Susan Marquart

The Gift Susan Marquart

The Gift takes place on a small homestead in the outskirts of Bethlehem during biblical times. It begins on a cool, quiet night in a modest stone house where a young boy reminds his father about the promise of retelling the son's favorite bedtime story.

The lad settles into bed under his woolen blanket. Then Father begins the well-loved tale about a young orphan, Samuel, who was growing up alone on the busy streets of Bethlehem. He has one possession he holds very dear to his heart, a small wooden flute.

One night, Samuel encounters three men riding on camels who give the appearance of a long journey. They are searching for a newborn child, a King! As the travelers continue on their way, Samuel's curiosity gets the best of him, so he follows them through the deserted city streets to a wooden stable.

Within the stable, Samuel views cows sleeping for the night and sheep munching on their hay. To his surprise, it appears that a man and a woman with a small infant have also settled in for a night of rest.

Of course, Samuel is in a state of confusion at this point. He wonders why the three visitors choose to lay gifts of wealth at the mother's feet.

Samuel now has a decision to make. Does he enter the stable? What will happen if he does? Will he need a gift to offer to this child as the three strangers did?

When you arrive at the end of the story, there is one more question you will be compelled to ask yourself. Enjoy reading the story and discovering the surprise ending!