Once upon a time there was a little city called Wintertown. Wintertown had a population of 168. The towns people weren’t sure if there were really 168 people or if the census included the snowmen in the village. Freezing temperatures and frozen pipes were an every day occurrence. The weather forecasters tried to make jokes about it. Pictures of Florida and sandy beaches were shown on the television screen. The newscasters said, Somewhere there is warm tropical weather. However, the forecast today is snowy freezing cold temperatures. The general store has coal and wood for sale. Another cold day in Wintertown at 14 below.
Jimmy felt a chill go through this winter coat. Then the newscaster said that the store was out of matches and lighters! Wintertown would have to bundle up because another storm was coming! Jimmy noticed the worried looks on his parents faces.
Jimmy had to figure out what to do to save the towns from frostbite! The brave young lad decided to find an answer. He said his prayers, bundled up, and traveled across the forest to find some kindling.
Unfortunately, the sharp bite of the wind chill caused Jimmy to get very cold and Jimmy did not think he could go on. Hypothermia was setting in. He prayed and asked God for help. An angel appeared and put his hand on Jimmy chest. Warmth came upon Jimmy and he revived. A fire was burning and crackling near Jimmy when he woke up. The colors of red, orange and yellow flames danced from the fire. Smoke filles the air as the flames gré highrr in intensity.
There was kindling and a message on a piece of parchment.
The message read, You will be the spark of hope for Wintertown and bring warmth back to the town.
The kindling will help a fire to continue to burn in stoves and fireplaces and Wintertown will be saved! The kindlings purpose is for warmth and no homes will burn down. Believe young Jimmy! Just believe!
Well, Jimmy was very strong in his faith and brought the kindling to all the villagers. The lad brought a message of hope with each piece of kindling. The brave child encouraged the townspeople to believe and help their neighbors so they had the eternal burning kindling for their wood burning stoves and fireplaces.
The villagers listened and helped their neighbors to stay warm. If a neighbor did not have the special kindling, or there was word that the spark went out, Jimmy would help the spark to start again.
Soon neighbors started visiting neighbors to check if they were ok. Sparks of hope parties started in the homes of the villagers. Wintertown became a place known for love, warmth, hot chocolate and apple cider. Love and hope abounded.
Jimmy was happy. He and his family were warm from the cold. The temperatures were still freezing outside. However, love and warmth could be felt wherever you went. The mayor decided to rename the town, Spark of Hope, and that’s what it remains to this very day.
