“How could I get my life so messed up in just a few weeks?”  Darin ask himself out loud, as he gazed through the barred window at the city lights. “I went from being free to this in just one day.  Now I have no freedom.” His thoughts rolled on; “There’s a good chance next year at this time I’ll be in prison instead of County Jail. My first Christmas behind bars. My phone calls go unanswered, my friends have abandon me, life has come to a stand still. No future. No hope.”  Darin pushed himself away from the cell window and sat on the edge of his bunk.  The metallic clank of a door being locked rang in his ears as his head hit the pillow.

Darin was awakened by the harsh voice of the officer, “Hey you get outta that rack and get ready for work detail.” He glanced at the calendar, December 16th, just a few more days and Christmas would be here.  Darin’s thoughts turned to his family or what used to be his family. He had abandoned his wife and two little boys just so he could get high one more time.  Only this time he didn’t get high he got arrested instead.  He’d conned his best friends and those that showed him any kindness just to make another buy.  Darin thoughts turned to himself, “How could I be so stupid to give up all the really important things in my life for a few hours of being high?” His court date had been set for December 23rd just two days before Christmas.  In one week, his whole life would be changed forever.  “Let’s go they’re waitin’ on ya.  Get a move on.”  The officer’s words prodded Darin back to reality.

So the days went over the next week as Darin awaited his court appearance. His attorney had advised him to plead guilty since this was the first time he’d been arrested.  “You can pretty much count on a lenient court because this is your first time down.” He told him. So Darin agreed in the hopes he would get a light sentence.

Finally the day came for Darin to appear in court.  “Case number 23D12 Paddo County versus Darin Bordsnik”, the court clerk read from the docket.  The judge’s steel gaze fell on Darin, “Darin Bordsnik you are charged with possession of a controlled substance how do you plead?” “My client enters a plea of guilty your Honor.” he heard his attorney say.  “We beg the courts leniency since this is his first offence.”  “Your crime is punishable by up to five years in jail.” The Judge stated. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t sentence you to the full five years?”  “I already have”, Darin’s attorney responded ”...my client has never been charged with this crime before and has no previous record.  He just made a mistake.”  The Judge looked at Darin, “What do you have to say for yourself?”  Darin stood up and with uncertainty responded, “I’m really sorry your Honor I really didn’t ....” He stopped short.  “I just messed up your Honor.”  “Boy, did I ever mess up.” He thought to himself. “That’s an understatement.” the Judge retorted.” “Son, young people like you appear before me everyday and they all say the same thing. I’m giving you 24 hours to think about your situation. I want you back in this courtroom at 9AM tomorrow.“

As Darin was returned to his cell he kept looking back and counting the cost of what he had done.  His wife and boys would spend Christmas without him.  If he wasn’t back at work on the Monday after Christmas he would lose his job. “Hey Bordsnik, you got a visitor.  Come with me.” The officer ushered Darin to a small room with two chairs and a table. “You wait here your visitor will be up in a minute.” Darin’s mind raced, “Who could be here to see me now? My wife, the boss, one of my friends?”

His questions were answered when the door opened.  In walked Jim, one of his co-workers. “Hello Darin.” Jim smiled. “Hi Jim.” Darin responded with his face looking down at the table out of shame. Jim had tried on numerous occasions to visit with Darin about his spiritual state but Darin was always too busy to listen. “Darin we don’t have much time so I need to get right to the point.  I have been praying over the past week asking the Lord to give me the words to say to you.  I know you don’t have much interest in God or what He has to say, but I hope you will take time to listen now.” “Darin you have problems, but we all do. Getting high doesn’t fix your problems it only compounds them.” Darin mumbled, “Boy do I know that.” Jim continued, “Darin Christmas is about the birth of Christ and the fact that God sent His only begotten Son so that mankind could receive God’s forgiveness instead of His judgment for their sins. Even more God wants to be a part of every area of your life, your failures, your successes, your sorrow, and your joy.” Darin could sense the concern in Jim’s voice as he continued. “If you are not already in bondage to drugs you soon will be if you continue using. You don’t need that burden to drag through life.  In John 8:36 Jesus makes a claim “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”  He won’t only free you from drugs but more important from the sin in your life. Would you consider accepting God’s gift of love, His Son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?” Tears pooled in Darin’s eyes, “Jim I need help so bad please help me receive Jesus and His forgiveness.” Jim and Darin prayed together as Darin ask Jesus to be his Lord and Saviour. Jim lifted his head as they finished praying. “Darin I must go now, I am going to leave this Bible with you.  If I can I will be in court with you in the morning. I’ll see you then.”  Jim left and the officer came to escort Darin back to his cell.

In the morning the officer opened Darin’s cell, “Come on Bordsnik it’s time to go.” Darin took his seat beside his attorney.  He glanced around the courtroom to see if Jim had made it, but he wasn’t there.  As the Judge entered the courtroom the clerk called out, “All rise.” “Be seated.” The Judge responded. “Well, Mr. Bordsnik have you had time to think about your life?” Darin stood up. “Yes, your Honor I have and I want to do whatever is right to pay for my wrong doing.” “Well it sounds like you did a little soul searching....” The Judge was interrupted by a commotion of people shuffling into the courtroom. Everyone turned to see two little boys, a pretty young wife and a newfound friend enter the courtroom. The Judge slammed the gavel down, “Order in the Court, what’s the meaning of all this ruckus.” Darin spoke up, “I’m sorry your Honor, that’s my family and a very special friend.” “So you’re married and have children?” “Yes, your Honor?” “Mr. Bordsnik you have too much at stake to mess up your life with drugs.  I am going to sentence you to 300 hours community service and I’m remanding you into the custody of your family. You have a Merry Christmas and don’t ever let me see you in this Courtroom again. Court adjourned.” Shouts of joy filled the courtroom as Darin’s family and friend gathered around him.

Darin’s life had to take a real down turn before he would accept the love of the Lord but it doesn’t have to be that way. God is reaching out through His Son Jesus Christ to each of us, that we might be set free from every form of bondage and sin. Won’t you come to Him and experience that freedom? It’s His gift to you.

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