Entertaining Angels
The day began with a beautiful gentle winter snow falling from the sky. But, on a day like this, a magical day, just about anything could happen. (LAC) I walked outside to take a closer look at the snow and saw a man sitting on a bench. He was looking up at the snow with a smile on his face. His smile made me smile as well. (RB)
There were snowflakes of all shapes and sizes descending from the heavens, as if we were nestled inside a snow globe. It’s simple moments like these, that remind me magic still exists. You just have to slow down long enough to take notice. (JD) Across the way, the kids were skating on the outdoor rink. You could hear them laughing above the Christmas music that was playing on the outdoor speaker. (EB) I had just gotten a hot chocolate from the bistro, and on a whim went back and purchased another one. Then I made my way over to the gentleman. “Hi”, I said. (KM)
He looked up with a startled expression on his face. I offered him the cup of hot chocolate and sat down next to him on the bench. After a moment of silence, he began to speak. SR
This gentleman with eyes of wisdom started sharing memories of Christmas’ past, times when the seemingly impossible became possible. (SER) I listened to his stories with much interest and started thinking of my own Christmas memories. Of time spent with family and friends and of the laughter and joy that filled the air when we were all together. (CP)
I recall sitting on a park bench with my new Chatty Cathy doll when I was a little girl. Fresh snow was falling, blissful silence surrounding me. Oh, the wonderful memories of Christmases past. Childhood is so fleeting. (JG) “Take a stroll amongst the trees, remember to check for the stars shining so bright. Feel the cold air upon your nose and cheeks. Enjoy the sound of the snow as it crunches under your feet. Upon return to your warm home, you will realize how lucky you are to be with family and those you love,” (DA) Said the mysterious gentleman as he rose to his feet. “Thank-you for the hot chocolate. You know…. of all the memories I have, my favourite is the one from about two thousand years ago. A baby boy was born to a virgin named Mary. His name was Jesus. God came down to earth incognito. Emmanuel, God is with us!” And with that, the man vanished. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (CLP)
by: Estha Baseley, Shelly Robidoux, Sandie Ross, Cheryl Pushka, Joanne Gaudet, Darlene Armstrong, Kim McLeod, Lisa Clement, Rayla Buss, Jessica Davies, Christine Podollan