by John Snyder
“Any luck finding your daughter today?” John asked.
Jacob didn’t answer right away, keeping his attention focused on his plate. “No.”
“Nothing?”
“No. Pastor Bob and I spent the day trying, but we couldn’t find even find the slightest sign that she lives here.”
“Are you going to look for her again tomorrow?”
Jacob deferred to Pastor Bob, who nodded. “Yeah. We’re going to give it another try tomorrow, aren’t we, Jacob?”
“I’ll search until I find her. That’s why I came here.”
“I’ll be right there with you,” Pastor Bob reassured him.
“She’ll turn up. I know she will,” John said optimistically.
Jacob’s head bobbled with skepticism.
“Cheer up, Baltimore’s a big place. I’m sure we’ll have better luck tomorrow,” Bob assured him.
The following day, their search resumed. All day they labored to find just a small trace of evidence that could lead them to Emma. But their efforts were met with the same results as the day before. Their search went on for several more days with no favorable outcome, not even a clue.
“I don’t think I’ll ever find her, Bob,” Jacob said out of frustration.
“Keep the faith.”
“My faith is stretched to its limit. Maybe it’s time for me to move on. I don’t know where else to look. I’m beginning to think that coming here to Baltimore was a waste of time.”
“How can you say that? Has our friendship been a waste of time? Have your friendships with the others here at the mission been a waste of time? How about the enrichment of your faith, has that been a waste of time? Come on, Jacob!”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I meant that my search for Emma has been a waste of time.”
“Maybe it’s time to give it a rest, just for a while. This is going to take some time.”
“It’s all I can think about, finding Emma.”
“Maybe you need something to take your mind off of it.”
“Like what?”
“Have you given any thought about what John asked?”
“What do you mean?”
“About becoming a bell ringer?”
“Not really.”
“Well?”
“I don’t think it’s right for me. I’d feel awkward—ringing a bell on the street corner.”
“Awkward?”
“I don’t feel all that comfortable around people anymore, especially in that setting.”
“Come on, Jacob. This is a chance for you to draw on your old skills. Surely if you were so successful selling railroad equipment, you can sell people on the idea of giving to help others, especially at Christmastime. You’re always saying how you have thrown your life away. Here’s a chance for you to get some of it back.”
“I don’t know…”
“Jacob, you say you want forgiveness and redemption. This would put you on the path to those things. This is one way you can give back some of what you have taken. Do it, Jacob.”
“I just don’t know if I can.”
“Sure you can. We’ll all be behind you. This is an opportunity for you to do some real good.”
Jacob thought for a moment. “You’re right! I guess it wouldn’t be all that bad.”
“Of course it wouldn’t. You’ll have our support. Please, Jacob.”
After thoughtful consideration, Jacob replied. “All right, I’ll give it a try. But I can’t guarantee how successful I’ll be.”
“I have no doubt you’ll be successful,” Bob said warmly.
* * *
It was the day after Thanksgiving, the day the Salvation Army bells would begin to ring around the world. Excited, yet apprehensive, Jacob looked forward to his new job. The plans called for him to man the corner of Charles and Light Streets, a very busy intersection in the center of town near fancy shops and businesses. At first it felt strange to him as he timidly rang the bell. Passersby were stingy. For the first half of the day, the only money in the kettle was put there by Jacob himself. It amounted to half of all he had. Feeling guilty, he emptied the remaining money from his pocket and threw it in the pot. He was embarrassed to take the paltry contents of his kettle back to the mission.
“How’d you fare today, Jacob?” Bob asked.
“Not so well. Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”
“Have patience. I’m confident you’ll use your ingenuity to find a way to be successful. Remember, this is your chance to give back.”
The next day was bitter cold; snow flurries filled the air. Jacob shivered as he rang the bell, this day with more enthusiasm. Despite his renewed efforts, he felt invisible. There was so much activity, yet very few givers. He became angry and began ringing the bell as loud as he could. Still, few people dropped money into his kettle. Frustrated, he began asking people to give in the “Spirit of Christmas.” This approach was met with some success, but still fell short of his expectations. Again, he returned to the mission with a mere pittance.
That night, Jacob sought refuge in the chapel. There, he prayed and thought about his situation, having difficulty reconciling all the changes he’d made in his life against his failure to find Emma and his miserable failure as a bell ringer. What else could he do? He’d stopped drinking and smoking. He’d forgiven himself for his past transgressions. He had become a man of faith, yet still, he was miserable. He was desperate to make a difference in the world, determined to open people’s hearts to giving, but it was such a struggle.
The back door to the chapel opened and Bob walked up to him.
“I’ve been looking for you. Thought I might find you here.”
“Bob, I’m so disappointed. I thought this would be a way for me to make up for some of the bad things I’ve done in my life. It’s just not working out. I don’t know what else to do.”
“I know you’ve asked for forgiveness. You are forgiven. You told me you even forgave yourself. Have faith. You’ll find a way. You’re doing good things here. And if you can’t find Emma, at least you tried. That’s all you can do.”
“But I want to do more than just try.”
“We all appreciate your efforts. You’ll find a way to make it work. I know you will. Just keep praying on it.”
The following morning, Jacob took to the streets once more, giving it his best effort, trying to be more cheerful…more approachable. As the day wore on, he thankfully received the generosity of more people as they merrily dropped coins into his kettle.
“Merry Christmas, sir,” Jacob thanked a giver.
“Thank you, ma’am,” he said to another.
The day was going well. Jacob’s kettle was heavy with offerings when he carried it back to the mission.
“Ho-ho-ho!” he shouted as he burst through the front door. Beaming with pride and joy, he emptied the contents of his kettle onto the table to be counted.
“Hey, Jacob,” Bob said.
“I had an incredible day. Just look at all the money from my kettle!”
“See, I told you that you’d be successful,” Bob said.
After all the kettles were tallied, Jacob had collected the most. Before going to bed, he visited the chapel to give thanks. His prayers had been answered.
After his prayer time, Jacob began cleaning out a closet at the mission for Bob. While rummaging around in some old boxes, he discovered an old Santa’s hat and coat. He took them out of the box and put them on for fun.
“Hey, guys…look at me. I’m Santa Claus.”
“You sure are a skinny Santa.” John laughed as did several other of his friends.
“Yeah, but I sure am jolly. Ho-ho-ho!”
Bob heard the clamor and came to investigate. Seeing Jacob, he couldn’t help joining in the laughter.
“I’m going to wear this tomorrow while I ring the bell and I’ll put you all to shame when we count the money.”
“If you want to look like a fool, go ahead,” one of his friends kidded.
This moment of levity seemed to give Jacob a boost of confidence. He took the hat and coat and placed them under his cot before climbing on and going to sleep.
After breakfast, Jacob dressed in his Santa suit, leaving the mission with his bell in hand, his kettle tucked securely under his arm. With a robust feeling of determination, he stood on the street corner and clowned with the passersby, wishing them a Merry Christmas and asking them to reach deep into their pockets to fill the kettle with change. His presence made people laugh, and they gave freely. Some even opened their billfolds and gave folding money. He was having the time of his life. The more people gave, the more cheerful Jacob became. The more cheerful he became, the more they gave.
Again, Jacob had collected more than any of the other bell ringers. As he did every night, he visited the chapel to give thanks before going to bed. So ecstatic about his performance over the past few days, he could hardly contain himself on the way to his cot. He passed Bob on the way.
“Congratulations, Jacob. I heard how well you did again today.”
“I don’t think I have ever been this happy, not in years anyway. It feels so good.”
“You should be proud. We’re all proud of you. You’re playing a big role in our success this year.”
“Bob, I feel free. I am done dwelling on my past. I care about the present, and what the future holds. For the first time in years, the present isn’t so bad.”
“Alleluia.”
“Though I am very ashamed of my past, I can’t go back and change any of it—or I would. I can only go forward. I realize forgiveness is a gift that can’t be demanded, only requested through prayer and grace. I don’t care what others think anymore. For the first time in a long while, I feel at peace with myself.”
“That’s fantastic. I’m so happy for you.”
“Bob, I have a huge favor to ask you.”
“Anything, Jacob.”
“We’ve become close friends. The only true friends I have in my life are you and Howard Angel. You have both been so good to me…and you led me to the trough.”
Bob looked at him quizzically.
“I want to be baptized. I want you to be the one to do it. Bathe me in the water of baptism so I can begin my new life.”
“Certainly, it would be my honor.”
Bob prayed with Jacob. Overwhelmed, Jacob wept openly as he embraced Bob.
“When would you like to be baptized?”
“The sooner the better. How about tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow?” Bob said with surprise. “Consider it done, Jacob. You’ve made me so very proud.”
After their conversation, Bob felt compelled to share the good news with Howard Angel, since it was he who had planted the seeds that led Jacob to this moment. He called Howard in Chicago.
“That’s wonderful, Bob,” Howard said. “Has Jacob found Emma yet?”
“We’ve looked, but haven’t found any sign of her. Sadly, I wonder if she is even here. It’s been years since he saw her last. She could be anywhere.”
“That’s too bad. The poor man needs a break. I know finding her and having her give him forgiveness would go a long way to restoring his soul. Tell Jacob I wish I could be there for his baptism. Give him my best.”
“You know I will, Howard.”
* * *
The next day was glorious. The sunshine sparkled through the stained glass windows, filling the room with fractured rays of colored lights. Bob prepared the chapel for this wonderful occasion and told all the mission’s residents of the blessed event. The room was full as Jacob took his place in the front of the chapel.
Dressed in long white robes, he and Bob stood ready. There was a small pool filled with water behind the altar, but high on the stage so everyone could see. Bob was first to enter the pool. He nodded, signaling Jacob that it was time. Jacob tested the water. It was cold. He pulled his foot back out, causing laughter in the church. Bob laughed, too.
“Come on in, Jacob. The water’s fine.” He smiled.
Jacob slid over the edge and waded over to where Bob awaited him. They smiled at each other, then Bob gave Jacob a nod, letting him know the ceremony was about to begin. Jacob took his position in front of Bob, crossing his arms and pulling them close to his chest, surrendering himself. Pastor Bob gently laid his hands on Jacob’s shoulders and submerged him in the sacred water. From beneath the pool, Jacob stared up at Bob, his eyes wide open. Looking down at him, Bob observed a humorous grin on Jacob’s face. He fought his impulse to laugh at Jacob’s childlike enthusiasm. When he emerged from the water, born again, the chapel erupted in applause. It was done. Jacob was truly on his way to redemption.
Chapter Fifteen
Jacob’s success as a bell ringer continued. His cheerful demeanor caught on among the people of Baltimore. Many of the same people gave every day. The word circulated around town about this nice, entertaining gentleman who was doing such good work. He made giving fun. Some walked long distances, past other Salvation Army helpers, to place money in Jacob’s kettle…pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Every now and then someone would place dollar bills into his kettle. Incredibly, people waited in long lines to give their money to Jacob. His success as a bell ringer became legendary. The money he raised was helping many of the less fortunate in town. As his notoriety grew, The Baltimore Sun newspaper wrote an article about him: THE CHEERFUL BELL RINGER, the headline read. The article was long, and very favorable to Jacob. His emerging fame resulted in more generous offerings as he rang the bell. There was a lot of buzz about Jacob on the streets and in the churches, where much of the money he raised was donated for hunger programs. Indeed, things were going well.
Dr. Brown sipped his morning coffee while reading the newspaper. He came upon the article about Jacob and read it with interest.
“That’s the man I treated at the hospital.”
“What?” his wife said.
“The old man I treated for the cut on his head a while back…There’s an article about him and a photo in the newspaper.”
“Oh, I remember you saying something about him. What did he do?”
“He didn’t do anything, what I mean is, he didn’t do anything wrong…quite the opposite. He’s been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and apparently has become somewhat of a celebrity. It says here, people are lining up just to put money in his kettle.”
“That’s nice, dear. You said there was something interesting about him.”
Dr. Brown finished his breakfast and went off to the hospital. His wife cleaned up the dishes. She picked up the newspaper from the table and, without looking at it, threw it in the trash.
* * *
It was a cold and snowy afternoon. Jacob was merrily ringing his bell dressed in his Santa suit when he noticed a little girl, about ten years old, staring at him from across the street. She stood there for the longest time, just watching him. Is he the real Santa? she wondered. He stopped for a moment and looked over at her, not able to figure out her interest in him. Resuming the ringing of his bell, he joyfully greeted everyone on the busy street corner as they dropped money into his kettle. The girl continued to watch as people gave unselfishly. The sight brought a beaming smile to her face. The next time Jacob looked across the street, she was gone—just as quietly and mysteriously as she’d appeared.
As evening approached, Jacob returned to the mission juggling his kettle and several bags of coins. When he laid his bounty on the table, he got an ovation from his friends. This lifted Jacob’s spirits even higher. After talking and joking around with his fellow bell ringers, as was his habit, he retreated to the chapel to give thanks and to pray before being joined by Bob Parsley.
“Jacob, you are doing such great work. We have never had a more successful season.”
“Oh, collecting the money has become easy for me. I’m a very lucky man.”
“It’s not only t
he collections I’m talking about. It’s your complete transformation. I’ve been in touch with Howard and he said to tell you how proud of you he is, as well.”
“Thank you. But I wouldn’t say I have made a complete transformation just yet. I still have much to learn, much to do, and a ton of bad things I have done in the past to make up for.”
“You certainly are off to an abundant start.”
“Could I ask for another favor?”
Laughing, Bob said, “Don’t tell me you want to get baptized again!”
Looking at him with a grin, Jacob said, “No. Not that. I’d like to use the telephone to call Howard.”
“No problem. I’ll take you to my office and dial his number for you.”
“Thank you so much.”
As Bob dialed up Howard, Jacob felt butterflies in his stomach in anticipation of speaking with his old friend. The phone began to ring and Bob handed it to Jacob.
“Hello. You reached the Salvation Army. This is Howard Angel. Can I help you?”
“Howard, it’s Jacob.”
“Jacob, what a pleasant surprise! It’s so good to hear your voice.”
“You have no idea how good it is to hear yours.”
“Bob told me how well you’ve adjusted, and all the wonderful things you’ve been doing. He even sent me the article from The Baltimore Sun. You’re becoming quite a celebrity there in Baltimore.”
“You had a lot to do with all of this, you know.”
“Nah, you’ve been blessed and it has nothing to do with me. You’re the one who needs to be commended.”
“You put me on the path to righteousness. I’ve never been happier. I’m so grateful you pulled me out of the alley that day and took me under your wing.”
“Isn’t that what angels are supposed to do?”
They both laughed.
“It’s good to hear you haven’t lost your sense of humor. How are things going for you out there in Chicago?”
“Everything out here is good, except we all miss you.”
“I miss you, too. Tell everyone I said hello.”
“Will do. Bob tells me that you’ve been searching for Emma but haven’t found her yet.”