A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

A steam locomotive on a snow-covered street

Faith...being sure of what we hope for,
certain of what we do not see.

Hebrew 11:1

I believe...

Volume XV, Issue 50

December 14, 2015

A true story.....

Once long ago with Christmas near, the Dad gathered his family. "Let's see The Polar Express." The Mom was on board, yet the children did not share his enthusiasm. The youngest, already 18, noted it was a cartoon. But after some complaining, the children begrudgingly agreed.

Armed with terribly overpriced popcorn and sodas, they entered the theatre. Just enough space remained for them to sit together...20 feet in front of the giant screen. His neck aching in anticipation, the Dad quietly led them to the seats. Mercifully, the movie soon began.

The film opens with Hero Boy on Christmas Eve. Having seen fake Santas, he now doubts them all. At 11:55 pm, he awakes to a train arriving on the snow-covered street in front of his house. With great hesitation he boards, joining other children on an adventure to the North Pole.

A boy, on the steps of a train, looking back home

The Dad looked at his family. The children, all settled in with popcorn in hand, are captivated by snowy forests, treacherous mountains, frozen lakes, and the story that played out before them. All but one, who seemed uncomfortable. Puzzled, the Dad turned back to the movie.

Along the journey, Hero Boy encounters a Hobo who guides him along the way. As Hero Boy expresses his doubts, the Hobo shouts, "You don't want to be taken for a ride. Railroaded! Seeing is believing. Am I right?" Though Hero Boy agrees, he soon discovers the Hobo is a ghost.

Hero Boy also meets a Conductor who leads him to the truth he seeks. In his journey, Hero Boy realizes he is where he should be when he is with the Conductor. And he listens when the man teaches, "Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."

At the North Pole, Hero Boy can't hear the sleigh bells nor see Santa. Everyone else can because they believe. As his heart changes, he shouts, "I believe." Suddenly his ears can hear and his eyes can see. Then Father Christmas gives him a fuller life through the first gift of Christmas...a sleigh bell.

A boy, a sleigh bell in his hand, looking up at Santa

The Dad gazed at the screen. A hand shielded the tears rolling down his face. This was no longer a movie of Christmas fantasy. For him, there was a deeper message. He looked at his child, now angry and tense. Dark eyes stared through the screen. This child did not believe in a Heavenly Father.

After the movie, the Dad gathered himself and asked if everyone had enjoyed the movie. One thought it was great, one good, two a little cheesy. But one child hated it.

Every year the Dad watches the movie. Always alone. Always in tears. Always praying for his child who does not believe...that one day God will bless with eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that knows faith that is sure of what is hoped for and certain of what is not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

Jesus is the true first gift of Christmas! He came into this world to save it...reach the lost...heal the sick...befriend the lonely...and be our example that we might follow Him.

This Christmas, remember those who doubt and refuse to believe. Pray that one day, they will hear the bell of faith ring true and see the loving face of their Heavenly Father.

Merry Christmas,

Chuck

* The Dad in I believe is anonymous by request.

* The Polar Express, 2004, directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Nona Gaye and Peter Scolari.

Please consider

Ciloa

in your charitable giving.

Just click MyCiloa!

Ciloa is a registered trademark of Ciloa, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

A Note of Encouragement is a copyright interest held by Ciloa, Inc.

Sign up for A Note of Encouragement

Christ Is Lord Of All ... Ciloa

Follow us at

Ciloa, Inc. Lawrenceville, Georgia, U.S.A. www.Ciloa.org