A Christmas Wish

This morning a friend of mine emailed me a most unexpected email. She works at a recreation center in town and her department is in charge of the Santa's Mailbox each year. Around Christmastime, children put in letters to Santa and her department has the special responsibility of answering them. 


Yesterday, she received two special letters in Santa's Mailbox, not from children but rather a husband and wife. Usually I don't read cheesy emails like this but the sincerity of their hearts struck me and their letters reminded me about the basic message that the birth of Jesus brought to the world: There is hope for tomorrow.

Transcript: 

Dear Saint Nicholas,

it has been a long time since I have written you a letter, but Christmas is a time for child-like faith and so this year I choose to believe in you.

I am not asking for the latest Xbox game, Cabbage-Patch doll, or shiny new bicycle. Instead, my wife and I are adopting two children from the Democratic Republic of Congo and we would like to ask you for a favor.

You and your reindeer travel the world on Christmas Eve delivering toys to girls and boys. We do not know if our children have been naughty or nice, but we are certain that they are loved. Although we have never met, we already miss them more than words can express. 

This Christmas Eve, when you visit the orphanage in K***, could you make sure that our chilren are tucked in and safe? And we would ask that you whisper to them a simple message, in French, while they sleep:

"Votre mere et votre pere vous aime beaucoup. Ils viennent a vous ramener chez vous bientot."

(Your mother and father love you very much. They are coming to take you home soon.)

Thank you Santa, and next year we look forward to welcoming you to our home and delivering presents to two children who will be enjoying their first Christmas in Tennessee.

Grace and peace this holiday season,

Ken J. 

Transcript:

Dear Santa, 

I know I'm a little old to be writing you a letter, or even to be telling you what I want, but before you put me on the naughty list, know that this letter isn't for me. It's for my kids.

My kids are Rose and Emmanuel. They are ages 3 and 5, and they live in an orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We're in the process of adopting them, and things have come to a standstill since October. There had been an election, and rioting, and much instability in the country. We were hoping to be traveling to get them this time of year, but we still have months of paperwork and processes to go through before we can get them. I don't know for sure if they even know we exist, or know that they are loved. 

So, here are my Christmas wishes:

• Would you let Rose and Emmanuel know that they are loved and that we are desperately trying to bring them home?
• Would you make sure that their mosquito netting is snuggly around them and that they have a toy or blanket to cuddle with?
• Would you fill their caregivers with an extra amount of love, joy,  and patience, and help their security guard to be brave and strong?
• Would you give them the gift of laughter on Christmas day--even though they may not even realize what day it is?
• Most of all, would you protect the places in their hearts that are meant to be occupied by a mom, a dad, and Jesus, so that they don't give up hope too soon?

I know this is a lot to ask for, but I'd appreciate your help. I know you have lots of connections. Next Christmas, I hope to be helping Rose and Emmanuel to write letters of their own.

Merry Christmas!

Robin J.