Hello all! This is the last chapter to our set of shorts. This was a very challenging chapter to write, and one of our longest ones, but I hope you all enjoy. To all of you experiencing difficulty in this Christmas season, know that you are being thought of. I pray you find hope and comfort in Jesus, who is Emmanuel.

As always, we don't own the stories or songs.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Jenny's voice lighted throughout the apartment complex as Sherlock walked through the main door into the hall. He had just come off a quick case (a four at best) and was hoping he could convince Mrs. Hudson to spare some shortbread. Sherlock also wondered why she was practicing this song so often over the past few days. He had heard so many different versions that it was becoming rather annoying. His face must of shown it, because Alina's reserved chuckle came from the bench against the far wall.

"Bugging you too, huh?" The teacher's casual use of the English language bothered Sherlock. But the mischievous look in her eye let him know she was doing it on purpose.

"Slightly, yes. Why is she practicing it so much?" Alina shrugged.

"Beats me. It's not the first time she's performed it." Sherlock was shocked by this.

"Performed?"

"Oh… that's right, it's been a few days since we've seen you. Jenny was asked to lead her church in their opening hymn for their Christmas Eve service. Obviously, you know what their pick was." A silence followed as they listened to Jenny's continued practice.

"Is anyone else going to the service besides you and her parents?" Alina hesitated slightly.

"Mrs. Hudson, John, Mary, and Michael for sure. Any others invited either declined or were unsure." An awkward slience reigned between them for a moment. "She… would like to invite you."

"Then why hasn't she? A note . . . something?"

"She wouldn't just write you a note for something like this." Alina sounded almost angry. "Sherlock, she knows you don't believe in God … or any god for that matter. She wasn't sure how you'd react. You and her have become close and she doesn't not wish to damage that." Sherlock cringed and her improper grammar, but felt slightly. . . sad. Well, he supposed that was the right emotion.

"Will she ask me?"

"I believe so," his companion stated optimistically.

O come, thou Wisdom from on high,

who orderest all things mightily;

to us the path of knowledge show,

and teach us in her ways to go.

Eventually Jenny did approach Sherlock about the matter.

"The service would be short Sherlock, maybe an hour… an hour and a half at most. But if you don't want to come, you don't half to. And if you say no today I won't ask you again." She paced back and forth in front of the fireplace.

Sherlock was very quiet. Normally, he would have given a sharp retort. But Jenny was his friend, and she was only be courteous towards him. He shook his head before approaching the young actress.

"Jenny," he waited for her to look at him, "I would be happy to go to Christmas Eve service with you." As much as his decision shocked him, her quick but sincere hug shocked him even more.

The next evening, Sherlock found himself seated with his friends and Jenny's family listening as her voice projected the ancient hymn across the small church. He thought he saw Alina swiping at her eyes as she sang the third verse-

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer

our spirits by thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

and death's dark shadows put to flight.

Sherlock did not pretend to suspend his disbelief for his friends. But even he had to admit that the hope of their faith was genuine. It showed on Jenny's face, even as she stared at her mother, who was suffering from a debilitating disease. It was evident in Jenny's parents, who worshiped even though tough times were ahead. They had a peace that many, Sherlock knew, wouldn't have.

O come, Desire of nations, bind

in one the hearts of all mankind;

bid thou our sad divisions cease,

and be thyself our King of Peace.

After this last verse, the tempo changed instead of going to the normal refrain. The detective smiled. His friend had managed to surprise him yet again. And by staring at his companions, he knew that he wasn't the only one with that reaction. Thankfully, the powerpoint matched so the congregation was able to sing along. To Jenny and her family's shock, a deep baritone voice joined in-

You breathed your love into a silent night

And with one voice, all heaven and nature sing!

Come into my silence and bring me peace

Come into my darkness and be my light

Emmanuel, You are with me!

Emmanuel, You are with me!

Emmanuel, Emmanuel… Emmanuel.

And there it is. We hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and a safe and blessed holiday season. With love, ModernDayBard and EnduranceInHope

Songs: O Come, O Come Emmanuel and Emmanuel, You are With Me

Preferred Versions: Peter Hollens and Jeremy Camp for the first. Mark Smeby for the second.