Day 5 The Christmas Thief: An Advent Calendar in Prose

The Christmas Thief

An Advent Calendar in Prose

Day 5

Reilly had come late to police work. Ten years in the armed services, following in his father’s footsteps, he had picked up observation skills that stood him well in the department. He kept good files — on paper and in his memory — and knew every shopkeeper, widow, shyster, and kid in the precinct. He volunteered at the local youth program — playing ball, chatting with the kids, and learning more about life on both sides of the tracks. Active at his church and kids’ schools, he knew about as much as anyone about life in this little part of the world. 

Burglary was a niggling problem for Reilly. Burglars pulled a vanishing act of goods dropping them into the willing hands of fences who then spirited them to pawn shops far afield. After this burglary, Reilly dropped in at Al’s Lost Treasures to gather information — not that Al would be forthcoming.

“Morning, Reilly,” greeted Al rising from behind the counter when the bell tinkled on Reilly’s entrance. “What’s the good news?”

“Same old, same old, Al. Pilfering on King’s Ave. Some silver, coins, and stamps. Don’t suppose you’ve seen any of it?” 

“You know I never deal in stolen goods, Reilly. Straight up and honest as the day is long.” Al polished some crystal with a cloth and placed it on the shelf behind him. Glass showcases filled with watches and clocks ringed the shop. Glittering bracelets, earrings, and necklaces decorated velvet boxes behind locked doors. Al wore a ring of keys on his belt that could sink a ship. Reilly could be sure that any identifying marks had long been filed off. Reilly scanned the displays mentally comparing this booty to his list from King’s Ave. Nothing stood out. The King’s Ave. treasures were probably in another state by now.

“Keep your eyes peeled, Al. Somebody’s Merry Christmas might yet be saved.”

Treasures: Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NIV)

Challenge: How do you define treasure? Treasure, a noun, refers to objects of wealth. Treasure, a verb, means to “keep carefully.” What do you keep carefully? Your money? Your property? Your family? Your integrity? Your honor? Your time? Your faith? Today, spend more time on treasuring intangible wealth, like faith, than on tangible things.