A Hope Valley Christmas Chapter 6, a when calls the heart fanfic

A HOPE VALLEY CHRISTMAS

Chapter VI

"The Fourth Sunday of Advent"

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;

but exhorting (encouraging) one another:

and so much the more, as ye see the day (of our Lord) approaching."

Hebrews 10:24-25*

. . .

"Dad!" called Allie rushing down the stairs in her Sunday dress.

But her Dad wasn't anywhere to be found, and his Stetson was gone, so Allie went to her Father's desk, where he always left a note.

She lifted the note and smiled as she read it:

'Good morning, Allie! Had to go on rounds earlier than I had planned. Mrs. Wilson sent me a message that her heifer is having her first calf, and I promised to help her deliver it. Your blueberry pancakes are being kept warm in the oven, along with your favorite blueberry syrup. Uncle Bill is coming to take you to Church with him. I'll meet you there as soon as I can. If you'd like, maybe we'll go to the Café with him for lunch. Love, Dad'

"Like? Dad, that's the absolute best…"

When Allie and the Judge reached Church, Angela was softly playing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing!" which meant that would be the first congregational hymn of the morning service. (*11)

After a few Sunday morning greetings, Bill proudly led his pretty granddaughter to the second row, where they sat by Little Jack and Elizabeth.

In one glance, the Judge immediately deciphered Elizabeth's concerned look, while Jack climbed up on Allie's lap.

Bill wasn't at all surprised to see that when he gave Elizabeth the signal Nathan was okay, her face flooded with relief as if all the tension was suddenly released from her body.

'If that isn't love, I sure as goodness, don't know what in this crazy world is!' Bill chuckled to himself.

"Welcome, Everyone! To begin our Service, let's all please rise and worship together in song, prayer, and scripture," smiled Pastor Canfield.

As the Pastor stepped back on the podium, Rosemary stood and took her place at the pulpit, front and center, to lead the Congregation in song.

"Everyone, please join me in singing with joy, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," page three hundred and ten!

Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"

At the end of the Carol, Rosemary smiled brilliantly, closed her hymnal, and returned to her seat, while Pastor Canfield quickly took his place at the Pulpit.

"Will the congregation please remain standing for prayer? Let us bow our heads."

"Dear Heavenly Father, on this fourth Sunday of Advent, as we light the Angel Candle, a symbol of Peace, we celebrate the birth of our precious Baby Jesus, who came to bring much-needed peace to our hearts and to our world! As we praise our Lord together, help us to realize his offering has no restrictions; his peace is all-encompassing, covering all things, both big and small. Help us to understand that when we accept your benevolent peace, we gain freedom from all the things that weigh us down, whether that be anger, boredom, frustration, fear, misunderstanding, or more. We only have to trust and receive for You to fill us with your Spirit. Please help each of us do just that. This, Father, is our collective prayer. In your most Holy name, we ask, Amen!"

"Please be seated!"

"Miss Opal Weiss, will you please come and do the honor of lighting our Fourth Advent Candle?"

Opal proudly came and stood by her pastor, just as Robert, Emily, and Allie had done on the previous three Sundays when they had taken their turn at lighting the Advent Candle.

First, the Pastor explained the Advent Candles that had already been addressed and lit.

"This, our first Advent Candle, is The Prophecy Candle. Three weeks ago, Robert lit this purple candle of Hope to symbolize a shining light in our anticipation of the coming of Christ."

"This, our second Advent Candle, is the Bethlehem Candle, also purple. It was lit by Emily two weeks ago to symbolize the Holy Family's experience in Bethlehem, the coming of our King of Kings."

"This, is our third Advent Candle, The Shepherd's Candle, which is pink for joy. It was lit by Allie this past week to symbolize our rejoicing in the Christ-child's birth."

"Today, Opal will explain and light this, our fourth, Advent Candle."

"Today we have The Angel's Candle, also known as The Candle of Peace. The candle is white because it represents the purity, peace, and justice that Christ brings into the world. The white also reminds us that only Christ is pure and free of sin. But through his gift of salvation, his blood atones us, and covers all our sins," finished Opal as she lifted the smaller candle and lit it from Allie's pink candle.

She then held it to the tall white candle, lighting its flame for all to see!

The Pastor finished.

"Today, let us ponder on our Lord's magnificent gift of peace, and allow it to comfort our troubled hearts this Holiday Season."

The young girl smiled brightly at her Pastor.

"Thank you, Opal, for a job well done!"

The Pastor remained silent as Opal made her way to her proud family, letting everyone meditate for a moment on the newly lit Advent Candle.

"Please stand for the reading of God's Holy Word. Feel free to follow along with me as we read our scripture, first Matthew 1:18-24, followed by Isaiah 9:6, and 2nd Thessalonians 3:16:

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. (*13)

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (*14)

16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (*15)

"Please, everyone now be seated for God's word through today's message."

The Pastor paused for a brief moment till everyone was settled.

"When we think of Christmas, we instantly think of the Christ Child's miraculous birth, as we should. His birth is our greatest celebration, filling young and old alike with boundless gratitude and joy!"

"But let's think for a moment now about what happened before the birth of our Lord and Saviour."

"I think of Mary, the mother of our precious Jesus, and I see a young frightened maiden, a virgin who is suddenly with child. She had to wonder how this was even possible. And, of course, people gossiped. There must have been many times this innocent young lady was hurt deeply by the awful slander, blaming her for a sinful act she was not at all guilty of. Why her own new husband was ready to divorce her and leave her in shame to bear this child alone! Yes, Mary experienced fear, pain, sorrow, and even shame at the hands of friends and strangers, perhaps even from her own family. Some labeled her unseemly, amoral when the exact opposite was true."

"Yet this young virtuous lady stayed pure while she stood firm in her blind faith, giving each of us the most magnificent gift we will ever receive. How unworthy we are, yet the gift of love and salvation, despite fear, despite pain, despite our human condition, is freely given to us, over and over again."

"We could say much the same for Joseph, who had just taken Mary as his wife, only to find her already with child. He could have scorned her, and yes, he almost did, but he believed the Angel and had faith theirs was a plan much higher than him, and so he stood proudly by Mary, his betrothed, his wife, and despite his fears, his shame, his hurt pride, and any tarnish to his own reputation, he stayed true to his wife and raised the Baby Jesus, loving him as his own.

"On this holy day, immense love and sacrifice were shown by our Heavenly Father, and also by this most devout young woman and honorable young man. We must never forget the bravery, the faithfulness of both Mary, and Joseph, for it is through Mary's own body and the care of her husband, Joseph, that God's Son is born into this world of imperfection to give us everlasting Salvation, the most magnificent gift we will ever receive."

"Oh, how unworthy we are, yet the gift of God's love and salvation is freely given to us, over and over again!"

"Peace came down to earth in the form of a baby boy, the Lord of all Peace. God knows we humans are in a constant battle of fear. Now, what and how much we fear varies from person to person, but doubtless, fear is there in each of us to some degree. But no matter what, why, and how much, we must remember that fear is the enemy. Fear wants to cripple us. Fear wants to push us to react, rather than carefully respond. Make no mistake, in the end, fear blithely steals our joy!"

"But that isn't at all what God wants for our lives. God came to earth in the form of his only begotten Son, to give us the gift of peace so that you and I, every single one of us, can live our lives with pure joy!"

"However, we're human, and the truth is we all face trials of chaos and uncertainty from time to time. But that just means we need to grab onto God's peace and hold on more tightly than ever before, smothering out that fear that wants so badly to overtake us."

"It is our responsibility as Christians to accept this freely given gift of unexplainable peace, not only in each of our hearts but also in each of our homes."

Looking up, Pastor Canfield smiled.

"God's perfect timing! I see our Constable has made it just in time for his solo. Nathan, I give you the podium."

Elizabeth had known the moment he had walked into the little Church Building, standing in the back. And she knew it without even turning around. Even while under conviction from this beautiful, hopeful message, on fear, given by God via their pastor.

Though she immediately knew she needed those words more than anyone, she had felt Nathan's presence. Both the sermon and Nathan's being there warmed her and made her feel alive with hope for the future. Even when she knew, without a doubt, she deserved nothing.

Instead of taking the podium, Nathan sat on a stool by Angela at the piano after reaching for his guitar.

He quickly re-tuned his instrument, nodding to Angela when he was ready.

Elizabeth drew a deep breath as his beautiful tenor voice rang out, singing "Angels We Have Heard on High:"

"Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly, sweetly through the night
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their brief delight

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing,
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo

See Him in a manger laid,

Whom the choirs of angels praise;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

While our hearts in love we raise.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo" (*16)

Then seamlessly, Nathan played a most unique transition from the key of F to the key of E minor and began singing "The Angel's Song, The Christmas Carol:"

"Now let us sing the Angel's song
That rang so sweet and clear,
When heav'nly light and music fell
On earthly eye and ear;
To Him we sing, our Saviour King,
Who always deigns to hear:
Glory to God, and peace on earth.

He came to tell the Father's love,

His goodness, truth and grace;

To show the brightness of His smile,

The glory of His face;

With His own light, so full and bright, He

The shades of death to chase.

Glory to God, and peace on earth."

He came to bright the weary ones

True peace and perfect rest;

To take away the guilt and sing

Which darken'd and distressed,

That great and small might hear His call,

And gain we raise on high.

Glory to God, and peace on earth.

He came to bring a glorious gift,

Good will to men; - and why?

Because He loved us, Jesus came

For us to live and die;

Then sweet and long, the Angels' song,

Again we raise on high.

Glory to God, and peace on earth." (*17)

Nathan placed his guitar on the stand by the piano and humbly returned to the back, where he remained standing.

Thankfully, he couldn't see the tears streaming down Elizabeth's face. Why hadn't she turned to God in her turmoil? He, like Nathan, had been there all along, just waiting to guide her through, but instead, she had been determined to find her own way.

For a split second, Nathan couldn't help wondering where they might be if she had turned her fears over to God, but he quickly banished the thought and turned his attention back to the service.

As Pastor Canfield rose to speak briefly, then lead in the closing prayer, Elizabeth prayed a prayer of her own, a prayer of forgiveness.

What a mess she had made!

"Thank you, Nathan, for those beautiful Carols. And thank you, for your beautiful accompaniment, Angela. May the words and music stay in our hearts during this Christmas week," smiled the Pastor sincerely before he continued.

"Two of my favorite verses, tell us about peace and sharing…"

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 (*18)

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting (encouraging) one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day (of our Lord) approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25 (*19)

"The message bears repeating: God is asking each of us to accept His peace into our hearts, into our homes. But He also asks one other thing of us: He wants us to share, to encourage others. Are you willing to do what God is asking of us? Will each of you accept peace and encourage others?"

There may have been a few hidden smiles scattered throughout the congregation, because the little community of Hope Valley was already on a mission to promote peace, along with encouraging love and family, albeit they were now singularly focused on one Nathan Grant and one Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, as well as their children, for the time being, rather than spreading their efforts around to others.

Yes, their goal was to bring four very dear people together as a family. A family they felt very strongly was meant to be.

"Let us please stand and pray God's blessing over us."

"Dear God, may each of your children be filled with your peace that surpasses our circumstances. For we give thanks to you, Lord, for canceling out our fear and hopelessness by sacrificing your beloved Son, and thereby promising us eternal life when we believe and accept You into our hearts and lives. Let us rejoice this Holiday Season that we have eternal hope and peace, given so freely by our loving Saviour! Please help each of us as Christians to have that same sacred peace every single day of our lives simply by casting all our fears on our Lord, for You to carry for us till we are finally called home! Also, help us to share that hope, that peace, that joy during this beautiful Christmas Season and beyond, with all our community, by simply loving one another, encouraging each other, and lifting each other up. In your most Holy Name, Amen!"

"Go forth with hope and peace, in your own hearts, sharing it with others, encouraging them in ways you've never dreamed!"

Angela appropriately played "The Lord Bless Us and Keep Us" as the benediction hymn:

"Lord, bless us and keep us
Make Your face to shine upon us
Raise Your countenance on us
And give us peace." (*20)

Her father made his way out into the congregation to shake as many hands as he could.

The Pastor couldn't help but notice that Bill took Allie with him to meet Nathan, as Rosemary and Lee took Jack.

Elizabeth was left sitting alone, very still in her pew, looking straight ahead…

After shaking the hand of the last person to depart, Joseph closed the Church door, and turned his attention to his remaining parishioner, walking slowly toward Elizabeth so as not to disturb her thoughts, her prayers.

Sitting quietly beside her, the Pastor just waited, praying silently, asking God how he could best serve this troubled young woman.

"Your sermon was for me, today," came a small voice.

He took Elizabeth's hand in his and looked straight into her eyes.

"If I'm totally honest, God's words were for me, today, too. You see, Elizabeth, I'm always fearful I don't help my parishioners enough, fearful that a soul might be lost, because I didn't know what to do, or didn't do enough, or did too much and drove them away. Why do you think John 14:27 is one of my favorite verses?"

He grinned and caught the beginning of a smile on her face.

"God's word is for all of us. We're all human, Elizabeth, and we all make mistakes."

"Not as big as mine. I've lived a lie for months and just let it grow bigger and bigger. I didn't allow God to help me. I didn't even allow Nathan to help me. I've ruined his life, Allie's life, my son's life, and my own life in the process!"

"I notice you didn't say Lucas's life," Joseph quietly noted without judgment, although over the past year, he had prayed without ceasing over most of what he had seen related to Elizabeth's life.

Nothing had felt right, and she seemed to be not at all herself, almost like she was busy creating a fantasy, molding herself into someone she wasn't.

"Oh, Joseph, Lucas's life isn't ruined. His pride is hurt a bit, but that's all. There was no love, from either of us. I know I've hurt him, and I've apologized earnestly. But he's hurt me too. What a mess I made taking matters into my own hands! Why did I do that?"

"Sometimes we react to things in our lives in a way that might not make a lot of sense to us later. The important thing is that we ask forgiveness, and make restitution."

"I've done that with Rosemary, Bill, Florence, Ned, and even Lucas! But I've hurt Nathan and Allie much too badly to ask their forgiveness without showing them I mean it, first."

"That's commendable, Elizabeth. Very wise, actually. But I was referring to asking forgiveness of God, first and foremost."

"Your sermon made me see that. The truth is I haven't truly asked God for forgiveness, not fully in the way I should have. And you made me see, how can I ask others to forgive me without first asking God to forgive me? Yet that's what I've been trying to do."

"That's a very astute observation because, without doubt, our own heart has to be cleansed of wrongdoing if we are to expect others to truly forgive us. If not, what will keep us from falling back into our old wrongful habits? Better yet, how can we show God's love to our friends and family if it's not in our own hearts?"

Elizabeth began to cry flowing tears, with her Pastor placing his arm around her to comfort her.

"I hadn't even realized that I had shut God out, Joseph, but I did. I'm so ashamed. Will you please pray with me?"

"Why don't we go to the altar? I personally find that when we humble ourselves and take our problems physically to God while kneeling at His altar, it's easier to leave them there. Shall we, Elizabeth?"

"I'd…I'd like that very much. Please pray with me?"

She wiped her tears and walked with Pastor Canfield to the front of the Church, both kneeling in God's presence, side by side.

"Dear Father, Elizabeth comes to You in humility and is in need of your forgiveness, as well as knowing your direction for her life. We ask that You please hear your beloved daughter. She is bringing you her sorrow, and I daresay her grief, as well as problems she doesn't know how to fix. Please fill her with your forgiveness, your calm, your love, and your everlasting peace, as she gives every single part of her to You, Amen!"

Elizabeth's words flowed, and as they flowed to God, He heard and lifted her anxieties, her burdens, her fears, and her guilt.

She prayed aloud until she was sure there was nothing left hidden, and when she raised her face, she was new in the Holy Spirit.

Her countenance was changed, a heavy weight was removed, and now she knew without any doubt whatsoever, God's peace was there in her heart to stay. He had forgiven her. She would, from this moment forward, stay exactly where God wanted her to be, forever more sharing her inner being, her doubts, her fears, her insecurities, her needs, even her desires with Him.

Most importantly, she would now listen for His Guidance in her life and follow His will, before jumping in headstrong herself and making a mess of things.

It had been a most difficult lesson, and a costly one too.

But thankfully, never again, would she leave God out of her decision-making process, nor out of her life...

. . .

*10. Hebrews 10:24-25, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain

*11 - 12. "Hark the Herald Angels Sing!" Charles Wesley, 1739, Adapted by George Whitefield and Others, Music "Festgesang" by Felix Mendelssohn, 1840, Adapted by William H. Cummings, Public Domain

*13. Matthew 1:18-24, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain

*14. Isaiah 9:6, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain

*15. 2nd Thessalonians 3:16, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain

*16. "Angels We Have Heard on High, "Unknown French Original, 1862, English Paraphrase by James Chadwick; Generally sung to the tune of "Gloria," a traditional French carol arranged by Edward Shippen Barnes, Public Domain

*17. "The Angel's Song, The Christmas Carol," Words & Lyrics Unknown, but Origins date back to the Middle Ages; Music originally composed by the Elizabethan musician Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625); Public Domain

*18. John 14:27, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain

*19. Hebrews 10:24-25, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain

*20. Numbers 6:24-26, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain