Arnold smiled to himself as he looked in the store window at the Christmas displays. He had spent plenty of time working on the displays and he really needed help, but the displays looked pretty good. He hoped someone would see the “Help Wanted” sign that had been placed in the corner of the window. Christmas was just a day away and he was excited because he had already done his shopping and he knew his family would enjoy the gifts. He was also happy because Christmas was such a happy time when people seemed to be more courteous to each other, and to smile. He especially enjoyed hearing people say “Merry Christmas.” It seemed that people could speak to each other without fearing that someone was trying to put something over on them.
As he stood looking in the store window, he caught sight of a man’s reflection. The man was standing on the street corner huddled into his coat. As he turned slightly, Arnold saw that the man had no shirt. The man seemed to try to make up his mind whether or not to enter the store. Finally, Arnold asked, “How are you tonight?” The man was startled out of his thoughts and looked at Arnold with an anxious look on his face. “Uh, I’m alright, I guess.” Looking at his feet, he added, “I was just trying to decide whether or not to apply for the job here. I need a job. The store where I worked went out of business, and it’s Christmas, and
…..” His voice trailed off into silence as he looked at his feet, then at the “Help Wanted” sign.
Arnold asked, “Why don’t you apply for the sales job? The boss is a pretty nice guy.” The man replied, “I would like that but I don’t even have on a shirt. My best white shirt is in the laundry at my apartment. The boss here would probably not take me seriously if I applied.”
Arnold looked at the man and thought of the good things he had in his life. It would be no sacrifice to give this man his shirt, and he did! The man was startled and asked, “Why are you loaning me your shirt?” Arnold said, “It’s not a loan. It’s yours if you apply for this job. Merry Christmas.” The man said, “I can’t thank you enough! I will apply for the job.” He went into the store. Arnold entered the store by the side door and told his junior employee to hire the man who just entered and was filling out the application. Then Arnold went home.
At home, Arnold’s son greeted him asking, “Where’s your shirt?” Arnold replied, “Someone needed it more than I. After all, it’s Christmas and giving to others is what we do at Christmas.”
Discussion: What is your idea about Christmas and this time of the year? What does it mean to you?