Little Jimmy was born in a rural town in the USA. Little Jimmy’s family barely had enough to meet the family’s daily needs. Little Jimmy and his siblings celebrated Christmas with joy. With little to spare, it was all the parents could do to have a Christmas tree. Not much money for gifts, Little Jimmy and siblings would wrap blocks of wood with wrapping paper with a shiny bow on top. Little Jimmy’s Christmas for toys was the day or so after Christmas when different families would bring the used toys in a box so Little Jimmy and his siblings would have “new toys” to enjoy, and they did! Little Jimmy enjoyed school and church. His church had the best Sunday school. If you attend every Sunday throughout the year, you would receive a one year pin, which turns into a five year and then ten plus ten-plus-year pin. Little Jimmy loved Christmas because that is where he heard about the baby born in a manger filled with straw on Christmas Day. Each Sunday before Christmas, there was a goodie bag that was distributed to everyone in attendance. Not having much, Little Jimmy remembers the bag filled with an orange, an apple, nuts, and assorted candy! Now, what little kid wouldn’t be excited about that! There was a pageant presented every Christmas Eve night. There was excitement in the air; every pew was filled. Every young person had a part to play. The children had been given a script to learn, and they would present it to the audience. Everyone waited with great expectation. The program opened with spots lights on the stage, room lights dimmed, no turning back now. Little Jimmy always learned his parts and could quote them even in his dreams! It became his turn to face the audience. Curtains closed, one by one made their presentation, and then it’s Little Jimmy’s turn. Curtains being closed, Little Jimmy slid between the crack that the curtains made. Spotlights on, dim room, Little Jimmy froze while gazing at the packed house. They were to listen to him. He wouldn’t have made if the person behind the curtain didn’t read Little Jimmy’s part, line by line, just as they had rehearsed. The program completed with more singing, the story of that little baby born in a straw filled manger on Christmas day. The best part was about to happen! The handing out of the gifts! The Christmas tree in the front corner of the sanctuary served as an attraction for every boy and girl present. Little Jimmy’s Sunday school had everyone draw names, and the presents would be handed out at the end of the pageant. Here we go! One name at a tine was called, seemed like a long time. The side of the church by the tree was filled with many waiting to hear their name called. Finally, the last name was called, underneath the tree was empty. The pastor asked if there was anyone who did not receive a present who participated in the drawing. Disappointed and shy, Little Jimmy lifted his hand. They looked, and no other present was found. Little Jimmy doesn’t remember whether a present was found or not. Little Jimmy did remember what he learned in Sunday school, that Christmas was about that little baby born in a manger filled with straw. As Little Jimmy became an adult, he purposed within his heart that he would do all that he could to make sure that none of his children would go without a toy under the tree. Little Jimmy still remembers the story he learned in Sunday school about that baby born in a manager: His name was to be called Jesus, Emanuel, God with us.

Although a true story, there are many authors to this story of Little Jimmy on Christmas Day!