JT had a Christmas wish. It was the same wish he’d had for the past five Christmases. He always asked Santa in his yearly Christmas letter and he prayed to God every night. He was beginning to lose hope that his one wish would ever be granted. JT wanted a home for Christmas. He could picture it all so clearly.

The fire burning brightly in the fireplace where overstuffed stockings were hung with care. Christmas carols playing and the tree in the corner–a huge green tree, decorated with garland, ornaments, and icicles. The lights twinkling in never-ending gaiety and under the tree, gaily wrapped gifts were stacked high. JT could picture this all so well that his little hands would tremble in excitement. His new Mom would be in the kitchen cooking and the good smells drifted about the house making his mouth water. She’d glance his way and smile, then wink–making JT feel all warm and happy inside. His new Dad would come in from outside, snow and cold clinging to his clothes, his arms full of logs for the fire and he’d ruffle JT’s hair as he passed.

JT knew it was only a fantasy. Imagining it had kept him going and happy in expectation, but he knew it was probably never going to happen now. He was getting too old. Everyone wanted to adopt the youngest of the children and at eleven, JT was ignored. He was getting too old for fantasy too. He’d stop having his Christmas dream and there would be no Christmas letter to Santa this year. He no longer believed in the magic of Christmas and Santa. When he prayed this year he left out the part about his Christmas wish and only prayed, as he always did, for Jesus to have a nice birthday. It would be Christmas in two weeks and he would not think about it. He had lots of work to do, helping the younger children look their best for visiting day. Visiting day was the day prospective parents came to the home to meet the children and perhaps find that one special child to become their very own.

Across town and down a country lane, a couple had just finished decorating their small brick cottage for Christmas. Everything was perfect and they rushed about getting ready to go to the children’s home. They’d been working hard since visiting day last year to get everything ready for their new son. They’d fallen in love with JT and set about immediately working on the adoption. They’d wanted to tell JT, but the home’s director said no. Her reason being that adoptions did not always go through and the children were devastated when learning they’d not be going to their new home after all. She said it was better to wait until all was approved before telling the children. But all was ready now. JT was theirs and they were going today to bring him home.

JT stood in the little lounge and straightened Billy’s shirt. He looked up, as the couple entered the room, then went still. They were talking with James, a five year old. JT’s heart skipped. It was them. He’d met them last year and had just known they were the ones. They were just as he’s always dreamed his new parents would be and they’d sat and visited with him most of the day. He’d been so excited, but nothing had happened. Now they were back and they were interested in James. JT felt his heart breaking and didn’t think he could stand to watch as they chose someone else for their son. he turned to leave the room, but was stopped by his name being called. He reluctantly walked to where they stood with the director.

The director was talking and the couple were smiling. JT must be hearing wrong. He shook his head and listened more closely. They wanted him. It was all settled. He was to get his things. He was going to his new home with his new parents. The couple looked at him and smiled, asking if he was willing to come and be their son. They wanted him so much. JT cried and thanked God and Santa and Jesus and everyone he could think of, for at last granting his Christmas wish.

JT got his Christmas wish. I pray all your dreams come true this Christmas!

copyright E. G. Parsons

http://egparsons.com