An Unexpected Turn

CHAPTER 2 Pages 9-10

“You’ve opened the box, Mary Jane!” 

 “Really!  How?  When?”  

 “Why didn’t you tell us?” 

 There were so many questions coming all at once.                                                                                        Uncle Richard raised his hand and spoke very loudly, “SILENCE!”  

 Then he commanded, “Let the girl speak.”  

 Everyone was so surprised by his reaction that they did exactly what he said.  They let her speak. 

 “Thank you, Uncle Richard,” Mary Jane replied politely.  Mary Jane cleared her throat as if she were about to give an important speech.  “It was early this morning and after you left, Dad, to pick up Uncle Richard.  I began my quiet time with God when . . . wait a minute.  Shall I tell you or SHOW you?” Mary Jane asked with a smile and a gleam in her eye.

 Ricky and Randy were the first ones to shout, “SHOW US!  SHOW US!”

 “Are you sure?” Mary Jane asked teasingly. 

 “Yes!  Show us exactly how you found it, Mary Jane!” they chorused.  

 Mary Jane smiled and picked up her Bible.  First, I found John 1:51 in my Bible.”  She moved the bookmark and began reading, “And He said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you shall see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’” 

Putting her Bible back on the table, Mary Jane reached into her pocket and pulled out the key.  Then she shared how she felt as if God had been directing her.  

“He helped me find the keyhole.  It’s in here – under the top right corner of the box.”

Mary Jane lifted the box so everyone could see.  Instead of pushing or prying, she touched the smooth wood and slid open a secret panel that revealed a keyhole.  

The whole family sat in awe watching her every move.  Mary Jane was not surprised by their reactions.  She had felt the same way!  

“Now watch this,” Mary Jane invited them, speaking in a prayerful whisper.

She carefully inserted the key and turned it slowly.  Each turn caused one of the sides to lift up and out, revealing separate, hand-carved scenes of the Christmas nativity.  There were miniature cows, camels, sheep, a donkey, and wise men – as well as Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus lying in the manger.  

When the shining star of Bethlehem popped up and out of hiding, everyone laughed and clapped their hands.  

Then, the pièce de résistance!  In case you do not recognize that term, it means . . . “the best part or the most impressive thing.”  Oops, there I go again, teaching when I need to stick to storytelling.  Okay, back to Mary Jane, the box, and her ecstatic family!  

When the angels appeared and rose up to float above the entire scene, Ricky and Randy couldn’t contain themselves.  “Do it again, Mary Jane.  Do it again!”                                                                    

 “Yes, I would gladly show it to you again, but I thought it would be more fun if YOU did it for yourselves, each of you!  What do you think of that idea?”  

 Everyone seemed to be holding their breath at the suggestion that they would get the opportunity to open this wonderful gift.  

 “Uncle Richard, would you do me the honor of being the first one to turn the key?”

Uncle Richard showed his surprise, too, although he’d seen it many times before.  He sat at the table as quiet as the others but with tears on his cheeks.