It was the week before Christmas. Well, five days to be exact. Honey was doing the last of her shopping. She had most of her gifts already wrapped, but wanted to pick up a few more things. Honey loved Christmas. She loved shopping for her loved ones. She loved the carols, the decorations, the food, and the fun of this time of year. She hoped it would snow, that would make it just perfectly perfect.

On a street corner, a Salvation Army band was playing Silent Night. There was a small group of people standing, listening. Honey joined them. This was one of her favourite carols. A uniformed, young woman was standing near the band. She was holding a collection box. When the band moved onto the next carol, Honey walked over to her and dropped a handful of coins into the box.
"Thank you, and God bless," the young woman smiled.
"Merry Christmas," Honey replied. She moved away humming.

Honey went from shop to shop, collecting bags as she progressed. She spent ages agonising over what to choose. She knew that it wasn’t so much the gift itself, but the love behind the giving. But she always wanted to give the perfect gift. She loved to watch the joy on a person’s face when they opened her gift. She’d made several gifts herself. These were always more meaningful to the recipient, because they knew she’d put a little of herself into it.

A small park was just across the street. Honey decided to sit down for a few moments before continuing. Honey chose the nearest bench. It was a relief to be off her feet. A group of children were kicking a ball around. She smiled as she watched them. She barely noticed when somebody sat down beside her.
"Oh, to be young," a masculine voice said beside her.
Honey jumped a little, before turning to look at the speaker. He was of an indeterminable age. Nothing about his physical appearance would have attracted a second glance. Brown hair, brown eyes, average height and build. He was someone who blended in. But what did draw Honey to him was the aura of peace surrounding him.
"Children seem to have abundant energy," he continued.
"I agree," Honey smiled. "I’ve been on my feet for a couple of hours and I’m exhausted."
The man looked at the bags around her feet. "Been shopping I see."
Honey nodded. "Just trying to get a few last gifts. I think I have finally finished."
"It’s a busy time of year. You see people rushing around trying to fit everything in. Few people seem to take the time to enjoy, to really celebrate," he sighed.
Honey agreed. People got so caught up in the doing that they become stressed, and missed out on the fun.

"I’m Gabriel, by the way," he said holding out his hand.
"Honey. It’s nice to meet you," Honey said.
"What plans do you have over Christmas?" he asked.
"My husband and I are having Christmas lunch with his family, then having dinner with my family."
"Do you have a large family?"
"I have a brother, but my husband is one of four children, and that’s not including the extended family. What about yourself? Will you be spending it with family?"
Gabriel shook his head. "Not this year. My family is some distance away. I have had business to take care of and so was not able to return in time."
Honey felt sorry for him. She would hate to be separated from her family at this time of year. She’d only ever spent one Christmas away from her family, but had spent that time with her closest friends.

"You would be most welcome to join us," Honey offered. She took herself a bit by surprise. What was she doing? She couldn’t explain why, but it felt right.
Gabriel shook his head. "I couldn’t do that, I’d feel as if I was imposing. Your families don’t need a stranger in their midst."
"Nonsense," Honey said. "They wouldn’t worry at all."
"I appreciate the offer, it’s very gracious of you to invite me. But, I don’t think it would be appropriate," Gabriel said firmly.
Honey sighed. It would be no use arguing with him. Then she had an idea. "How about coming for dinner on Christmas Eve," she suggested. "I’m sure Mart won’t mind."
Gabriel considered for a moment. Then he smiled and nodded. "I think that would work out very well. Thank you."

Honey pulled a small notepad and pen out of her purse. She scribbled the address down and handed the sheet to Gabriel. He looked at it for a moment, before tucking it into his pocket.
"Most people would think you were extremely foolish for giving your address to a total stranger," he said.
"I know. It’s not something I go around doing, believe me!"
They farewelled one another, and Honey headed home.

When Honey told Mart she’d invited a stranger to dinner on Christmas Eve, he was more than a little concerned. He was used to Honey’s unselfishness, but this was the first time she’d brought someone home. This was a bit bigger than a stray kitten. He was a bit sceptical when Honey told him she just had a ‘feeling’ about this. He trusted her judgement, and hoped her faith in this person wouldn’t be in vain.

Gabriel arrived precisely at seven. Honey introduced him to Mart, and then bustled around making sure he was comfortable. She’s gone to a lot of trouble planning the dinner. She wanted it to be just right. Mart pointed out that she’d prepared too much food, but Honey wasn’t worried. She wanted to make this special. It was the first time she’d prepared a Christmas meal by herself. She’d often helped Mart’s mother, and she’d used those ideas to base her own meal, just on a smaller scale. She had ham, chicken, roasted vegetables and peas. For dessert was Christmas pudding, trifle and fruit salad. She’d decorated the table with candles and tinsel. The tablecloth had a Christmas pattern. Honey was pleased with how everything had turned out. The only problem she had was keeping Mart from picking at the food!

Later, Honey and Mart would comment on how within a short space of time they felt as if they’d known Gabriel forever. He got them to share with him some of their adventures growing up. It was amazing that they’d managed to survive their teens. He’d then had them enthralled with stories of his travels. They’d never met anyone who had been all over the globe as he had. Some stories had them it stitches; other’s brought a tear to the eye. But most of all they sensed the deep love he’d had for those he had met.

It was with great regret that the night had to end. Reluctantly Gabriel stood from the chair he had been sitting.
"I am afraid this wonderful evening has come to its inevitable end," he sighed. "I must now be on my way. I thank you both for you hospitality. Not everyone is as willing to take in a stranger as you have been. I have enjoyed myself very much." Gabriel reached into his pocket and pulled out a gaily-wrapped package. He handed it to Honey.
"Merry Christmas," he said. "Don’t wait to open it." With that he walked out into the night.

Mart closed the door and turned to Honey who was studying the small gift.
"Should we wait until tomorrow to open it?" she asked, as the walked through into the lounge.
Mart shook his head. "I think he wanted us to open it now."
"I wonder what it could be."
"You can wonder all you like, but you’ll find out what’s in it, if you just open it," Mart grinned.
Honey stuck her tongue out. She began to unwrap it slowly, knowing that Mart was starting to get impatient. She loved to tease him.
"Oh, just rip it off!" he burst out finally.
"Patience, patience. I’ve nearly finished."

The paper slid off, revealing a box. Honey lifted it out and frowned.
"What is it?" Mart asked.
"A pregnancy test. What is this, some kind of joke?" Honey spat. She threw the box down on the coffee table, and stalked through to the kitchen. Mart picked up the box; he had a feeling that this wasn’t just some prank. He smiled at himself, now he was getting feelings. He walked into the kitchen. Honey was standing at the sink, staring out of the window. Mart wrapped his arms around her. Honey relaxed against him for a moment. Then she noticed the box. She tried to snatch it out of his hand, but Mart held firm. He hoped she wouldn’t be too upset by what he was about to say.
"Throw it out," she ordered.
"Honey, I know you’re going to think this is really stupid, but I don’t think that this is a joke. I think we were meant to meet Gabriel for some reason."
Honey snorted.
"No, I mean it. What’s the harm in trying?"
Honey grabbed the box. "Fine. I’ll do it. But it’s going to be a waste of time. It’s just only going to be another reminder of me being a failure."

Honey sat on the toilet. She unwrapped the box. After reading the instructions, she proceeded.
Mart knocked on the door. "Have you finished yet?" he asked.
"Yes. You can come in."
The test was lying on the bench top.
"How long does it take to work?" Mart asked.
"A couple of minutes," Honey replied.
"How long has it been now?"
"About one minute," Honey replied, after checking her watch.
Mart groaned. "How are we supposed to wait so long? Why aren‘t they instantaneous?"

Honey looked at him. He was staring intently at the test, as if willing the result to suddenly appear. She felt a twinge of pain. He was hoping for a miracle that wasn‘t going to happen. She knew he was going to feel the disappointment keenly.
"There’s one line here. Is that good or bad?" Mart asked.
"It just means I peed in the right place," Honey replied.
"Oh well, at least it’s not a wasted test," Mart grinned.
Not yet, Honey thought.

"How long has it been now?"
"Four minutes. I knew this was a waste of time. We knew what the result was going to be."
"I know," Mart said sadly. "I just had this feeling. Silly I know."
Honey hugged him close. "No, not silly," she whispered.

"I think something’s happening," Mart said. Honey pulled back and looked down at the test. A second pale pink line was beginning to appear, growing darker in colour. Honey held her breath. She couldn’t believe her eyes. It couldn’t be right; there must be some mistake.
"Does that mean what I hope it means?" Mart asked.
Honey let her breath out shakily. She turned to Mart with tears in her eyes.
"It’s positive," she said. Mart grabbed her, holding her tight. He danced them around the bathroom.
"Do you know what this means?" he exclaimed.
"We’re having a baby." Honey’s eyes shone with happiness.

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 New International Version.



Authors note. Thanks to those who gave help with the pregancy test!! Those who know the Christmas Story will be aware of the significance of the name Gabriel. For those who don't, Gabriel was the name of the angel who announced the impending births of John the Baptist, and Jesus Christ.