“The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.”  Titus 2:11
Indeed, the Grace of God HAS appeared. 

This afternoon, Barabas and Uncle Floyd went down to BWI, the airport in Baltimore to pick up Frank Heffelfinger.  Barabas’s father is home from CA for a few days. 

Barabas and Uncle Floyd are at the kitchen table waiting.  Frank is upstairs unpacking his things. 

“Well,” said Uncle Floyd.  “I reckon you were curious to see your father.  What did you think?”

“I don’t know,” mumbled Barabas quietly.  “He doesn’t look much like you.”

“Our mother and father sure thought we looked alike!  Reckon I’ve always been a bit taller and uhmmm . . .”  Uncle Floyd sucked in his tummy and tried to look slim, “carried an extra load up front here!”  Uncle Floyd gave Barabas a friendly cuff on the shoulder.  Uncle Floyd knows that both Frank and Barabas are anxious about getting to know each other.

“Hey!” said Frank as he came into the kitchen and stood at the table.  After an awkward silence, Barabas looked up and said “hey,” back.

“It’s good to have you here bro!” said Uncle Floyd.  And he and Frank did a funny kind of wrestling, brother thing.  Except they bumped the table and Barabas seemed annoyed. 

“I’ve brought a present for you.” said Frank to his son.  And he placed the gift on the table.

“Should I open it now or wait for tomorrow?’ said Barabas, hiding any enthusiasm.  Frank glanced at Uncle Floyd. 

“I reckon we should open them now, before we leave for church.  Where is your gift to . . .” and Uncle Floyd left his sentence unfinished.  They never really did decide if Barabas should call this new man in his life ‘father’ or ‘Frank’. 

Barabas was quick to leave the room.  Moments later he came back and handed a gift to Frank.  “Here.”

Frank opened the present.  It is a Bible.  Frank opened it carefully and read the words inside the front cover. 

“To Frank, my father. 2006 from Barabas Heffelfinger”

Frank looked at the page for a long time.  Barabas was beginning to wonder if Frank fell asleep or something.  Finally Frank looked up and quietly said “Thank you.  This is the best Christmas present I have ever received.”  And he had tears in his eyes.  “Here is your gift.” 

Barabas opened the gift from Frank.  “Wow!” said Barabas.  “A lantern for our camping trips Uncle Floyd!”  Barabas looked at Frank and said “Thanks!  Oh, and thanks for that sleeping bag.  I am going to sleep in it tonight.” 

“I reckon it’s time to open this gift.” said Uncle Floyd.  “It’s for both of you.” 

Frank and Barabas awkwardly shared opening the gift from Uncle Floyd.  

“It’s a Parcheesi board!” they both said in unison.  “My favorite game!” said Frank.  “I always beat you Floyd at this game.  Wanna give it a try right now.  Is there time before we leave for church?”

And there WAS time.  Time for the three of them to play Parcheesi and time to start to get to know each other.   

Indeed, it was the right time and the Grace of God DID appear, bringing salvation to all.

 May the Christ child be born anew into each of our families!     THE END

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