I am a Christian and this chapter somewhat deals with the true meaning of Christmas. Depending upon your religious views, you may or may not want to skip this chapter. I'm not trying to offend anyone and I promise not to throw a Bible at anyone, but I was brought up with God being a huge part of my life and I intend to keep it that way. Merry Christmas!

Chapter 29: Reason for the Season

Tim's POV

It was Alfred, me, Damian, Dick, Jason, and Bruce on the pew. Alfred sat quietly and listened intently to the sermon. Bruce and Jason had fallen asleep against each other on their second and last trip to church for the year. Dick reached over and shook them until they woke up and then scolded them for being disrespectful. Damian actually looked somewhat interested.

It's the Sunday before Christmas. It's always the same sermon; the one about Jesus being born in Bethlehem.

After we closed in prayer, Bruce and Jason hurried for the door, ready to get lunch. They weren't really into going to church. But, they were intercepted by Alfred, who dragged them over to the preacher. Helena quickly walked up to Dick to 'talk.' Colin quickly ran over to Damian and me to say hi.

"Hi Tim!" Stephanie called from behind me brightly.

"Um… hi." I squeaked. She smells like strawberries.

"Did you enjoy the sermon?" she asked.

I nodded. I wish I could talk to her, but my mouth doesn't seem to want to work.

"Anyway, did you hear that I'm going to be Mary in the play tonight? But, I don't know what we're going to do. Jeff Lambert was supposed to be Joseph, but he's sick. Do you think you could be Joseph?" she asked while smiling at me.

I nodded. She looks really nice today.

"Great! I'll go tell Mrs. Ida that you can do it! I'm so glad you're here today!" she exclaimed before running off.

"Tt. Drake, you do realize that you just agreed to be in tonight's production of the Christmas Story don't you?" Damian smirked.

"What!"

********Break********

I peeked around the curtain of the stage. I could see Bruce, Dick, Jason, Barbara, Commissioner Gordon, and Leslie sitting in the audience. I didn't want to go out there. I was going to make a fool of myself in front of everyone.

"Hold still, Master Damian." Alfred chided him for scowling and crossing his arms. Alfred was adding the finishing touches to his costume.

"Pennyworth, I don't see why I have to be a shepherd!" Damian growled.

"Well, you're going out there whether you like it or not." Alfred replied while herding Damian in line with the other shepherds and sheep.

"Alfred, I don't feel so good." I replied as he moved towards me.

He gave me a soft smile. "I'm afraid it's only the nerves. I'm sure you'll do fine."

"But, what if I make a fool out of myself? And I disappoint everyone? And Stephanie laughs at me?"

"No one is going to laugh at you. And this isn't about Miss Stephanie. This is about celebrating the birth of our lord and our savior. And you have one of the most important parts. You are playing the father and the protector of Jesus. You'll do just fine. Remember, what the reason for this season is really about."

I nodded and swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Now get ready, you're on next."

********Break*********

As Stephanie sat by the manger cradling the baby doll, I laid my hand on her shoulder. Soon Damian and the others came on stage and presented the Messiah with gifts and they all kneeled. Colin and the other wisemen came on stage bringing their gifts. I smiled as I looked down at the fake Jesus. I remembered the real reason why I was up here; to honor our Lord and Savior.

I had delivered every line perfectly. The narrator read the last line and we all stood up and bowed before the audience. I smiled as I saw my friends and family clapping for me. However, I turned red when Stephanie kissed my cheek.

********Break*********

Damian and I changed out of our costumes and went to meet everyone. I waved goodbye to Stephanie and Damian waved goodbye to Colin. Bruce told us he was proud of us. Leslie, Barbara, and Commissioner Gordon told us what a good job we did. Dick hugged us and told us that he couldn't wait to show us the video he took of us when we got home. And Jason told us good job. Alfred patted us on our shoulders and smiled.

********Break*********

I hopped onto the kitchen stool and leaned over the bar where Alfred was icing fresh gingerbread men. He offered me one of the cookies and a glass of milk. I graciously accepted the offer.

"Alfred, thanks for your advice tonight. I couldn't have done it without your help."

He smiled down at me. "You're welcome, Master Timothy. However, you didn't require my help. You had it in you all along."

"Yeah, but you helped me remember the real reason for the season. We're about to read the story and watch our video. You're going to watch it with us, right?" I pleaded.

"Of course. After all, this is the real reason for the season."