A harsh Arctic weather system had pummeled the community, leaving it to endure the coldest winter night in recent memory.

Trudging through drifts of snow, a young man braced against the freezing wind and cold.  He was only dressed in a few thin layers of clothing, topped off with a faded and tattered hoodie from his college days.

Hopelessness had left him waiting for life’s next train.  Whenever it might arrive would be anyone’s guess.  His hand touched the few dollars hiding in his jeans’ pocket.

Looking all about, he realized that he needed to find even the barest of shelter on this coldest and most silent of nights.  Coming around a corner, his eyes caught a glimpse of a small church. 

Situated in the small yard in front of the church was a nativity scene.  The young man surveyed the yard and discovered that the stable’s construction made for an adequate shelter.

Slipping in between the figures of Mary, Joseph, and some shepherds, he found straw that would provide a dry mattress, and the wind could not penetrate the outer walls.

Tumbling down into the piles of straw, he nestled next to a manger.  He had barely noticed the setting around his makeshift bed.  Falling quickly to sleep, his mind began to dream with the help of the warm, dry stable.

As he slept, the stillness of the night came upon the midnight clear.  Choirs of angels could be heard in the heavens, proclaiming the birth of the Messiah.  Shepherds gathered to witness the arrival of God’s promised Son.

The young man continued to dream and sleep.  He had not really rested for over two days. 

Morning arrived, and the sun was breaking through the few remaining clouds.  The young man stirred from his warm, overnight journey of dreams.  He realized that he was covered with a thick sleeping bag.  Next to him waited a thermos of hot coffee and a lunchbox of sandwiches. 

Turning the sleeping bag into an improvised tent among the nativity characters, he felt the warmest of joy.  He sat up to drink the hot coffee and ate some of the food.  Peace was backfilling his empty heart.  Inside the lunchbox was an envelope with a note. 

The note read: 

I found you soundly sleeping here last night.  I didn’t want to wake you on this most special of nights.  I saw that you could use a grace-filled hand from My Father.  I covered you up with the sleeping bag and left you some coffee and food.  I will be with you always. 

Suddenly, the young man realized that he had been blessed in ways he had never imagined.  His faith had rediscovered hope.  He found the love of his Savior on this warmest Christmas night.