With Christmas fast approaching, I often think of my second favorite Christmas story. It happened years ago when we owned a restaurant. Nine-year-old son Tucker, had a special relationship with our cooks, Sam and Caroline, a couple from China. About ten days before Christmas, Tucker told me he wanted to buy them a Bible for Christmas, not just any Bible, a Chinese Bible. I couldn't imagine where we'd find a Chinese Bible in Montana, let alone just days before Christmas.

We decided to try, so we searched the Christian stores and on-line stores, but to no avail. As the days ticked by, it didn't look like we were going to find one. Perhaps we’d have to settle for an English Bible, but then I thought of how our local radio station advertised purchasing Bibles for China through the Bible League. Maybe they could connect us with the Bible League to purchase one, even if we couldn't get it in time for Christmas.

I made the call to the radio station and shared our mission. The receptionist became very quiet and then, almost in a whisper, said, "We have a Chinese Bible here. We've been praying for a family who could use it. You can just have this one!" We were stunned. Tucker and I immediately jumped in the car and drove to the radio station to pick it up. Tucker then carefully wrapped the beautiful leather burgundy Bible, excited to have his special gift for Sam and Caroline.

When Christmas Eve arrived, we took Sam and Caroline to church with us. They sat with eyes wide with wonder as they watched the service and listened to the music. Then we took them for a drive to look at Christmas lights. Once we got back to their apartment, we unloaded the back of the van which contained a small living tree and a few decorations. As they watched with wide grins, we decorated their tree and then placed a few packages under it. The final touch was a small nativity scene which we put on their mantle. All the while, Sam asked questions about the Christmas traditions we were sharing.

Tucker then pulled out his special gift and gave it to Caroline, asking her to open it. When she did, she began chattering excitedly in Chinese as she showed Sam their gift. Tears were in her eyes as she gushed over Tucker, thanking him over and over again. She couldn't believe we found a Chinese Bible. As the evening came to a close, we sang them Christmas carols and then departed, instructing them to wait until morning to open their presents. Just as we left, Sam said, "Now we know what Christmas is."

VERY EARLY Christmas morning our phone rang. It was Sam. He sounded as excited as a child as he thanked us for his gifts. Caroline later confided that Sam hardly slept, anxious for morning to arrive so he could open the packages.

Years have passed since Sam and Caroline were in our lives. Last we’d heard, they moved back to China. In a country where Christians are persecuted for having a Bible, I can only wonder what happened to their Bible. I trust it is still blessing others since God went to such great lengths to place a Chinese Bible in Billings, Montana just days before Christmas, so Tucker could give his special gift to our friends.

Since receiving our Christmas miracle of the Chinese Bible, I treasure my own Bible even more. I am so blessed to have one and be able to read it whenever I want. I don’t have to hide it or worry about being punished or killed for having it. Perhaps one day, God will allow us to see the fruits of that one Chinese Bible. Until then, I hope I never take for granted the opportunity to spend time in God’s word. Regardless of what language it is written in, it is a gift from God, much like the gift of His son, which by the way, is my favorite Christmas story.