Posted by
John Crutchfield on Thursday, February 05, 2009 8:13:01 AM
Our traditional gift giving took on a deeper meaning since the year we gave the Nativiy to Tyler and his family. It was quite an experience and, although there can be no comparison, I've sometimes wondered since what it must have been like for the Three Kings as they brought gifts to the King of Kings. What were they feeling as they knelt before the manger that cradled the Son of God? What was in their hearts the day they entered into the presence of our Emmanuel? It is beyond my comprehensive ability.
The memory of that special Christmas stayed with us through the years that followed. Donna told us that the family continued to set up the Nativity every year and it served as a reminder of God's love for them. Just knowing this family was a blessing for us as God's love was on display throughout our relationship. We all served Him as we interacted to lift each other before His Throne of Grace and seek His mercy, but it didn't stop there. We were all moved to honor Him, knowingly and unknowingly, through acts of Christian love.
Because of Tyler, I decided to become a marrow donor and joined the National Marrow Program. It was exciting to consider what a miracle it would be if it turned out I was a match for him. It wasn't meant to be. On December 23, 2005, Tyler received the greatest gift he could hope for. He got to spend his first Christmas with the One who died for him. What a blessed homecoming that must have been!
In his relatively short time here, Ty had endured the impersonal poking and prodding, months of chemo, homeopathic remedies, a bone marrow transplant and just about every other possible protocol imaginable. Throughout the process, he only had a few years of good physical health, but his spiritual health was solid as a rock. Now, in the presence of the Lord, he finally found peace.
When we learned of Tyler's passing, Donna lamented that he didn't get to become a minister. She was wrong. Tyler had ministered to me. He and his mother had helped restore my faith through their witness and example. They lived the Word and shared it with everyone they came in contact with. They, along with my loving, devoted wife had helped make some difficult times more bearable.
Some with an attention span like mine might say this has been a long, drawn out story. That's OK. It came from the heart and if you're still here, you may be wondering if this message was meant for you. The short answer is: It was.
That's what Christians do. We spread the Word that all may know the divine love of God and His Grace. He is the real author of this story. He gave it to me to give to you. With a cut off age of sixty one, I only have a couple more years of eligibility to donate marrow. As of this time, there have been no calls, but maybe its not God's will to be called. Maybe His plan was fulfilled by using this story to call you.
There are lots of people out there in need of the gift of eternal life that only Christ can give. In a similar way, there are lots of Tylers out there waiting for the gift of life that only you can give. If you haven't signed on to become a marrow donor, please consider it. Your decision to help another child of God through their struggle is one you won't regret. You can get started by contacting the National Marrow Program or your local Red Cross blood donor center for more information. Oh, and one more thing - tell them Jesus sent you.
Here is the contact information:
National Marrow Donor Program
1-800-336-3363