The Tablecloth: A Christmas Story
Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid
NOTE: The true origin of the Christmas story “The Tablecloth” may very easily have been “adapted” from one called “The Gold and Ivory Tablecloth” snopes.com/glurge/tablecloth.asp.
In early October, a newly assigned pastor and his wife arrived in suburban Brooklyn, eager to breathe new life into a rundown church. With a vision to hold their first service on Christmas Eve, they dedicated themselves to repairing pews, plastering walls, and painting. By December 18, they were ahead of schedule, but a fierce storm struck on December 19, causing significant damage.
When the pastor arrived at the church on December 21, he was disheartened to find that the roof had leaked, resulting in a large section of plaster falling from the wall behind the pulpit. Faced with the prospect of postponing the Christmas Eve service, he left the church feeling defeated. On his way home, he stumbled upon a local charity flea market and discovered a beautiful, handmade ivory crocheted tablecloth, adorned with a cross. It was the perfect size to cover the damaged area, so he purchased it and returned to the church, which was now blanketed in snow.
As he prepared to hang the tablecloth, an older woman rushed in, having missed her bus. The pastor invited her to wait inside, and as he worked, she noticed the tablecloth, and her expression changed dramatically. She asked him to check for her initials, EBG, which were crocheted into the fabric. The woman revealed that she had made the tablecloth 35 years earlier in Austria, before being forced to flee due to the Nazis. She had lost her husband during the war and had never seen him again.
Though the pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth, she insisted it remain with the church. After their conversation, he offered to drive her home, as she was only in Brooklyn for a housecleaning job.
The church was nearly complete on Christmas Eve, and the service was filled with joy and music. As the pastor greeted attendees at the door, one older man lingered, staring at the tablecloth. He inquired about its origin, revealing that it looked identical to one his wife had made before the war. He shared his own heartbreaking story of being separated from her when he was arrested and imprisoned.
Moved by the man’s story, the pastor offered to take him for a ride. They drove to Staten Island, where the pastor had taken the woman just days earlier. After climbing three flights of stairs, they knocked on her door, leading to an emotional reunion that embodied the true spirit of Christmas.
This heartwarming tale, submitted by Pastor Rob Reid, reminds us of the power of faith, love, and the unexpected connections that can arise during the holiday season.
