Chapter One-hundred Twenty-six
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Christmas Eve
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Upon arrival at Knox Presbyterian Church, Nathan, Elizabeth and the children settled into seats on the right side pews towards the front. Zach saved the pew in front of them for the senior Grants, Bill and himself, and reserved the pew behind them for the Thatcher's, Hudson and the Collins's. Tonight Nathan would remain seated in the pew with the family as a smaller group of choir members would be leading the congregational carols. Nathan tuned his guitar and placed it in a safe place tucked behind the Christmas tree on the right, while Allie disappeared to the basement Sunday school room to help the children dress for the pageant. She was thrilled that Jared and Ellie were assisting as well!
Upon returning to the sanctuary, Allie slipped into the end seat beside her father and leaned over to whisper in his ear. "Jared and Ellie are going to sing their duet again and Miss Ross asked me to sing with Sally and Rachel. Is that okay?"
"Of course, Honey. You'll sing beautifully. Depending on where the special music is in the program, you may need to just stand to the side rather than returning to the seats here." Nathan suggested quietly. "Did you see the bulletin yet?"
"Miss Ross said she and Reverend Huntley will just announce the next sections of the program as so much has changed due to sickness. I think it will still be beautiful and you should see the children in their costumes. They are adorable!"
"Okay then. I guess we must pay close attention! By the way, you look beautiful tonight and that maroon velvet is perfect for your complexion!" Nathan winked at her daughter hoping she would remember previous conversations on colors affecting someone's beauty.
Allie recognized the memory to which her dad referred and smiled. "She looked at Elizabeth dressed in her sapphire blue silk dress. She had gifted Nathan with a matching tie to wear with his charcoal grey suit, while Jack's tie matched Allie's dress. "I think our little part of the family looks the best!" Allie grinned and leaned against her father's arm then realized Jared was distributing candles from a basket as the extended Grant family group had arrived before the ushers were in place.
Wes and Ardis arrived arm-in-arm and seated themselves from the center aisle beside Elizabeth as the Samuels arrived. Allowing the family to sit together, Bill moved back one row. Allie caught Rachel's eye as she glanced back trying to make sure Allie noticed that Rachel was seated beside Zachary. Neither Rachel nor Zachary were prepared to admit anything, but they had each noticed the other and neither minded their close proximity. The teenage girls would have something to discuss when they next got together!
The Blake sibling's beautiful duet was the first of the special music, then Jared read selected verses from Isaiah chapter nine (*76) before stepping to the side.
Allie, along with Sally and Rachel Samuels next sang as a trio. 'There's a Song in the Air.'
'There's a Song in the Air! There's a Star in the sky!
There's a mother's deep prayer and a baby's low cry.
And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth,
For the virgin's sweet Boy is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! The star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger in Bethlehem cradles a King!
In the light of that star lie the ages impearled
And that song from afar has swept over the world.
Every earth is aflame, and the beautiful sing
In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!"
'We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song
That comes down through the night from the heavenly throng.
Ay! We shout to the lovely evangel they bring,
And we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!' (*77)
Allie stepped to the side as Jared moved forward to read from the first chapter of the Gospel of John.(*78) As Jared finished, Nathan quietly retrieved his guitar and sat on a bench near the pulpit as Allie stood beside him. After a melodious introduction, their clear voices rang out joyfully, alternating parts in 'While By My Sheep.' (26*)
As the Grants returned to their seats, the congregation sang, 'Silent Night.'
"'Silent Night' is a beautiful, traditional carol we sing each Christmas, but tonight I want to take you to what I believe is a more realistic Bethlehem on the night of the Savior's birth." Reverend Huntley began. "Before I read this to you, I want to thank Sergeant Nathan Grant for his insightful writings. We have all been blessed during this Advent season with his thought-provoking poetry, and tonight I will read his words as our meditation before the children come to enact the Christmas story. Please feel free to close your eyes and allow yourselves to be transported to that small Judean town on that momentous night." The Pastor paused before he began to read slowly.
"Night it Was
Night it was, though hardly silent
as long-lost cousins swarmed the streets.
Old men leaned against walls, holding their lamps
and tracing genealogies in the dirt at their feet,
the pride of their royal lineage tempered by years of oppression
and a thousand questions.
Old women gathered in chattering groups
proudly chronicling the exploits of their sons,
whispering wedding arrangements for their daughters
and sighing for grandchildren's awaited births.
Through the windows young mothers
sang lullabies to soothe the unsettled cries
of travel-tired little ones trying to sleep
in a strange bed far away from home.
Young husbands met at street corners
to discuss politics, complain of taxes
and cautiously whisper wishes and overheard conspiracies
in accents from towns and cities throughout the land.
Exuberant youths, relishing the adventure,
tousled, laughed and shouted as they roamed the square
while young maidens secretly watched from windows
or murmured and giggled, hidden in the shadows.
Harassed innkeepers shouted orders to weary servants
trying to accommodate just one more visitor,
while lodgers ate hungrily and called above the clamor
for more refills of wine.
Night it was though hardly silent
as the restless animals shuffled, bleated and brayed.
Hardly noticed amid the bedlam of Bethlehem
a woman cried the pains of childbirth and a carpenter quietly prayed.
As the baby Son voiced his first cry on earth,
the heavens rustled with the assembling angels,
rejoicing and singing, announcing His birth
to Hebrew shepherds guarding the sacrificial lambs.
Night it was, but hardly silent,
as the shepherds, deserting their sheep,
excitedly ran into town, following the star
and wondering aloud at all they had seen and heard.
In the midst of the night's noises Joseph mouthed his thanks,
Mary pondered with wonder, and shepherds' bowed in awe.
Above, the angels' watched, amazed, as Father and Spirit stood vigil
and a holy silence descended as the Son fell asleep." *(EMH)
As the final phrases were spoken a hush fell on the congregation as they pondered the Holy Son, who 'neither slumbers nor sleeps,'(*79) falling asleep amidst the busyness and bedlam of a small earthly town.
Barbara Barrows began to quietly play a medley of carols on the piano as her husband, Steven Barrows read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. As each scene was introduced, Allie and Ellie prompted the children to enter the platform to act out their parts.
Although content to sit on his Uncle Zach's lap for most of the service, Jack sat at attention when he saw Allie guide the children dressed in their costumes. Not loud enough for the congregation to hear, he excitedly pointed to his 'Awlie' and giggled. With rapt attention Jack watched the angel, Mary, Joseph, and the innkeeper portray the story. Watching Jack, Zachary marveled at his worried look as Mary and Joseph were turned away because there was no room, then Jack's relief as the innkeeper took them to a cave with a manger. Jack gasped audibly as Mary suddenly turned around holding a baby. "That's Jesus!"
Allie was grinning as she heard Jack's announcement from the pew. She sent the shepherds onto the platform as the angel's announcement was read, then directed, and redirected a few sheep to follow the shepherds. Tired of waiting for their turn, two of the three wise men had taken a seat in the aisle and when it was their time to visit the baby Jesus, Allie and Ellie had to help them stand and straighten their crowns which were threatening to fall off! The first wise man's crown was askew, but he ran up on the platform before they could adjust it!
Chuckles and smiles circulated around the sanctuary as one of the shepherds turned to find his parents and waved, calling out, "Hi Mommy! Hi Daddy!" Being the closest to him, Ellie knelt beside the little boy and with her arm around his shoulder turned him to face the manger. Meanwhile Allie had to collect the wise man's gold that tumbled out of his hands and down the steps, then she had to comfort the little one's embarrassed tears.
As the Nativity tableau ended, the remaining children in the Sunday School class assembled on the steps to sing 'Away in a Manger,' before being instructed to sit in their places and watch as the lights dimmed and candles were lit by a few of the teenage boys walking down the aisles. Once the lit candles reached the back of the sanctuary, the congregation sang "Joy to the World" as the steeple bells sounded joyfully into the night.
. .
On the drive home, Jack had questions. "Can I be in the play next time, Mommy? I want to be a sheep! They were cute with their floppy ears and fuzzy coats. Can I? Please?"
Laughing, Elizabeth hugged her son to herself. "You liked the sheep, Honey? They were pretty cute! We will have to see if you are old enough next year." To Nathan Elizabeth commented, "I guess we should investigate Sunday School classes for the children? Do they have a class for your age group, Allie?"
"Because we have youth group," Allie explained, "The teenagers help with the younger children. I haven't gotten involved yet, but Ellie Blake has told me how she helps teaching the children some songs and hand motions. That would be fun!"
Arriving home at the Collins's the ladies completed the trays of foods as Nathan and Zach carried them into the dining room and placed them according to Julie's directions. Soon the family stood, gathered around the table, and took hands as Peter prayed a thanksgiving and blessing on the food and their continuing celebrations. Compliments, comments and joyous laughter filled the room as everyone enjoyed the trays of vegetables, cheeses, and sweets. Leaving the leftover food on the table until after the tradition of hanging the stockings, the family gathered in the living room. Dressed in his new red pajamas, Jack was snuggled into his Daddy Nat'n's arms when Peter rang the train bell to get everyone's attention.
"Carol and I are thrilled to have all of you together this Christmas! Thank you for sharing your celebrations with us. Right now, we are going against our tradition of opening gifts in the morning and requesting that Nathan open our gift to him tonight." Peter lifted a wrapped package from under the piano and brought it to Nathan. "When you open it, you will understand. It will be good to have available…maybe even tonight!" Peter stepped away and sat on the arm of the chair where his wife was seated.
"Oh! Well, this is a surprise! Jack, do you want to help me unwrap my gift?" Nathan pointed Jack to the place to begin to rip the paper. "Good job, Buddy. Now, let's lift the cover of the box and see what's inside, eh? Can you see what it is?"
"It's something, Daddy, but I don't know what!" Jack peered into the box and watched as Nathan lifted out a camera.
"Oh Peter! Carol! How did you know? I've been talking about getting one now that we have s growing family and so many events to celebrate! Thank you." With shining eyes, Nathan looked from one to the other, then to Elizabeth. "This is perfect!"
"We thought you might want to record the children hanging their stockings and maybe some of tomorrow morning as well, Nathan. Allie is the one who gave us the clue after you had some photos taken at the Samuels's house." Carol explained. "We had another idea in mind but this is even better! Peter can show you how to operate it if you need assistance. The man at the camera shop instructed him."
"There are plenty of extra rolls of film in the bottom of the box too!" Peter added. Observing Jack rubbing his eyes. "I think you may have opened this just in time! There is already film in the camera so it is ready to go!"
"Excellent idea! Jack? Allie? Do you want to hang your stockings please? I will take a photo of that and then Jack can go to bed." Nathan suggested.
Allie came to take Jack's hand and guide him to the mantel, then turned to face her father.
Elizabeth immediately joined them, handing each of their stockings to them and posing them for the photograph.
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With Jack in his bed and Bill willing to remain in the living room so he could hear Jack if he stirred, Nathan mentioned that he would collect the children's stockings when he walked Elizabeth back to the house, so if they needed to place anything inside, please do so soon.
The family knew that Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie and Jack had decided to open their stockings in the Cottage with coffee and a scone in the early morning, then come up to the main house for presents and brunch, dressed casually. Laughing, the Thatcher's agreed to sneak out of the Hotel with coats over their relaxing clothes too!
With hugs and goodnights Nathan, Elizabeth and Allie headed to the Cottage while the remaining family hurried to fill the Grant's stockings and then pile gifts around the tree. Packages seemed to materialize from all manner of hidden places, closets, bedrooms, under furniture, the trunk of the Thatcher and Collins's vehicles and even the laundry room.
While Allie prepared for bed, Elizabeth made three mugs of milk with honey. Lighting a small fire, Nathan also lit three candles on the coffee table and turned off the electric lights. Upon entering, Allie grinned as she noticed her Dad had the "'The Night Before Christmas" (*80) book beside him. It had been their tradition to read that together before bed on Christmas Eve and Allie was thankful her father had not forgotten. She hurried to snuggle on one side of him as they awaited Elizabeth's joining them.
"Aha... Three candles this year, right Dad?"
"That's right." Taking the mug from Elizabeth, Nathan took a few small sips of the warm liquid, then he wrapped his arms around both of his girls. "Next year we will read this earlier, before Jack falls asleep, and have four candles! But having my two best girls beside me now is pretty nice. I just need help turning the pages."
"Honey, I love the atmosphere but isn't it too dark for you to read?" A concerned Elizabeth questioned.
Chuckling, Nathan responded. "Allie and I have this memorized, so the open book is just to get us re-started if we forget the next line!" Nathan squeezed Allie's shoulder. "We always read it by candlelight because it just seemed to fit the narrative, eh?"
Nodding and leaning forward, Allie agreed. "Do you know it, Miss Bess?"
"I know it, but not every line. I'll have to work on that for next year! You two go ahead and I'll join in on what I can remember."
"'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;" (*80) Elizabeth involuntarily shivered and Nathan paused.
"What is it, Lisbeth? Don't you like mice?" Nathan questioned as he winked at Allie and turned to Elizabeth.
"Uh, no. But that's a story for another time. Let's start again, please?"
. .
When Nathan and Elizabeth returned to the main house, a full basket in hand, Bill greeted them and closed his book, pointing out that they needed to take four stockings to the Cottage for tomorrow morning!
"Thank you, Bill. I wasn't expecting this! I have to unpack this basket to make our contributions. Which one is yours, Bill?"
Laughing like a young person, Bill whispered, "One of the old ones, shredded a bit but still useable!" He pointed to his childhood stocking and proceeded to inform Nathan of which stocking belonged to the others as well before saying, "I'll leave you to it. Good night!"
From behind the sofa, Elizabeth produced her own basket of goodies and soon all the stockings were filled to overflowing.
Carefully Nathan unhooked the children's stockings followed by both his and Elizabeth's from childhood and placed them in his now empty basket. Nathan and Elizabeth walked arm-in-arm to the back door where Nathan placed the now heavy basket on the floor and turned to his beautiful Elizabeth.
"I am so happy, my Love. This is the very best Christmas of my life and the first of many to come." He placed his hands on either side of her neck with his thumbs caressing the edge of her blushing cheek. "I love you, Lisbeth and I am yours forever." He whispered as he brushed his lips across hers.
"And I adore you, Nathan. You are the only one for me and I am yours from this day and for every day forward. You are truly God's gift to me and I am so grateful." Placing her hands around his waist, Elizabeth pulled her Nathan to herself for another sweet kiss.
Smiling, the couple softly spoke in unison. "Merry Christmas…"
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(*76) Isaiah 9: 6
(*77) "There's a Song in the Air," Josiah Gilbert Holland, 1872, Public Domain
(*78) John 1: 14 and 3: 16
(*26) Please note the words to this carol are found in chapter 76. "While By My Sheep," Traditional German by Nach Friedrich von Spee, 1623, Translated by Theodore Baker. Public Domain
A.N.: While By My Sheep (The Echo Carol): Although a men's chorus version, it is sung acapella with harmony, echoes and a final resolving chord that Nathan and Allie sang, so I recommend the online version: Echo Carol Voice Of Praise – Topic
(*EMH) "Night it Was" Original Poem by E.M. Hunter, Self-published in Illuminations, Copyright 2014.
(*79) Psalm 121: 4, King James Version, Public Domain
(*80) "The Night Before Christmas" Authorship in question, Clement Clarke Moore or Major Henry Livingston Jr., 1800s. Public Doman