A Christmas Encounter: From Despair to Enlightenment

It was a cold, busy evening in a bustling restaurant. Amid the laughter, chatter, and clinking of utensils, one man sat alone in his favorite secluded corner. Though the restaurant was alive with joy, he was filled with frustration, anger, and resentment. He had spent years giving love and care to everyone around him, yet felt he had never received it in return. "The Bible says to love all and hate none, and I've followed that since my school days," he thought bitterly. "But all I've gotten in return is heartbreak. People never respect my feelings and emotions."

As a jolly bard played and sang *Jingle Bells* in the center of the restaurant, the man's thoughts grew darker. “What is the meaning of Christmas when all we get by following the Bible’s teachings is pain and suffering? People hurt me, take me for granted. Why should I be the only one trying to be good in a world full of mean, selfish people?”

Moments earlier, the love of his life, a woman he had been dating for nearly a decade, had ended their relationship. She had told him that falling in love with him was the biggest mistake of her life. His heart was shattered. His anger surged as he grabbed a glass of water, ready to shatter it on the ground. Just as he was about to do so, a smiling old man approached him.

“Do you mind if I sit here? The other spots are almost full, and I’m quite hungry,” the old man said with a gentle smile. His hair was white as snow, and though he looked aged, there was a calming presence about him. The young man, despite his anger, couldn’t help but be drawn to the old man’s warmth.

“Sure, no one is sitting here anyway. I’m all alone,” the young man replied. 

As the old man sat across from him, he noticed the agitated young man’s state and said, “Do you really want to smash that glass? It’ll only cost you extra money to replace it, and it won’t make you feel better. Trust me.”

The young man, more frustrated than ever, snapped, “What do you know about what I’m going through? It’s easy for you to say all these philosophical things, but you don’t know what I’m suffering. My girlfriend just broke up with me, my parents think I’m useless, and all I ever get is hurt and sorrow. I’ve followed the Bible my whole life, and all I’ve gotten is pain. I’m starting to question my existence! If you can handle that, then I’m willing to listen.”

The old man chuckled softly and replied, “You don’t know how much I’ve gone through and how much I’ve been willing to endure. You probably never will, and that’s alright.” He paused, looking into the young man’s eyes as if inviting him to continue.

Skeptical but curious, the young man asked, “Why do I suffer so much, even after following the Bible word for word?”

The old man smiled gently and responded, “Before I answer, let me ask you a question. If you follow the Bible, who does it lead you to?”

“Of course, Jesus,” the young man replied.

“Exactly,” the old man said. “And do you know what Jesus’ life was like on this planet? Let me tell you—it was the hardest life anyone could live. He was betrayed by his closest friends, had no successful love stories, and faced cruelty from the very people he loved. Yet, even after all this suffering, he prayed for forgiveness for those who hurt him. Now, tell me, can you be this loving and forgiving?”

The young man remained silent, absorbing the old man’s words.

The old man continued, “No one can love and forgive like He did because He was the Lord. But despite His immense love, all He received was cruelty and betrayal. If the Lord Himself had to suffer so much on this planet, what makes you think you’re an exception? Life is full of events, some painful, some joyful. You can either react to the hurt, or you can accept it. The events will happen regardless—they’re predetermined by the Lord based on people’s actions. So instead of complaining, embrace life. Human life is a blessing because it allows you to think, love, and devote yourself to the Lord.”

Still unconvinced, the young man asked, “If the purpose of life is to suffer, why should I bother at all? Why not just accept my fate and sit back?”

The old man smiled again. “That’s exactly what I want you to do. But I also want you to enjoy life. Think of life as a movie, already directed by the Lord Himself. You just have to sit back and enjoy the show. Don’t react to it—just watch it unfold.”

For the first time in a long while, the young man felt a sense of peace wash over him. “You seem so kind and knowledgeable,” he said. “But if that’s the case, why are you alone?”

The old man replied with a serene expression, “Those who walk alone walk the longest, and my journey happens to be the longest. That’s why I walk alone. But speaking of which, it’s my birthday today, and I’m ordering a cake. I have no one to share it with—would you share it with me?”

The young man, surprised yet happy, gratefully agreed. He called for the waitress and ordered a large chocolate cake. After lighting the candle with a lighter from his pocket, he said, “Happy Birthday, sir. Make a wish and blow out the candle.”

The old man closed his eyes and whispered, “May all people be happy, may all live with less suffering.” He blew out the candle with one gentle breath.

The young man glanced at his watch—it was midnight, December 25th. He suddenly realized it was Christmas. In that moment, it dawned on him—the old man sitting before him was none other than Lord Jesus Himself.

Overwhelmed with emotion, the young man’s eyes welled with tears. “What can I give you for your birthday, Lord? I would give you anything.”

The old man smiled and said, “Go two kilometers north from here. Donate whatever used clothes and food you can buy with the money left in your wallet. I know it’s the last week of the month, and your paycheck is still six days away. But trust me, spend what’s in your wallet right now. It’s my way of doing good, and I ask you to do this as a gift to me. God bless you, my child.”

With that, the old man stood up and walked away. The young man rushed after him, but lost him in the crowd. Determined to give the gift the Lord had asked for, he bought as many cakes as he could with the last 500 rupees in his wallet. He returned to his apartment, grabbed a sack of old clothes he no longer used, and walked two kilometers north.

There, he found a group of homeless people, including small children. One of the children exclaimed, “Mama, Santa Claus! My wish has come true!”

Tears rolled down the young man’s cheeks, but this time, they were tears of joy. With a smile on his face, he said softly, “Merry Christmas.”