The Best Christmas Gift on the List

Every time your heart beats once, there are two Bibles being placed out there in the world.

I put my hand to mine when he said it…tha-thump…two Bibles.

I closed my eyes and imagined who the recipients might be. That brown-skinned girl of Ann’s? Or maybe my Romedan in Ethiopia?

Brother Jividen from The Gideons International spoke to our church last week.

It’s Stewardship season in the Presbyterian Church, but ours is giving money away. The loose plate offering last Sunday went to the Gideons.

Brother Jividen told us stories about his time in Africa, China, Columbia, and Guatemala.

It costs $1.30 to print up these little New Testaments, he said. But what you are giving is priceless.

The old gentleman was not impressive to look at. He didn’t appear to be a grand adventurer or thrill-seeker. His hair was white, his skin like paper. Yet…he had some stories to tell.

I glanced over at Jeffrey, whose pen was poised over the bulletin. He usually draws cartoons during church. It used to bother me until I realized that most Sundays he is illustrating the sermon. It’s how he processes the message. But on this Sunday, his eyes were riveted to the pulpit, captivated by stories.

When the plate came around, I rummaged in my purse. Twenty-six dollars. That’s all the cash I had. I let Teddy drop it in.

We just bought 20 Bibles, I scribbled to him on my bulletin.

He nodded, smiling.

Later, when we filed out into the world, I thought about those stories. I thought about the stack of Bibles I have at home. One for each room, so the Word is handy everywhere. I thought about my son’s eyes on that elderly adventurer.


The greatest need that we have, dear people, he had said, is for your prayers.

That night, we prayed for those who have never held the Word of God in their hands. And for those who carry It to them.

We are part of a bigger story, you and me. Let’s keep telling it.

And  help each other carry it to the world.

Do you know anyone who needs a Bible? Why not surprise them this Christmas? It might just be the most important gift they ever receive.