The Gift

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A minister and his wife, after a long search
Were finally assigned to their very own church
They couldn’t wait to see it, so they jumped right in their car
And began their journey. It wasn’t very far.

When they spied their church from just a little way
They glanced at each other not knowing what to say
It needed so much done. The church was so run down
They sadly contemplated and drove back into town.

They worked hard trying to get everything just right
Wanting to hold service their before Christmas night
They hammered, painted, put in new window panes
Sanded down the pews and painted with wood stains.

On December 18 the doors were open wide
The little congregation gathered all inside
With oohs and aahs they all exclaimed
Giving praise and honor in Jesus name.

Then on December 19th a two day storm hit
The pastor and his wife didn’t think of it,
But when they went to church, and pulled up in their car
They could see the roof would need more than tar

And right behind the pulpit the plaster had come down
They eyed the ugly mess and headed back to town
On the way home they stopped at a charity sale event
It was a worthy cause, so it would be well spent.

The Pastor saw a hand designed creation that took his breath away
The exquisite embroidered beauty should be on display.
He reached into his pocket and paid the asking price
Right behind the pulpit – this would go real nice.

The intricate beauty of the embroidered cross
Caused him to search for words, but find himself at loss
As he rushed back to the church with his plan in mind
He couldn’t believe his blessing as he examined the design.

Rushing back, he passed a woman who missed the last bus
He asked “Why don’t you come inside, and get warm with us?”
The lady couldn’t believe her eyes, as she watched him hang his prize
Her face turned pale and white on this cold cold night.

And she was heard to ask where the pastor had this found
Her countenance was shaken, as he turned around
Why I bought it up the street, why ever do you ask?
I hand made this table cloth, she said. It was a loving task.

She hurried to the cloth, where her initials had been sewn
It was a work of art, stolen from her home.
She lived in Austria some 35 years ago,
The Nazis forced her out. It was such a tale of woe.

Her husband had been captured, and taken from her side.
They locked him up in prison. . . He may have even died?
The pastor wiped the tears that streamed down his face
And went to remove the cloth from its new found place

But quickly the lady spoke, she had not forsook her search
For the man she loved, but gave the cloth to the church
The minister and his wife drove the dear lady to her home
They said a little prayer for this woman who lived alone

Christmas day the church was filled up to the brim
It was a beautiful service, as they worshiped Him
After the service, a quiet little man
Came up to the pastor and shook his hand

Pastor, can you tell me, where you found this tapestry?
My wife created one like this for a wedding gift to me?
Can I take you for a ride? There's someone you should see
I think very shortly, I can solve your mystery.

And when he saw the reunion between the husband and his wife
It was the most miraculous gift he’d witnessed in his life.


Story by Pastor Reid - Poem by Judy Sheldon-Walker