My 5 Acres

 

Christmas at Denny's

The night air was crisp in Oklahoma City as Jim, Lance, and Brandon made their way to the local Denny’s on Christmas Eve. The three men, longtime friends and members of a nearby church, had decided earlier that week to spend their evening at the 24-hour diner. While others celebrated with family and friends, they felt called to bring the message of Christ to those who might need it most. Armed with warm hearts and the love of God, they entered the softly lit diner, the scent of pancakes and coffee greeting them at the door.

The diner buzzed with a quiet hum of activity. A few families sat in booths, children coloring on placemats while parents sipped coffee. Across the room, a man sat alone at a table near the window. His shoulders slumped, and his unkempt appearance told a story of hardship.

“Do you see him?” Jim whispered to the others, nodding toward the man.

Lance and Brandon followed Jim’s gaze and exchanged a look of agreement.

“Let’s go talk to him,” Brandon said.

They approached the man, who looked up with tired eyes as they neared. “Hey there,” Jim began, offering a warm smile. “Mind if we join you?”

The man hesitated, then nodded. “Sure. I’m Darren,” he said, his voice raspy.

As they sat down, Jim introduced himself and the others. “We’re from a local church, and we’re just out tonight trying to meet people, share a little hope, and be a blessing. Can we buy you a meal?”

Darren’s eyes widened slightly, and he nodded again. “That’d be nice. Thanks.”

They called over the waitress and let Darren order whatever he wanted. As they waited for the food to arrive, the three men gently asked about Darren’s life. He shared bits and pieces—how he’d lost his job months ago, how he’d been struggling to find his way, and how lonely this time of year felt.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Lance said sincerely. “But we believe that God can meet you right where you are, no matter how hard things seem.”

Darren looked at them curiously. “How’s that?” he asked.

Jim leaned forward slightly. “Darren, the reason we came here tonight is to share something really important. It’s the best gift we’ve ever received, and we want you to know about it too.”

They began to share the gospel, starting with John 3:16—how God so loved the world that He gave His only Son to save it. They explained that Jesus came to earth to die for the sins of mankind, so that anyone who believes in Him could have eternal life. They talked about the importance of repentance, explaining that it’s more than just saying sorry—it’s a turning away from sin and toward God.

“Believing isn’t just knowing God exists,” Brandon added, referencing James 2:19. “Even the demons believe and shudder. It’s about trusting Him with your whole heart and surrendering your life to Him.”

They also shared the cost of following Jesus, reading from Luke 14:25-33. “Jesus asks us to count the cost of being His disciple,” Lance explained. “It’s about giving up everything and putting Him first. But I promise you, it’s worth it.”

Darren listened intently, his eyes fixed on the men. When they finished, he was quiet for a moment. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes,” he said finally. “But what you’re saying… it makes sense. I think I want to follow Jesus.”

Jim’s face lit up. “That’s the best decision you’ll ever make, Darren.” He opened his Bible to Romans 10:9-10 and read aloud: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

“Would you like to pray with us?” Brandon asked.

Darren nodded, and together they bowed their heads. Darren confessed his faith in Jesus, asking for forgiveness and committing to follow Him. When they finished, tears glistened in his eyes. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I feel… different. Like a weight’s been lifted.”

“That’s the power of God,” Lance said with a grin. “Welcome to the family of God, Darren.”

Before they left, they shared Matthew 16:24-25, encouraging Darren to take up his cross and follow Jesus daily. They exchanged contact information, promising to stay in touch and help him get connected to their church.

As the men stepped back into the cold night, their hearts were full. They had come to Denny’s hoping to share the love of Christ, and they left knowing they’d made an eternal difference.

“Best Christmas Eve ever,” Brandon said, and the others nodded in agreement. God’s work, they knew, was never confined to a church building—sometimes, it happened at a diner table with a plate of pancakes and a heart ready for change.