The Best Christmas Present Ever
What my dad—and a stuffed toy—taught me about God’s unwavering love
I've been blessed with many wonderful Christmas gifts over the years. A silver charm bracelet from my mother. A gold locket from my husband. The most memorable gift I've ever received, however, came from a surprising source, and under very unusual circumstances.
The summer I was nine years old, my best friend, Marty, invited me to go to a movie with her family. It was a big deal. My parents were fairly conservative in their Christianity. There wasn't a drop of alcohol in our house, rock music was frowned upon, and going to the movies was a rare and carefully monitored treat.
Still, to my delight, Mom and Dad said yes. Before Marty's parents picked me up, my mom gave me the usual set of instructions--stay close to a grown-up at all times, be polite and respectful, don't forget to say "thank-you." Then, as Marty's family's car pulled in front of our house, my dad tucked a five-dollar bill into my pocket.
"Use this only if you need to pay for your ticket or popcorn," he explained. (Yes, back then five dollars would have covered both!)
"Okay," I agreed, already halfway out the door.
At the movie theater, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard insisted on buying my ticket, as well as popcorn and soda for Marty and me. As I was standing at the glass counter, waiting- politely - for my snack, I saw it.
For some reason, the theater was selling a small assortment of stuffed toys. Nestled between a spotted dog and a gray elephant lay the most beautiful little lion cub I'd ever seen. With plush tan fur, golden brown eyes, and pink ears, it was irresistible to a stuffed-animal junkie like me. I had to have it.
As I fingered the bill in my pocket, two voices competed in my head. One reminded me rather shrilly that the money was only to be spent on a movie ticket. The other, smooth and sweet as honey, pointed out that since it hadn't been needed for the ticket, the money should be mine to spend.
I knew it was wrong. But I pushed my guilt aside, handed over the five, and cuddled that soft little cub in my arms.
My enjoyment was brief. Back at home, my parents spied the cub immediately. Dad was furious when he realized that I'd deliberately disobeyed him. My punishment was swift and - to my nine-year-old self - harsh: Dad confiscated the illicit lion cub and sent me to my room.
Devastated, I sobbed into my pillow. Losing the toy was bad enough. But what really hurt was the anger and disappointment I'd seen on my father's face.
That was June. In August, my father was in a car accident as he was coming home from work. He was killed instantly. The months that followed were some of the most difficult I've ever experienced as I struggled to adjust to life without Dad in it.
Christmas came, bittersweet without Dad's presence. Coming down the stairs that morning, I saw something familiar poking out of my stocking where it hung by the fireplace. Soft tan fur and golden eyes. As I pulled it from the stocking, I noticed a tag attached to the bow around its neck: To: Dawn; Love, Dad. I blinked back a rush of tears.
"He felt terrible about having to take that from you," Mom said as she slipped an arm around my shoulders. "That very same night he told me that he wanted you to have it for Christmas."
"But he was so mad at me," I sniffed.
She smiled. "He loved you."
Many years have passed since that Christmas, but every time I look at that silly lion cub I remember Dad and how much he loved me - not just when I was a "good girl," but when I made a poor choice and disappointed him.
It also reminds me how blessed I am that God is that kind of father. When Adam and Eve betrayed him, breaking the only rule he'd asked them to follow, God was understandably ticked off. Yet despite that anger, his love never wavered. Even as he punished them for their disobedience and sin, he was planning for their redemption through the sacrifice of his only Son.
When I mess up - frequently! - and disappoint him, I can cling to the knowledge that God still loves me. That doesn't mean I get off scot-free. Like any good parent, he holds me accountable, and sometimes it can feel as if he's abandoned me. Those are the times I'm most grateful for his promise that "neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate [me] from the love of God" (Romans 8:38-39).
So this Christmas I'll celebrate not only the birth of Jesus, but also the living reminder he is that nothing can separate me from God's love.
And that's truly the best present ever.
Posted at 4:58 PM on December 29, 2008.
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What a touching story! Thanks for sharing it, Dawn.
Posted by: Cheryl on December 31, 2008
Thank you so much for sharing that with all of us. I hope that you still have that toy today, Dawn. God bless you: it is wonderful to read it on the first day of the new year.
Posted by: Christina Archer on January 1, 2009
Dawn, May I have permission to print this story in our Church Newsletter?
IHS,
Ann
Posted by: Ann on January 2, 2009
Thank you for sharing this story... It brought tears to my eyes...
Posted by: Flora on January 2, 2009
What a wonderful parallel you made about a father to his child. It was beautiful in its simplicity. Thank you for sharing a piece of your heart.
Posted by: Kim on January 2, 2009
I am blessed reading your story. Its really touched my life, its makes me remember the promises of God.
Thanks
Posted by: Grace on January 2, 2009
Thank you for sharing..as I reflect on what my Lord has forgiven me of makes ever so grateful for his mercy, which is new every morning to help me over come all my failures. His mercy is never ending. Have a blessed New Year.
Posted by: Mary on January 2, 2009
Dawn,
What a sweet memory. Having recently lost my mother this December I was moved by the way God worked through your Father's love and discipline. I too have the blessing of knowing that whatever I may have been or done, my mother loved me. And like you, feel strongly that realization that if a person can love and forgive me so deeply how much more does our Father in heaven love and forgive us.
Thank you for helping me grieve yet rejoice.
Posted by: Joy on January 2, 2009
A beautiful story that brought tears to my eyes. You've inspired me with it.
Barb
Posted by: Barbara Robinson on January 2, 2009
A wonderful story...thanks for sharing! The lesson learnt was worth the experience...NOTHING can separate us from the love of God! May God continue to richly bless you and your ministry.
Posted by: Lyndel on January 2, 2009
Thank you for sharing this story, Dawn. It is a personal reminder of God's love, and his punishment, when needed.
Posted by: Jacque' Jordan on January 2, 2009
The most precious present my that I have ever received was the gift that my dad sent me the 1st Christmas my mom was gone. See, she passed away suddenly on Novemeber 2nd, 1996. That Christmas my dad found all the gifts my mom had been purchasing for Christmas and he sent them to us. My gift from my mom (and dad) was a book titled Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. On the inside cover (in my mom's comforting handwriting) "Merry Christmas Kristen 1996 May you find the enjoyment from this book that I recieved when you gave me the 365 Bible. We are so proud of you . Keep the faith and treasure the moments with your husband (now ex) and family. Love Mom and Dad
That book got me through some heartwreching times that I had expereinced that year (her death, unfaithful spouse, and betrayal from a Christian sister). My mom was my Christian mentor and much more than a mom to me, she was my best friend, sister and of course mom.
Now, when I yearn for my mom, I turn to that page and I read those words over and over again.
For my sons, I have journals that I began writing to them since their births. I pray I can pass on a gift to them that they will cherish like the book that I cherish from my mom. My sons will receive these journals when they graduate from high school or college.
Blessings Kristen King
Posted by: Kristen King on January 2, 2009
A very touching story.Thanks for sharing.
The thought .. how well chldren were brought up once upon a time hovers in the mind.
Posted by: shan on January 3, 2009
Thanks Dawn for sharing this. I'm definitely going to narrate this to my little son. What a beautiful way to explain the similarity of our Abba father and the love he has for his children inspite of we betraying him often.
Posted by: Beena Fernandes on January 3, 2009
Hello Dawn,
Your story was beautiful. It reminds me very much of my own father who died in 2002. It was also a good reminder that God does not separate from us or forget us.
In His Peace,
Annell
Posted by: Annell on January 3, 2009
As i read your story i am drawn back to a local programme which had a rep from back to the bible. In it the rep discussed that christmas is really not so much about the birth of Jesus but about His forgiveness. Reading your story reinforces this concept, that truly christmas is a time of forgiveness. I am glad that we can share in this manner.
Posted by: Aldith on January 3, 2009
Oh my. Your title should have read "Grab a box of kleenex first." Wow, what a moving story. I'm so glad God led you to share it, though I'm sure it was difficult to do so. I won't soon forget it.
Posted by: LauraLee@LauraLee's Lifesong on January 3, 2009
Thank you for sharing this beautiful childhood story! I was so deeply touched!
The Lord is so good!
Sincerely,
Mary Ann
Posted by: Mary Ann on January 4, 2009
thanks for sharing this with us. our prayer as parents is to be able to know how to love our children even after we feel they must have messed up.
Posted by: gloria on January 4, 2009
a very refreshing story.thank you
Posted by: anna on January 6, 2009
What a beautiful and touching story! It reminds me of God's love and care for human beings, His handi-work.
God bless you!
Posted by: Hannah Bekele on January 6, 2009
What a wonderful story . I am very sensitive so I cried like a baby. Thank you for sharing this when I am at a time of searching .
Posted by: Jamie K.C. on January 7, 2009
With your permission I would like to share this with my women's bible study as we study EVE. What a beautiful reminder God gave you ( and now us) of the eternal love of God for His children. That experience of yours, traumatic as it was, will be one I will share for years. May you sense His hand in yours today for sharing it.
Posted by: Mary Anne on January 8, 2009
I am amazed with it. It is a good thing for my research. Thanks
Posted by: Enlargement on January 16, 2009
thanks for the wonderful insight you gave into gods unconditional love.I'm 25 and independant now but it was during my teens that i had a deep dislike towards my father, now i am on the path to making up...thank you...
Posted by: heaventsent on February 5, 2009
That was a really touching and encouraging Dawn. Thanks for sharing. It also shows that God's love is unconditional. God Bless you
Posted by: Yvonne on March 8, 2009