My Christmas in July

December 13, 2023

By Katrin Prentice

In my early twenties, I embarked on a life-changing journey as part of a Christian singing group. The vision was to bring joy and love to children living in orphanages, those who longed for a glimmer of light in their lives. Christmas was a particularly enchanting time, and I found myself leading a spirited Christmas entertainment show for a group of children, all about five years old. Little did I know, this would mark the beginning of a heartwarming story that would come full circle fifteen years later.

With the air filled with anticipation and excitement, we sang action songs that echoed through the hallways of the orphanage, capturing the children’s attention and stirring their hearts. Alongside the melodies, we taught them carols that shared the timeless story of Jesus’ birth, and the message of love and hope. As we wrapped up the show, we gave each child a simple Christmas present which included a colorful poster, to remind them Jesus loves them, something they could hold on to long after the holiday season.

Amid the laughter and shared moments, one event stood out like a beacon of light.

Fast-forward fifteen years to a hot summer day in July 2005. It was a few days before I was going to get married to the love of my life, Brian. We were staying with our best man’s family, surrounded by wedding preparations and the excitement of a new chapter in life.

Unrelated to the wedding buzz, the house where we were staying needed some summer repairs around the perimeter of the property, and our friends had hired some handymen to help with the job. When the workers arrived, our friends were not home, so my husband and I acted as the hosts. I busied myself preparing some coffee and biscuits for them while they worked on fixing the wall and tiles. What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary.

While passing out the cups and the treats, my gaze met the curious eyes of the young apprentice. A sense of wonder swept over him, freezing him momentarily in time. I felt both uncomfortable and intrigued, and I asked him what was on his mind. What he shared left me utterly amazed.

“Nothing is wrong, Ma’am,” he began, his voice filled with both wonder and joy. “To the contrary, I am both overjoyed and taken aback by the sight of you. I remember you. I can hardly believe it.” My discomfort deepened as I struggled to recognize a face that I was sure I had never encountered before.

“Allow me to backtrack,” he proposed, a smile playing on his lips. “May I ask if your name is Katrin?” With a nod, I acknowledged his inquiry. A glimmer of realization sparkled in his eyes as he continued, “You play the guitar, don’t you? And you sing, quite beautifully, I must say?” I smiled as I blushed in confirmation. I couldn’t help but wonder how he could know such details about me.

“I knew it!” he exclaimed. “See, you probably don’t remember me, because it was a long time ago, I was about 5, and there were so many of us…”

What he shared moved me deeply. He told me that he was one of the orphans I had performed for all those years ago during that memorable Christmas show. With vivid clarity, he recounted how I had held his little hands, looked into his eyes, and assured him of Jesus’ love. “I still keep that poster you gave me,” he added tearfully. “And I never forgot about meeting you.”

The poster I had given him had become more than a token of seasonal goodwill. It had been a catalyst that ignited a seed of faith in his heart that guided him through the years.

There were probably over fifty little children running around us doing action songs with us during that unforgettable Christmas show. What are the chances I would meet one of them fifteen years later on the eve of my wedding. But here we were: Two lives, connected by an act of kindness and a seed of faith planted long ago, were crossing paths once more.

My Christmas in July, as I would come to call it, held profound significance for me. It whispered to me of the delicate but far-reaching impact of every word spoken, every gaze exchanged, and every act of kindness bestowed.

It’s easy to underestimate the impact we have, especially on children. But this uncanny reunion reminded me that each interaction is an opportunity to shape young lives in meaningful ways. It highlighted the significance of our interactions with children, reminding me that they are not noisy annoyances, but unique individuals with destinies worth shaping.

This unexpected encounter also underlined the importance of planting seeds of faith, even when we can’t predict the outcome. I wonder how different his life might have been if I had missed the opportunity to tell the little orphan boy of Jesus’ love for him. Thankfully that was not the case. And so here he was; the little orphan boy had grown into a remarkable young man and stood as a testament to the incredible power of God’s love.

Our story had come full circle, from that heartwarming Christmas show to an unexpected July encounter. In the tapestry of life, every encounter, no matter how small, adds a unique thread that weaves a beautiful story. The young man’s words resonated with the truth that “little is much if God is in it.”

What if that chance encounter in July wasn’t just a coincidence? What if it was a purposeful reminder of the limitless impact of love and the unwavering grace of God?—Best wedding present ever!

As we said our wedding vows, my husband and I also vowed to carry forward the lesson learned—to cherish every moment, to never underestimate the power of a kind word, and to always be faithful in sharing the message of Jesus with everyone we meet.