Natalia stood up against the snowstorm on the desert path before her. It was Christmas Eve morning; she was on her way to Natasha, her grandmother, who lived on the village’s other end. Her grandmother struggled to walk alone due to her arthritis, so Natalia picked her up yearly at Christmas time.

Christmas was the only reason Natasha left her house to attend the Christmas service. Luckily, the church was close to her son’s house, so she slept over there to follow the evening Holy Mass and the next morning’s mass.

Nonetheless, Natalia wondered. Why did her grandmother visit the church only at Christmas, not also at Easter, which was likewise a holy feast? One day, she dared to ask her and received the following answer: “On Christmas, we celebrate Jesus’ birth, who brought light to us. During the year, we struggle and experience disappointments, and when we feel we can’t take it anymore, we celebrate Christmas and find hope and strength for next year. “

While remembering these meaningful words, Natalia couldn’t see where she was going. Helplessness and despair fell upon her; if she were to get lost and couldn’t reach Natasha, her grandmother couldn’t attend church, which was vital to her. Then, out of nowhere, a giant dog appeared beside her.

“Hold on to me, and let me lead you, “ a voice said. Natalia looked around; there was no human, only innocent white snow. She did as she was told and fought through step by step with the dog’s help.

Natasha, anxious, was kneading her hands, waiting for Natalia next to the window. The moment she saw a spot down the street coming closer, her heartbeat went faster, knowing it was her granddaughter; she shambled over to the door to open it, and, as if by miracle, the snowstorm stopped.

“I was afraid you couldn’t come! “Natasha cried out.

“My new four-legged friend helped me.” Natalia wanted to introduce her savior, but the dog had vanished. She looked around; there was no trace.

Natasha immediately grabbed her granddaughter’s arm and dragged her, “Let’s go inside to take my few things and leave quickly! It may start to snow again.”

When they finally left, Natasha looked up, sending a prayer to the sky, may God guide them safely to her son’s home so the whole family can celebrate Christmas together.

©2025, Vasiliki Papadopoulou