Christmas Cardinals Globe by Denise

An unbelieving man stayed at home while his family went to Christmas Eve services. He laughed at his family’s belief that God had become human in Christ--even if there were a God, why would he want to be born into our world? As he sat alone in his house, reading a book, there was a sudden thump against the window. He looked out and saw a flock of Cardinals gathered on his lawn. The temperature outside had suddenly plummeted, and the birds, sensing the warmth of the house, were trying to come inside. They continued flying against the window, and the man realized they were either going to freeze or were going to kill themselves by battering against the glass.

He felt pity for the poor creatures--and then thought of his garage! They'd be safe in the garage! He threw on a coat and hurried outside. After opening the garage, he tried to herd the flock toward safety. But the birds were confused and threatened by this massive figure running among them and urging them with words and gestures. They scattered, flew in every direction except toward the garage. The man kept trying and trying...but all he did was terrify the poor birds. He couldn't get them to fly into the safety of the garage.

In his frustration, he thought: "If only I could become a bird and lead them toward the garage...then they'd be saved! If only I could become a bird..."

At that moment, a distant church bell announced the beginning of the Christmas service. And it all came crashing in on the man--God becoming human... His unbelieving heart melted as he sank to his knees in the snow...

and prayed