It was the first meeting in November and Akela announced the date of the Pack Christmas party. Everyone cheered ... everyone that is, except Cub Matthew Irwin.

Later Akela approached him and, in confidence with tear-filled eyes, he told her that his once happy family was falling apart. His father was now unemployed and drinking heavily; his mother was working far too hard; bills were piling up, including the rent bill; and he and his two sisters were worried sick. "It'll take far more than Santa Claus to help us this year," Matthew uttered. "We need a real angel, you know the kind that does real miracles." Akela comforted Matthew as best she could but went home with a heavy heart.

The next evening, Akela met with some of the officials of her church, including the church caretaker, Frank Upland, who years earlier had fought his own battle with alcohol. Frank was now retiring and the officials were looking for a replacement.

Frank said, "If Mr. Irwin would be interested in this job, he could start right away. I'd be glad to work alongside him free-of-charge during the three month trial period to see how things work out."

Everyone thought it was worth a try. Mr. Irwin gladly accepted, and from the first day Frank knew he was the answer to his prayers. Mr. Irwin knew that the church was the answer to his.

The people of the church gathered around the Irwins helping them with food, clothing and furnishings. Matthew, who was an avid space enthusiast, even received matching bedroom drapes and comforter covered with spaceships dating all the way back to Sputnik. He was thrilled. Mrs. Irwin was able to spend more time at home and soon love and hope replaced the deep despair that had settled in their hearts. They were even talking about a Christmas turkey dinner.

Mrs. Irwin accompanied Matthew to the Cub Christmas Party in December. She told the leaders, "When Matthew said his bedside prayers last night, he thanked God for his Christmas angel. Afterwards, I asked him if she was pretty angel. He said she was. I then asked him if she had wings and a white robe. He laughed and said, 'No mom, she traded them in for the uniform of Akela.'"

Merry Christmas.