Saving Christmas

Chapter 9

This was it. Finally, the "D-day" has arrived. I was so excited! I told Susan about my idea to invite people from nearby towns to the Christmas program. She agreed and soon, flyers were made and were sent to nearby towns. No snowstorms. Everything was going to be alright, I told myself. We had already seen the church. The people who had decorated the place had done a very good job at it. The chairs were red and green and there were rows and rows of them. Christmas lights of different colours were placed on the walls. Balloons, ribbons and streamers could be seen everywhere. A Christmas tree was placed at the right side of the stage. It was decorated with lots of lights and other decorations. All in all, the place looked beautiful.

I quickly did my morning things. Kevin graciously allowed me to use the car today. I guess he knew how important today was to me. Even though Kevin was annoying, he really understood me and was always there for me. That's what siblings are for, I guess. I soon arrived and we made finishing touches to everything. We prayed before finally getting on the bus headed towards the church.

Before I knew it,"It's Christmas" had started. People from nearby towns and even faraway towns to attend the program. The church was very crowded. I just prayed that after the program, people would know and understand the true meaning of Christmas. Soon enough, it was time for the children to the Christmas play. To be honest Stephanie looked great in her costume. She walked up to me.

"I'm scared", Stephanie said truthfully.

"Don't be. Remember....." I started to say.

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength", Stephanie finished.

"Yes and always look to Jesus", I said and we prayed.

I gave Stephanie what I hoped was an encouraging hug before she went on stage. I believed in Stephanie and I knew she could do this. She had come such a long way and I saw her confidence increasing everyday. I sat on some reserved seats and watched the Christmas play. Initially I could see shyness in Stephanie's eyes but as the Christmas play progressed she became more and more confident. True to say I was proud of Stephanie. Little Stephanie. Before I knew it the Christmas play was over. Everyone gave a standing ovation when the play ended. I guess everyone knew about Stephanie's shyness. I was crying. I was so proud of that girl. Daphne's jaw dropped. She obviously didn't believe in Stephanie. I thought she wouldn't attend the program but obviously, she did. There were shouts and cheers backstage.

"I did it!' Stephanie said excitedly, jumping into my arms.

"No, Stephanie. You didn't do it on your own. You relied on Jesus Christ's strength. Do you remember the verse?" I reminded Stephanie.

"Yes. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13", Stephanie said, jumping into my arms once again.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Daphne sitting down a sad expression on her face. I sighed. I knew I had to talk to her sooner or later. I walked up to her and grabbed a chair nearby and sat by her.

"Hey", I said.

"Hi", Daphne said.

There was an awkward silence. I didn't really know if I wanted to apologize first.

"I'm sorry", we said in unison.

We laughed together.

"I guess you were right after all and I was wrong", Daphne said.

"I don't care about all that. I just want us to be friends", I said.

"We are friends. Anyways, have you heard about the after party?" Daphne asked me, quickly changing the subject.

"There is an after party? This just keeps getting better and better", I said and we both laughed.