One hundred and sixty years ago, Hans Christian Andersen gave us the story of “The Little Match Girl,” which has become a beloved Christmas story. It is the tale of a poor little girl who was trying to sell matches to those who passed by on a cold, wintry street. Her family was destitute, and the pennies she brought home helped put a little food on the table.
Dressed in meager clothing, she became frightfully cold and stepped into an alleyway to get out of the wind. Shivering in the shadows, she thought, “Maybe I could light a match and warm my hands a bit.” As she struck the match, the flame shot up, and there before her eyes, as if the wall of the building had dissolved, was a beautiful dining table filled with wonderful things to eat. But as the match went out, so did the little girl’s vision. She struck another match and seemed to see a shining Christmas tree with lights all aglow, but this too disappeared as the flame burned out.
Finally, desperate to get warm, she lit all the matches at once. The alley was bathed in a dazzling flash of light, and there, standing over the match girl was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. Dressed in white, she seemed to be glowing in the match light. She smiled in a most loving way. “Hello, my dear,” she said, “I’ve come to take you home.” “Oh, Grandmother!” said the little girl. And as she took her grandmother’s hand, she didn’t feel cold anymore.
For most of us, Christmastime brings joy and warmth and the love of home and family. But for many, these blessings exist only in dreams and visions—reality can be much harsher. Is there something you can do to bring the warmth of Christmas to someone less fortunate? Is there someone you can reach out to? This Christmas, may we extend love and compassion and hope to all of Heavenly Father’s beloved children.
Program #4032