Until We Meet Again

Chapter Sixteen: Tonight

Allison and Olivia were sitting in front of a blazing fire, wrapped in Olivia's colorful fairy Christmas blankets. The last couple of days had passed quickly. It was Christmas Eve. Allison hadn't spoken to Darren since the day he left her with that question, and although she hadn't asked Kyle about it, it still lingered in her mind. No one had heard anything from their father, but that was just fine with Allison.

Their mother was upstairs getting Olivia and herself ready for the evening. They were all going to a family Bible study that Kyle had invited them to. Naturally, they had accepted.

Allison took a quick shower, blow-dried her hair, and, after a brief search through her closet, put together a simple yet stunning outfit. She wore a long-sleeved sweater paired with black leggings and short black lace-up boots. Her jewelry consisted of pearl earrings and small, sparkly bracelets. She tied her hair up in a high ponytail and applied natural-looking makeup, finishing with a swipe of her favorite lip gloss.

Once ready, she hurried downstairs to meet her mother and sister. Mrs. Hayze was dressed in a lovely black, gray, and gold flowy top, accented with simple jewelry. Her brown hair was neatly tied into a small bun on the side, with short black boots completing the look. Allison couldn't recall the last time she'd seen her mother wearing makeup, but the touch of eyeshadow and mascara looked beautiful.

Allison then looked down at Olivia, who wore a long-sleeved shoulder top with charm bracelets on her wrist. Her curled hair cascaded down her back, held in place by a black flower headband. On her feet, she wore small red fuzzy boots.

"You two look amazing," Allison said with a smile.

"You look pretty awesome yourself," Olivia piped up. Mrs. Hayze chuckled, realizing just how witty her younger daughter could be.

"She's right, sweetie! Let's go."

There was a time of worship, fellowship, and prayer before Pastor David started the study. He began by discussing the real gift of Christmas: it wasn't about toys or material things, but about Jesus. God had sent His Son to live in this world of darkness and to die in our place. As Pastor David spoke, Allison felt an indescribable sensation inside her, but it wasn't because Kyle was sitting next to her. This was different, something deeper, and she couldn't quite place it.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8

Allison learned about Jesus' birth and how His mother, Mary, was a virgin when she had Him. He was the only person who lived without sinning. She also learned why Jesus had to die. He hadn't done anything wrong or deserving of death. God sent His only Son to lay down His life for our sins. As Pastor David continued preaching, the feeling inside Allison intensified.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 6:23

Allison's mind raced. Jesus had come to save the world, to die for us. He had lived the perfect life and then died the death that we should have faced. The true gift of Christmas was the Son of God, Jesus. Years later, He was crucified but rose from the dead three days later.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
John 1:12

As Pastor David wrapped up his lesson, he asked a powerful question:

"Have you accepted God's gift of salvation? If you haven't, I encourage you to do so today. This will be the best Christmas Eve yet."

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

The emotions swelling inside Allison were so overwhelming. She realized that she wanted to have a personal relationship with Jesus, the one who had died for her. But how? She wondered. How could she receive Him?

"I'd like to pray with you," Pastor David continued. "This prayer doesn't save you, but it helps guide you in asking Jesus to save you. You may also pray to God in your own words."

As Pastor David recited the prayer aloud, Allison found herself silently repeating the words. Little did she know that someone close to her was doing the same.

"I believe that your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin."

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Romans 10:9

Allison silently confessed Jesus as her Savior. In that moment, she felt a peace she had never known before. She had accepted God's gift, and according to His Word, she was saved.

"If you prayed that prayer just now, I want to welcome you to the family of God!" Pastor David announced. Allison's eyes widened. She had just accepted Jesus. She had received the greatest gift.

"If you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior today, I invite you to stand up and share the good news. Let everyone know that another brother or sister has joined the family of God."

Without a second thought, Allison stood, her heart full of joy. As she opened her eyes, she saw a young child standing too—her sister, Olivia. She had accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior as well.

Allison noticed others turning their attention to the fifth row. Before she could react, Pastor David walked down from the stage and embraced her. Tears of joy welled up in her eyes. After releasing her, the pastor approached Olivia, kneeling before her and introducing himself. He gave Olivia a hug as well before inviting them both to stand at the front of the church.

"Do you understand what you just did?" he asked Allison.

She nodded excitedly. He then turned to Olivia, who smiled and nodded as well.

"I am so happy to announce that two more sisters have joined the body of Christ," Pastor David said to the congregation. Applause erupted, with shouts of "Amen!" and "Praise God!" filling the air. After the service, the Hayze family stayed behind, receiving congratulations from many. Mrs. Hayze hugged her daughters, overwhelmed with joy that both of them had accepted Jesus on Christmas Eve.

"Hey, Mom," Allison said, turning to her mother.

"Yes, sweetheart?" Mrs. Hayze asked, a smile still on her face.

"I'm okay...I just haven't seen Kyle since Pastor David asked us to come to the stage."

As people continued to congratulate her, Allison's thoughts drifted to Kyle. By nine o'clock, the church had mostly cleared out, with just a few couples remaining. One couple caught Allison's eye—they looked familiar.

It was the West family. Before Allison could ask any questions, Melanie West ran up to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. Allison smiled, knowing that the West family truly cared about her.

After Melanie released her, Allison noticed her mother and Mrs. West exchanging glances. They stepped toward each other, and before either could say a word, they embraced. Tears streamed down Mrs. West's face as she reunited with her old friend.

Stepping away from the heartwarming reunion, Allison tapped Mr. West on the arm.

"Hey, Mr. West, do you know where Kyle is?"

"He might be outside," Mr. West replied with a nod.

Allison rushed out the door and spotted her best friend standing alone, waiting for her with open arms, ready to pull her into a warm embrace.

🌦⛈🌦⛈🌦⛈🌦
Don't forget to VOTE! ❤️