Christmas Jars Story: 'I became so overwhelmed with emotions like gratitude and thankfulness'

Salisbury, MD:

I am a divorced single parent of a 15 year old son. A couple years after my divorce, I changed churches and began attending my current church of which I've been a member for 4 years. My church family has been a true blessing to my son and me.

Well, on Sunday Dec. 09, 2012 our church was having their annual Christmas drama and I was working the information table/concession stand with 2 other ladies. A gentleman from my church came up to the table and said he was delivering a secret santa gift to me and the giver of this gift did not want to be named. I smiled in amazement-thanked him and all the while my mind was swirling with thoughts of who and why.

I took the gift bag and placed it on a shelve behind the information desk and continued to take orders for coffee, honey buns, and CDs. Once the crowd died down, I eagerly retrieved the gift bag while the 2 ladies I was working with looked on as I opened the bag. The first item I took out was a small book titled "The Christmas Jar" I love books so I immediately began skimming the back cover.

My mind still did not fully comprehend the significance of the book until I delved back into the bag (thinking I was pulling out a candle) and began tugging at a jar that was too heavy to be a candle. I had to lay the gift bag on its side and pull the jar out with both hands. My eyes widened as the contents of that jar became visible.The 22 oz jar that once held a pumpkin spiced Yankee Candle, was now filled to the brim with coins. I looked at one of the ladies and said something very "profound" like:wow-oh my goodness. I was still trying to fathom who and why.

I carefully placed the jar back in the bag-picked up the book again- and began reading more intently in order to decipher the meaning of the jar and its contents.

I had many questions like: Was the jar for me or was I suppose to pass the jar on to someone else? At that time I purposed in my mind that once the play ended I was going home to read the book and that's what I did. I went home, turned the Christmas lights on, and lit my Christmas candles. I read the book in 2 seatings because I had to return to church for the evening performance of the play. As I read the book I became so overwhelmed with emotions like gratitude and thankfulness.

I've been divorced since my son was in elementary school and God has always provided for us. We've never had to go with out. Yet there are times when I fear that maybe this month will be the month where I will have unexpected expenses and then what. Well, I was having one of those weeks until I received the Chritmas Jar and God yet again reminded me that He has not forgotten me or my son. The scripture from Isaiah 49:16 came to my mind:"See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." I will prayfully consider how to use this blessing and I will share this wonderful story with my son.

By this time next year we will have given our first Christmas Jar away. I cannot wait to share the love and pass this inspiring tradition on to others!! Thank you Jason for this beautiful Christmas story!!