So we’re at CrossRoads UMC Friday afternoon and it’s a somewhat typical day… when a young woman, just 20 years old comes into the office and says her name is Ashley and asks if her dad, Dennis, still comes to our Saturday breakfast and worship service.

She said she knew Prodigal’s Home @ CrossRoads meant a great deal to him but it had been a long while since they spoke.  I told her I knew her dad and, yes, he was faithful in coming every Saturday morning.

Ashley says she has just recently moved into a place of her own and she wants to ask her dad to move in with her to help get him off the streets.

I’m stunned.  Do you ever actually realize when a miracle is occurring before your very eyes?  Or are we so blind we don’t see them anymore?

I talk a bit more with Ashley and a plan is hatched.  She’ll come Saturday morning and we’ll slip her in the back door to my office.  I’ll ask Dennis to come down to my office under the guise of some need and we’ll help with a family reunion.

These things can be delicate.  They can also backfire.

So the morning comes and Ashley brings her younger brother, Dennis Jr., with her.  I bring Dennis to the office and just before I open the door I tell him who is in the office.  As the door opens the family sees each other.  Ashley and Dennis Jr. leap to their feet and run to their father.  As I close the door behind them for some privacy I sense the full pleasure of God upon this Christmas reunion.

A few minutes later the family emerges from the office and Dennis has a grin from ear-to-ear.  He wants everyone to meet his children.  He wants them to join us for breakfast and worship.

I received an e-mail from Ashley today.  Dennis stayed the night and it appears he will gratefully accept the invitation to move in with his daughter.

The last line of her e-mail said “I also just wanted to say that I think it is an absolutely amazing thing you do there at the church for the homeless.  God bless you.”

I’ve known Dennis for nearly 2 1/2 years.  I have prayed for this day to come.

The Fathers gift to me each Christmas season is the gift of His Son, Jesus.

But this Christmas I received something extra.

Grace & Peace,

Mike