The Shoe Box Read Free Page B

and her two friends before he took his place among the other wise men at the far side of the stage.
    They all let out their breath in relief, but they also sat wondering and watching Timmy. He was singing with the choir, not the least bit concerned about the precious shoe box he had left on the far side of the stage. In fact, he didn’t look at it once. And they’d never seen him look so happy.

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    The hymn Timmy and his friends sang in the cantata
    What Child is this, who, laid to rest, on
          Mary’s lap is sleeping?
    Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while
          shepherds watch are keeping?
    This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds
          guard and angels sing;
    Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the babe,
          the son of Mary.
    Why lies He in such mean estate where ox
          and ass are feeding?
    Good Christian, fear, for sinners here the
          silent Word is pleading.
    This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds
          guard and angels sing;
    Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the babe,
          the son of Mary.
    So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
          come, peasant, king, to own Him;
    The King of kings salvation brings, let loving
          hearts enthrone Him.
    This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds
          guard and angels sing;
    Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the babe,
          the son of Mary.
    â€”William C. Dix

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    W hen the cantata was over, his mother took his hand and went with him for Christmas punch and cookies. Mary and David went with them. So did Mrs. Iverson and Mrs. King and the two teachers who had come with her. They all said how proud they were of him and what a good job he did.
    When it came time to go, Timmy’s mother asked him if he wanted to go and get his shoe box.
    â€œOh no,” Timmy said. “I gave it to Jesus.”
    They all were curious about what was inside the shoe box, but when they passed by the stage, they saw it was gone. Timmy noticed, too, but he didn’t seem the least bit upset about it. In fact, he smiled.

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    My favorite Christmas music is Handel’s Messiah. The music was composed in 1741 in twenty-four days, from August 22 to September 14. That such a beautiful work of music was written in so short a time is nothing short of miraculous! Messiah was first performed for charitable purposes in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742. Handel himself conducted. Ever since the work was heard, it has been a favorite.
    I have several versions of the original and the Young Messiah, which I also love. I carry two versions in my car and listen to them while on the road. I also have a CD case full of Christmas music that I start playing as soon as Thanksgiving weekend ends. But Handel’s Messiah still tops my list because of the amazing music and the even more amazing story behind it.

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    H ere it is, my Lord,” the angel said, kneeling before the throne of God. He held the old, worn shoe box with the words Running Shoes printed on it and set it at God’s feet.
    Jesus took it and set it upon his lap. He put his hand over it and looked out at the gathering of thousands of angels and seraphim and saints. Even they were curious about what was inside. Only he and Timmy knew.
    Peter the apostle was there and, bold as always, was the only one who dared ask, “What’s in that box, Lord? What has the child given you?”
    â€œJust things,” Jesus said, smiling. He had watched Timmy from the time he was conceived. He had counted every hair upon his head and knew all that was in his heart. And he had waited for the day when