Today’s Miracle Monday is a Christmas memory from Sister Christina DiCenzo’s childhood.

When I was a child, I spoke like a child. And God spoke so a child like me could understand.

I was about 5 years old, and it was Christmas morning. I remember sitting up in my bed so excited because I knew in the other room were presents from Santa. I started thinking about my wish list and all the things I’d whispered in Santa’s ear a few days earlier. Then it struck me — oh NOOOOO! I’d forgotten to ask him for a teddy bear!

My excitement quickly plummeted to sadness. How could I have forgotten to ask him for a teddy bear when that is what I wanted most? Momma wanted me to stop getting up in the middle of the night and going into her room to sleep because I was scared. I knew a teddy bear would help.

How could I forget to ask for what I wanted most? Tears started streaming down my face. Heartbroken, I prayed, “Lord, I’m so upset! I forgot to ask Santa for a teddy bear. Will you please remind him for me? Amen.”

Then I thought, it’s probably too late; it’s morning and Santa has already come. I slowly got out of bed and walked through the kitchen toward the living room, head hanging low and so upset with myself.

I turned the corner and slowly looked under the Christmas tree, knowing nothing I had asked Santa for would matter to me anymore. As my little, wet eyes lifted, to my awe-struck surprise, on top of all of my presents was a huge Pooh bear!

My mother had special-ordered Pooh from a coworker who had handmade him for me. Tears were wiped away and joy flooded my soul!

“Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord, for reminding Santa of what I wanted most! I love you Lord, and I love my new Pooh bear!”

As a child, I was praising God for knowing my heart and showing me personally how much He loves me and how real He was in my life. Today, 45-plus years later, I am still doing the same. Praising my Lord for knowing my heart, for loving me personally, and for continuing to show me how real He is in my life still.

And God continues to care for our children today. On August 23, 2020, while one of our ministers was praying for our children in the McKees Rocks Branch, a brother spoke in the Spirit and said, “Because they are mine, I will watch over each and every one of them.”

What’s Your Christmas Wish Today?

Today’s article described how children readily embrace the full “magic” of Christmas, wishing for toys and treats. Even as adults, we don’t stop wishing and hoping. If you could put your hopes and prayers for the coming year into words, what would you say? That’s what we’re asking you to share with us. In a few weeks, we’ll publish your responses. There’s still time to participate. Click here to share.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.