The Vision

In a remote Bavarian village, a humble cobbler, Hans Lumpert, reports that he has experienced a wondrous vision. In it, Christ has promised to visit Hans' dingy shop on the day before Christmas. Since the shoemaker is a lonely, moody man who has rarely been seen inside a church since the tragic deaths of his wife and two children, his story falls on scornful ears. But Hans stubbornly proceeds with his preparations, holding to his faith that the Savior will appear as promised. As he works and waits, the excitement of the impending Visitation warms and lifts him above his usual crotchety nature. On the pretext that he is paying the child to dance for him, he gives a pair of beautiful shoes to the needy daughter of the Widow Loehr. He shares his lunch with a Stranger with the excuse that he had packed too much for himself. And in a final burst of generosity, he clothes two shivering, coatless little girls. When night falls and the Visitor has not appeared, the gaze of the despairing cobbler falls upon his dusty Bible, and in the words "Insofar as ye have done these things unto these..." Hans realizes that in a very special way, Christ has indeed been with him this day. Compassionately and beautifully written.