was saying, ". . . and just as those kings of long ago brought their gifts to Jesus, wouldn't you like to bring
Him a gift too?"
"Oh, yes, but what can I bring Him?" thought the strange little girl.
Then Sister was saying, ". . . perhaps you can't bring Him gifts of gold and incense, but you can give Him something far more
precious. You can give Him your heart."
Many people were going forward and kneeling and praying. The little girl wanted to go with them, but suddenly felt terribly
shy. Her dress was old and not pretty, and people would see the holes in her shoes if she knelt down. So she waited until
the people had all finished praying, and everyone had left the church.
Then she got up and quietly walked down to where the Christmas tree was still shimmering in its beauty, knelt down close to
it and looked up toward Heaven. All she could think of to say was, "Jesus, just like those wise men long ago, I want to give
You a gift. I want to give You my heart."
And then something wonderful happened in the heart and life of a scroungy little girl kneeling close to the fragrant Christmas
tree.
Jesus smiled and accepted her gift, and wonderful things have been happening to her ever since.
--Remembering at Christmas, Margaret Kahlo
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