INSIGHT
A Caroler's Prayer
After lacing up his new neon pink snow boots, freshman Andy Holm slipped on his windbreaker and headed out into the cold winter night to join his classmates. The sting of the bitter cold air almost made Andy turn around to retrieve his winter coat, but since he was already fifteen minutes late he pressed on through the campus. He hastened his steps and headed past the shimmering lake toward the Mueller Sports Center, where the echoes of Christmas songs were beginning to fill the air.
To Andy’s amazement the entire foyer gleamed like a massive Christmas tree. Christmas lights bordered the lobby, flickering to the rhythm of Jingle Bell Rock. Silver tinsel blanketed the refreshment table and reflected the bright twinkle of every sparkling light. Red and green candy-coated sugar cookies declared their Christmas cheer in various shapes and sizes. Best of all, surrounded by an assortment of flavored hot cocoas, a fat little Santa swayed his hips from side to side each time his beard was pulled.
After admiring the décor and choosing a hot cocoa, Andy signaled to his caroling party. It was time to journey out into the snowy night. The enthused team of twelve ran, skipped, and danced under the glittering stars as moonlight guided them up the hill to a nearby neighborhood.
When they reached the first unsuspecting home, Andy went up and rang the doorbell. The rest of the crew circled around, waiting for their signal to begin. When the porch light lit up, Andy turned and flashed a smile at his fellow carolers, giving them the thumbs up. Some of the carolers jumped up and down in anticipation. Andy turned back toward the house to greet the stunned homeowner. But to his dismay, the porch light shut off. He could hear a few chuckles from his group, so he smiled and gestured for the group to move on.
The next home, much more intimidating than the first, held only a single red and green Christmas wreath above the entryway. Putting a smile on his face, Andy knocked on the door and waited. Footsteps made their way through the house. The porch light flooded the driveway. A tiny lady threw open the door and smiled with confusion. English was not her first language. “No thank you, no want any.” Andy quickly tried to explain their purpose but the door slammed in spite of his best efforts.
The team visited three more houses without a single successful performance.
Andy could see the smiles that once danced in his team’s eyes slowly begin to fade; their noses and ears were struck red by the cold, and they were unmistakably shivering. “Lord why?” Andy cried out. Then he remembered a pep talk he received earlier from the resident director, “In happy moments; praise God, in painful moments, trust God; in difficult moments, seek God; in quiet moments worship God; In every moment thank God.” Proverbs 3:5-6 spoke to his heart, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” As Andy slowly walked up to the next home he closed his eyes and prayed to the Lord. As he rang the next doorbell, with all the passion he possessed he pleaded with the Lord, “God please let us have a purpose!”
An elderly gentleman opened the door. Welcoming heat poured from his doorway. The man limped onto the porch with surprise. Andy told him, “We represent Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and we came to spread some Christmas cheer to your home.” The instant the little old man gave the nod of approval the fading carolers burst into “Joy To The World” with all their hearts. The gentleman began to laugh and then sang along. As he sang, tears of joy streamed down his face. He had just tucked his ill wife of 60 years into bed and prayed that God would send him comfort. As he cried tears of joy, the carolers sang on -- through “Silent Night,” ending with “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”
Many houses and a few songs later Andy headed back towards his dorm. The stories and laughter from his teammates echoed from across the lake. With a smile on his face, he silently thanked God for working through their team. The night’s events floated in his head, but none left a lasting impression like the big heart of the little old man.
