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Salvation, Free: So Skeptical A Salvation
One Christmas season a pastor pointed to a Christmas poinsettia. "Whoever wants it can have it," he said. "All you have to do is take it." The congregation simply stared. The pastor waited. And waited. Finally a mother timidly raised her hand and said, "I'll take it." "Great! It's yours." But to the pastor's astonishment she nudged her son, "Go get it for me." "No," said the pastor. "Whoever wants this gift must come and get it personally. You can't send a substitute." She shook her head not willing to risk embarassment. The pastor waited again. It was a gorgeous flower, unusually large, wrapped in red cellaphane with a gold satin ribbon. It was set in front of the pulpit. Several people had mentioned how beautiful the plant was. Now it was free for the taking. Someone snickered, "What's the catch?" "No catch," said the pastor. "It's free." No one moved. A college student asked, "Is it glued down?" Everyone laughed. "It is not glued down. Nor are there any strings attached. It's yours for the taking. "Well," asked a pretty teenager, "can I take it after the service?" The pastor shook his head. Again he waited. Then a woman stood up at the back. Quickly, as if she were afraid she'd change her mind, she strode up to the front and picked up the plant. "I'll take it," she said. At that the pastor preached with enthusiasm on the free gift of eternal life. When the service had ended and most of the people had gone home, the woman who claimed the poinsettia grabbed the pastor. "Here!" She held out her hand. "This flower is too pretty to take home for free. I couldn't do that with a clear conscience." The pastor looked down at the crumpled paper she stuffed into his hand. It was a ten dollar bill!