In 1994, two American teachers invited by the Russian government to teach biblical ethics, visited an orphanage. It was Christmas, so the Americans gathered the abandoned and abused children together to tell them the story of the first Christmas.

Afterwards they gave children pieces of cardboard to make a manger, tissue to tear into straw, flannel for a blanket, and a tiny baby cut from felt. The orphans busily assembled their mangers as the Americans walked around to offer help.

When one of the teachers came to where six year-old Misha sat, she was startled to see not one, but two babies in Misha's manger. Quickly, she called for the translator to ask why there were two. The boy repeated the Christmas story accurately--until he came to when Mary put baby Jesus in the manger. Then Misha related,

And when Mary laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told Him I have no mama and papa. Then Jesus told me I could stay with Him.

But I told Him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give Him like everybody else. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much. I thought maybe if I kept Him warm, that would be a good gift.

So, I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and He told me I could stay with Him--for always.

You, too, can have Jesus with you always. If you invite Him, you have His promise, "The Lord your God... Will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

I don't know how many of you will appreciate this story. It's not mine, I got it from a book as stated above. But I do hope that it makes sense to everyone. And I hope you all enjoy your Christmas. I wish everyone can read this and let it touch your hearts, not matter what you believe in. :)

God bless you~