‘What I Got For Christmas’

I was walking along the Las Vegas Strip after just robbing a local gas station. I had come here six days ago by bus from New York City, hoping to hit it big at the slots. I lost all of my money, and was now a crook living in the nippy, obscure alleys of the city that never sleeps. Once again, I was desperate.

Considering the fact that I would probably be around for a while, I started to explore the crowded and elongated strip that is Las Vegas Boulevard. When I was walking past one of the casinos, I overheard an elderly woman telling a family about the Christmas Eve services at her son's church. I stopped her and asked her about the services. I knew that if I went to this church, they would have to give me money.

The woman offered to give me a ride to the service, and I graciously accepted the invitation. She told me that they offered free bagels and coffee for the service attendees. At this point, the only thing on my mind was the free food and free cash coming my way. Once we arrived at her gorgeous church, she said that she had to be somewhere. I had two bagels, and even made some friends while I was there. I was beginning to feel guilty about taking money from such nice people. So, I decided to wait until after the service to ask.

On my way into the sanctuary, the greeters handed me a candle. Perplexed, I took it anyway, just like everyone else.

I sat in the back row and the music to "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" began to play. After the song, the pastor went up to the stage and gave a special Christmas sermon, which made me think about what I was missing in my life. When he was done speaking, he stated that if we wanted to pray with a minister, now was the time to come forward. The music began to play, and a young woman, around 16, began to lead the congregation in "Away in a Manger."

I began to walk forward. I felt as if everyone's eyes were on me, and I considered going back to my seat. But I kept walking, until I was finally at the front of the room, and the pastor began to pray with me. I told him everything. I confessed my sins regarding stealing and gambling. When our prayer was over, I slowly walked to the back of the room. Following the invocation, the pastors came around with lights to light our candles and we began to sing "Silent Night." Then I knew what the candles were for.

After the service, I burst out of the doors, realizing what I had just done. I had gone to this church looking for money, but I found something much more valuable: Jesus Christ.