Bert, Frank and I had become friends through attending the 8 a.m. service at our church. We enjoyed sharing thoughts and books. One September Sunday ninety year old Bert handed me a little book. On it was a note which read, “I have owned this book for 54 years. I read it, at least once, each Christmas. It still brings tears to my eyes.”

The story tells of a father, whose vehicle breaks down near a small village during the Christmas season. He strolls into a small restaurant and remarks at the unusual Christmas Tree – a chestnut tree. As he is waiting for his car to be repaired, the owner of the restaurant tells him the history of it. Only after hearing the story, does he realize that the story is about his son Jimmy and how he spent his last day on earth.

Jimmy was a Canadian Flying Officer during the Second World War stationed at a Bomber Base in England. A Christmas party and gift giving event was planned for twelve children who were evacuated from their London homes. However, it seemed it would have to be cancelled. There were no gifts and no tree.

When Jimmy heard of their plight, he and his crew began to give of themselves. They decided to refurbish broken toys. Since there were no evergreens, they used a Chestnut tree and decorated it with silver foil from their cigarette boxes. Dressed up in a borrowed Father Christmas suit Jimmy began handing out the wrapped packages to the children. During the festivities he received news – return to the Base immediately. Jimmy and his crew were shot down over Ruhr Valley that night.

The story ends with a teary eyed father saying to the owner, “Thank you for the best Christmas present I have ever had.”

We never know if this will be our last Christmas, or our first Christmas without a loved one. May we follow Jimmy’s example and not only brighten but give each other the “best Christmas present they ever had” – the gift of ourselves.

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