Our phone has been ringing off the wall today.  Our phone number is only two digits different that the local Wal-Mart.  Most of the time, amazingly, it's no big deal.  We tend to only get one or two calls now and then that were intended for Wal-Mart.   Until the day before Christmas.  I've actually thought about trying to fill some prescriptions.  But, on second thought . . ..  Anyway, it does all give a whole new meaning to ringing the bells of Christmas Day.

Interesting expression, isn't it?  "Rings a bell."  I've never actually known where that expression comes from.  I know what it means though.  When you have an experience or hear a name or someone says something that recalls a memory.  It "rings a bell."

I did get in trouble the other day with my family when we were walking into the local Wal-Mart and the Salvation Army person was standing there doing his thing.  I made the comment, as I walked by, "that rings a bell."  Sometimes I'm the only one who appreciates my humor.

But, I did hear a story this week that did "ring a bell."  It is the story of Jane Smith, a North Carolina eighth-grade teacher.   She is white and she had this black student, Michael Carter, in one of her classes.  It seems that Michael was having a hard time keeping his pants up and she kept chiding him about it until he finally told her that the reason his pants kept slipping down is because he keeps losing weight since he is on dialysis.  He needs a kidney transplant.  So, Jane Smith immediately responded by saying, "Well, I have two.  Do you want one?"

It turns out that because black and white don't have anything to do with what's on the inside, they are a match.  There's been a little delay due to some infec-tion.  But, soon, the transplant will happen.  One giving of her life so that another may have life.  And, life after that.  And, on and on for the fullness of the days God may give him.

On this night before Christmas, I thought I'd just tell you that story.  It rings a bell, doesn't it?  "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another."

Amen.