A Party of Surprises!

Prompt: Write about a mysterious guest who arrives at a party-but no one knows who they are.

A Party of Surprises!

Wow! The Christmas party was in full swing! It was only 7:00 pm and I did not think our house could fit so many people. My task, since I was still under drinking age, was to act as watchman of the front door entry way. I also collected any car keys to avoid impaired driving and serious liability issues. I felt assured there would be no problems because everyone seemed totally absorbed in festive egg nog drinking, boisterous laughter, provocative dancing, lewd storytelling, and more. The scene was full of indecent behavior as the egg nog and liquor flowed from my dad’s booze collection into the mouths of our guests. I wrote it off as crude adult behavior and the power of alcohol to minimize inhibitions. Honestly, I turned my back on it.

I knew everyone there. I came from a large extended family, and all “extensions” seemed to be present and accounted for.  Many of our neighbors from up and down our street were literally on top of each other. Surprisingly, the close proximity of people did not seem to matter, especially to several of the older women. My dad was enjoying those close quarters. On the other hand, mom kept a watchful eye on my dad’s antics.

It was about 7:30 pm when one of my uncles, Benny, decided to turn up the music to a deafening level. As soon as the music blared the entire room was dancing and “raising the roof” off of our house. A girl in the neighborhood, Betsy, asked me to dance. I politely declined asking for a rain check. Betsy said, “You are turning this down?” as she twirled her body in front of me. She added, “You are gonna regret this boy.” Inwardly my impulses were shouting at me to take Betsy up on her offer.  No one in the room seemed to care about controlling themselves or hiding their wanton desires. Why should I? 

Well I knew better, or at least I hoped so. Yeah, I am one of those teenagers who joined the EDGE teen group (every day God encounter). I figured I needed positive role models in my life because my parents have been so entrenched in the daily trials and pitfalls of life.  My dad’s motto over the years has been “work hard; party hard; and then, party hard more.” My mom still believed in God, but He was out there and did not do much except when she felt it was in His best interest.  One Sunday she asked me where I was going. I said “Church to pray and hear God’s Word.” She mockingly replied, “Why? They still have buildings around for that?” She continued, “Your father and I built our church on honest living, close family ties, and generous charitable giving. Not some distant God.”

Enough said about me. Back to the party. It was now 8:30 pm and no one left. It had yet to reach a crescendo of craziness and fever pitch. My Uncle Benny was slurring his words; our neighbor George had tinsel on his beard and head; my Aunt Meredith had red, bleary eyes and reeked of fruit cake and port wine.  I could go on about all the other party goers.  If I had to say, everyone seemed to be having the time of their life like being on a cruise ship without the fear of falling over board. I was happy that so many people in our family and neighborhood appeared to be happy and were attempting to connect with one another.  Meanwhile, Betsy hooked up with another teen. Both disappeared in the proverbial “woodwork” and were not seen for the rest of the party. I quietly hoped the party would wind down soon.  No one seemed to care much of what Christmas was really about. I silently prayed, “God, let your light shine upon us tonight. It seems like You have been forgotten in all of their outrageous indulgence.”

I looked at the clock. The time was 11:00 pm. Still the revelry continued and no one had yet departed. I was still at the front door when I heard a light rapping.  I figured it might have been the police because of the noise and traffic we created inside and outside of our house. So I hurled an exasperated “Oh boy” as I opened the door. “Yikes,” I quipped in awe. I rubbed my eyes. It was, of all people, Santa Claus. His burgundy red robe, hat, and attire looked like it came out of the nineteenth century or even earlier. I reckoned he seemed to be more like the classic old Saint Nicolaus. He had a scraggly beard highlighting a wide grin. In a husky voice, Nick said to me, “I believe you requested my services?” I stammered, “Well, maybe. Where did your park you sleigh and reindeers?”  Nick just laughed. “Where are my manners? Can I call you Nick? Come on in.” I had no clue who this guy really was. Was it a ruse concealed in a disguise?

With a shout I announced the arrival of Saint Nicolaus. A hearty cheer rose up from the crowd. Definitely on this night every creature was stirring including my pet mouse. Party goer after party goer came up to Saint Nick to give him a big hug or plant a kiss on him. A few of my soused neighbors made several attempts to offer him a libation or two. Nick, however, politely turned them down. Instead, he waved his arm. To everyone’s amazement the stereo stopped blasting dance music. All dancing stopped. Nick motioned again with his arm. No one moved as these lyrics played through the speakers:

Entertaining angels

By the light of my TV screen

24-7 you wait for me.

Entertaining angels

While the night becomes history

Host of heaven, sing over me.

Entertaining angels

By the light of my TV screen

24-7 you wait for me.

Entertaining angels

By the time I fall to my knees

Host of heaven, sing over me.

Entertaining angels

By the light of my TV screen

24-7 you wait for me.*

What happened next just blew me away. Saint Nicolaus removed his robe, hat, beard, and remaining attire.  Standing before us was a magnificent angel who possessed six wings. A blinding aura surrounded his presence. He said “Fear not, for I have come to remind you of the good news of great joy for all people that over 2000 years ago a Savior was born to you, the Messiah, Christ the Lord. Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people in this house and on the rest of the earth.”

The angel added “Heed the warning from John the Baptist. Repent; turn from your debauchery and wickedness.  Believe in the power of the resurrected Christ. The angels wait 24-7 to hear of your repentance and for you to return to a loving relationship with the Almighty God.”

“Whoa,” I exclaimed! “God has answered my prayer! I can only hope the revelers become eyewitnesses to this amazing occurrence and share this experience with others.” Christmas tomorrow and into the future will never be the same for me!

*Sung by the Newsboys. Songwriters: Peter Furler, Jody Davis, Philip Joel Urry, 1998.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2 English Standard Version)

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10, New International Version)

“Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7 New International Version)

^“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith (in Christ) and are saved.” (Romans 10:10, New International Version)

Author: Pete Gautchier

Acknowledgement: Reedsy.com