Shopping For Christmas by Pat Simmons

Author:Pat Simmons
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sweet holiday story, Christian romance, acts of kindness, charitable giving
Publisher: Christian Reads Press
Published: 2025-11-11T00:00:00+00:00

BRANDON WAS OVERWHELMED in a good way. The mad rush for fitness didn’t let up at both gym locations. In the midst of the chaos, thoughts of Imani gave Brandon peace. He wanted her to succeed, not only selfishly so she would have time for him, but not be in harm’s way again.

Since that first night when he’d trailed her to the dark neighborhood, she’d requested his bodyguard services only twice. He’d obliged without question.

Did you not know that My name is a strong tower and the righteous come to Me and are safe? God thundered. I told you to pray for her, not take credit for her safety.

Brandon felt sucker punched by God’s reprimand, but the Lord was right. He repented.

On Sunday, Brandon sat in the same spot beside her mother at church and missed Imani’s presence. The sermon “Feeding God’s Sheep” resonated with him after the sumptuous meal he’d shared with the Robinsons on Thanksgiving.

“Folks and families are hungry year-round. The public’s generosity spikes this time of year and then flatlines until the next holiday,” Elder Durham said. He paused and rested a fist on his waist. “Wouldn’t it be something if we fed families year-round? Pay for someone’s groceries at the store on a Monday... just because. Deliver sandwiches or dinner to neighbors you never see on a Saturday, or treat a senior to lunch mid-week. The opportunities are endless to bless others so that they can hear the gospel. It shouldn’t take a holiday for you to show the love of Christ. Never turn away someone who is hungry. Jesus didn’t.”

After saying bye to Mrs. Robinson and others, Brandon drove home, changed, and then put into practice what the pastor had preached.

At the store, Brandon grabbed a bouquet. While in the checkout lane, he purchased groceries for a woman in front of him and a man behind him. The woman declined because her bill totaled more than two hundred dollars. “Let me bless you so you can bless someone else.”

Tears filled her eyes as she thanked him.

The older man wept openly. “Thank you, sir. Now I can buy my medicine.”

Humbled, Brandon’s heart ached for those who had little or nothing. “Lord, what more can I do? I can’t feed everybody, so show me who you want me to bless.” His heart was still heavy when he stopped at a local pizza shop and ordered four slices of beef pizza, side salads, and two lemonades.

Brandon turned into the university’s campus and followed the signs to the J. Baker Library. He texted Imani: Here with food. Where do I go?

Fourth floor, she texted back.

Taking the roses and pizza, Brandon headed for the building. Inside the elevator, he pushed the button to the floor. When the doors opened, Imani was waiting for him.

Her eyes brightened as a smile welcomed him. Brandon wanted to drop everything in his hands and engulf her in his arms. Instead, he handed her the flowers and accepted a soft hug.

“How was service?” she asked while sniffing the bouquet.

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