Maeburl Tincher
I was home for Christmas in 1958.
I had been living in Ohio with my husband for the past four years. We had no children at the time and I needed a break from the struggles that most young married couples go through.
I loved being with my parents and siblings – especially during the holidays – and there was never a time in my life when the Christmas story wasn’t told to us.
The birth of Jesus was precious to our family and we celebrated it as a sentimental event every year. Santa had his moments too, especially for the younger children.
It was a time of family, a time of community and a time of neighborly fellowship.
As a child, I heard people talk about guardian angels and I believed their stories were true. I remembered seeing calendars with a little boy and girl walking across a treacherous wooden bridge. Behind them stood a large watchful angelm with outstretched arms and hovering wings.
This particular year, I fell ill in more ways than one. I became physically sick, my marriage was in a difficult place, my heart was hurting and my mind was confused – not knowing what direction my future would take.
It was late evening and though I was in my early 20s, I shared a bed with my mother, who kept a watchful check on me.
As I was worrying myself to sleep, I happened to glance toward the doorway of the bedroom and at that moment, an angel appeared.
It was beautiful. A being of pure white and as tall as the ceiling. Its wings were up and its arms outstretched, as if to extend a comforting embrace.
At that moment, I exclaimed, “Oh Mama, it’s a real angel! It has real wings!”
The experience only lasted a few seconds, but the effect has lasted a lifetime.
Like the treacherous crossing depicted in the painting, the road on my journey has been filled with trials as well, but I am not alone. The Holy Spirit guides my steps and as promised, God has given “His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways.”
Through the years, I have often thought about my Christmas angel. In 2014 – at the age of 75 – I was planning a missionary trip. As my apprehension grew, the Lord spoke to me and said, “Do you not remember seeing the angel at your mother’s house? I said, “Yes Lord.” He said, “Through the years, that angel has always been your guardian angel.”
I went on and successfully completed the trip.
Our Lord sends his angels to minister to the heirs of salvation, just as he did to the lowly shepherds on the night
of Christ’s incarnation. They proclaimed that Christ was born. He is the living example of heaven’s embrace. They brought us tidings of great joy to comfort us, declaring “peace on earth and goodwill toward men.”
It is my hope that your Christmas this year will be filled with the wonder of Christ, our Lord.
Maeburl Tincher writes a monthly column for The Graham Star. She is a lifelong resident of the Jack Branch community.