He sobered, his hand tightening in hers. “Grandma passed early this morning.”
“Oh… Jake, I’m so sorry.” And she had been babbling about a silly lamp. “I tried to reach you several times today.”
“She went quietly. That was her way.”
“Why did you come back here?”
“Because I need you.”
He needed her. Roni’s heart melted. Gathering him into her arms, she held him. They stood for many long moments locked in the embrace until he gently pulled back. “I have something I want to show you.”
“Okay, but first I have something to show you.” She reached for her coat and slipped it on.
“If you’re talking about the town decorations, I’ve seen them.”
She paused. “Are you angry?”
Shaking his head, he smiled. “I’m not angry. If I had done a better job, the town’s spirit would have never been broken.”
“You did your job well. You challenged the town to see what we could do without funds. You helped us discover just how important this season is to our little town. It’s not about what we do, but that we do something to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
He ruffled her hair, and then opened the door. “Let’s go see my surprise.”
She trailed him out of the door. Hand in hand they walked by the gazebo. Nativity was a twinkling wonderland. Their gazes traced the laughter coming from the packed gazebo where breathless skaters flew by.
“Are they roller skating?” he asked. About that time, Judy went down in a squeal and her husband stumbled and then piled on top of her. Sprawled on the gazebo floor, the couple’s infectious laughter floated over the hillsides.
“I might have to rethink that ice rink,” Jake admitted.
“Why? Roller skating is a lost art. The folks are having a great time, though I’m afraid Dusty might have cracked something. He took a hard fall earlier, but he vowed he was still intact. We can’t get him to go to the hospital and have things checked out. He says to wait until he goes down a second time.” They walked on. This was how life should be. She and Jake, hand in hand, walking through life with all its up and downs, together.
Her heart suddenly accelerated. What would Jake do now that his grandmother was gone? Rejoin the air force?
Follow his true dream to fly? Suddenly the night didn’t seem as mystical, the lights not so bright.
They reached the office, and Jake had the key in his hand.
“The office?”
“I want to show you something.”
Unlocking the door, Jake ushered her inside. Switching on lights, he led the way to his desk. Roni paused.
“What’s going on?”
“Grandma’s — and your Christmas gift.” He pointed to the miniature town he’d built. Everything was in place.
Every tour bus and Christmas-related shop. “This, my lady, is Nativity, Missouri. ‘The Little Town That Celebrates Christmas All Year Round.’ ”
Roni’s hand shot up to cover her mouth as she studied the board. Suddenly everything made sense. Jake’s fascination with the game, the endless hours he’d spent moving pieces around. New shops, outside cafés, and stores brimming with bulbs, lights, tinsel, and Christmas paraphernalia. Switching off the overhead light, he drew her close as they studied the board. Lights twinkled from three decorated shrubs around the gazebo area. There was an ice-skating rink, along with hot chocolate and spiced cider vendors with attendants dressed as elves. There were fudge, caramel corn, and funnel cake shops galore.
“I used to dread coming to this town,” he whispered against her ear. “I thought I had everything I needed or wanted. It took Grandma’s gift this year to show me what was missing in my life.”
“Oh Jake. I’m speechless.” The gift was astonishing.
He’d given Roni back her home, her children’s future. “I don’t know why the town hadn’t thought of this earlier.”
He chuckled. “With the Branson tour buses coming through almost year around, we should be able to sail through, even if things do slow down during the off-season.” He flipped the overhead lights on, and moved to the board. “See, there’s plenty of room to enlarge, maybe add a few children’s rides, like a Candy Cane Express and Snow Cone Mountain. In time we can build new buildings and include a live nativity scene and a Christmas pageant. Jolsen’s fruitcakes and rye bread will be a huge draw, and The Dairy Dream can eventually remodel and become a genuine old-fashioned ice-cream and soda parlor. We’ll add fudge shops that sell peanut brittle and taffy, and Nadine will have to hire extra help at the post office to stamp ‘Nativity’ on all the Christmas cards that will be mailed from here each year. God willing, there are numerous ways to grow. We can put Nativity on the map.” He touched her cheek. “Tradition will live on in our children.”
“We’ll fill Mom’s old house to the rafters,” she murmured then glanced up. “Children? We? Isn’t this all rather sudden. You and me … marriage.”
“How long does it take to fall in love?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t think there’s a ‘normal’ time frame.”
“It took less than a week for me to know how I felt about you.”
She frowned. “It took you a week?”
He quirked a brow. “How long did it take you?”
“Truthfully?” She grinned. “About the same time.”
Overwhelmed, Roni stepped back into his arms. He had given her the greatest Christmas present ever. Love, tradition, and a home. It made the set of sockets she’d purchased for him at Steil’s look puny. At the moment she felt like she would follow him to the ends of the earth, but Nativity was home. Springfield was nice, but this town was her life. Could she leave? Even for this wonderful man?
“Jake. I know this is all so new to both of us, but I love it here. Where will we call home?”
Smiling, he met her expectant gaze. “That’s up to you and the town. I’d like to run the transformation, but folks here might feel differently. I’m not exactly their favorite person.”
“Nonsense. Most understand what you’ve done, and the ones who don’t will answer to me. You saved the town.”
“It’s not saved yet,” he corrected. “The town will still have to sacrifice; in order for the plan to work everyone has to pull together. There’s still much to be done.”
Their lips touched, then lingered. Finally she whispered. “I love you, Jake Brisco.”
“The feeling is mutual, Roni Elliot. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, darling.”
Offering his arm, he said, “Hey. Before we attend Christmas Eve ser vices, could we get a cup of that hot chocolate with that candy cane that you’re always harping about?”
“Harping!” She playfully boxed his shoulder. “Just for that remark we don’t have time, but we will later. And we’ll skate.” She paused and looked at him. “How did you know we have hot chocolate this year?”
“Because there’s not much about you that I don’t know, Roni Elliott. Dusty Bitterman’s told me your whole life’s story over recent lunches. He thought the information might come in handy since — and these are his words — ‘Eventually I’m not going to be able to live without you’.”
“And to know me is to love me,” she agreed.
He winked. “I’m still adjusting to the idea.”
Tucking her arm through his, Jake proceeded to the church where the ringing bell beckoned worshipers. As Roni climbed the stairs ahead of him, he paused and turned to look up. Overhead, flickering starlight formed a frosty canopy.
Thanks, he said softly. I owe you one.
AUTHER’S NOTE
Copeland Christmases are loud and fun. Every year God blesses our lives with growth: new babies, new girlfriends, and new wives. The immediate family now totals sixteen and growing. Audrey was the lone granddaughter until December 7, 2008, when Anabelle joined the crowd.
We begin our Christmas Eve celebration with a church service, then head home to eat enchi
ladas. I know, enchiladas aren’t exactly a festive dish, but it’s my family’s most requested holiday meal. I’m not a big decorator anymore, but we have a tree and presents. The smallest children get to play “Santa.” They deliver the mound of packages to each recipient seated in a circle. We agree to open one gift at time, when it’s our turn, so everyone can see and enjoy the surprise, but after the second or third present chaos breaks out and all semblance of order is gone.
As I wrote The Christmas Lamp, I realized that tradition is priceless, whether you have a small family, a large family, or no family. I don’t have any one particular custom other than the tree, presents, and our Christmas Eve church service. This particular sacred hour draws our family into an indelible bond, one we remember all year long, though we may not see each other for weeks at a time. We attend different churches, different denominations, but on Christmas Eve we are one.
As God always does, he gives me an idea and weeks later I see the evidence of his hand in the project.
We live thirty miles from Branson, Missouri, and we visit the town and the Landing often. There’s a five and ten in the ‘old downtown’ district. One day we parked in front of the five and ten store, and there it was. The lamp. The gaudy, fishnet stocking leg featured in my favorite holiday classic film, A Christmas Story.
I had to have that lamp.
It happened to be my birthday, and my husband had asked for the third or fourth time what I wanted? When I saw the lamp I said, “That lamp.” He laughed and we walked on through the store. At least twice more, I said I wanted the lamp, and every time he would laugh or say, “You can’t be serious.” But I was serious. When I left the store without the lamp I was hopping mad. How dare he ask what I wanted for my birthday, and then laugh when I told him? I suppose it finally sank in that I actually wanted the lamp when I wouldn’t speak to him on the way home. Forgive me, Lord.
The next morning, he announced that we were going back to Branson to get the lamp. With a sincere hug, he apologized and asked for forgiveness; he really didn’t believe that I would want that lamp in our home. To him, the lamp was a garish gadget with no significance. To me, it represented family struggles, raising children, man and woman accepting each other’s faults and loving each other anyway — the true heart of Christmas, and Christ’s love in admittedly, a different form.
We purchased the lamp, and last Thanksgiving night we ceremoniously placed the lamp in the window, where it will sit each Christmas season. The children had a wonderful time assembling the lamp, and I even heard some giggles and laughs from the adults.
I pray they will see it as a joyful tradition they will carry on with their children and grandchildren. Maybe they’ll even argue over it like fine china. Tradition doesn’t have to be logical; it only has to emphasize the light of Christ and his everlasting love. When I turn on the leg lamp, I’ll remember the one who has given me a sense of humor, and a heart filled with gratitude for the light that he has brought into my life.
May God richly bless you and his light shine in your life all year through.
Merry Christmas,
Lori Copeland
Unwrapping Christmas
Lori Copeland
It’s that time of year again, and with excitement and high expectations, Rose has planned the perfect Christmas for her family and friends. But when she feels them drifting away during a time that should celebrate togetherness, Rose is forced to slow down in the most unexpected way. In this whimsical, uplifting story, she discovers the true meaning of giving.
Hardcover, Jacketed: 978-0-310-27226-7
Pick up a copy today at your favorite bookstore!
Now and Always
Lori Copeland
Very few things distract Katie Addison when she’s on a mission, whether it’s opening her home to abused women, rehabilitating injured horses, or helping tall, gorgeous Warren Tate mend his broken heart. But when financial difficulties pile up for her, Katie hesitantly admits she herself may need help.
Since his fiance left him, Warren is done with women — especially independent women, which he’d guess describes Katie Addison to a tee. Reluctantly he agrees to help Katie with her financial troubles. But when his budget doesn’t include Katie’s daily lattes, Warren realizes he may have a challenging client on his hands.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Ben O’Keefe can’t seem to get Katie’s attention. Everyone in town knows he has had a longstanding crush on her. But to Katie, Ben is just Ben. When mysterious events turn Katie to him for help, is it the chance Ben has been waiting for?
Softcover: 978-0-310-26351-7
Pick up a copy today at your favorite bookstore!
Simple Gifts
Lori Copeland
Can anything else go wrong? Marlene Queens goes home to Parnass Springs, Missouri, to put her late Aunt Beth’s house on the market and settle the estate. But once she’s back home, Marlene suddenly finds herself in over her head. Her Aunt Ingrid grows more demanding by the day. Marlene discovers demanding by the day. Marlene discovers her childhood sweetheart is now the local vet and the town’s acting mayor. And when a group of citizens want to put up a statue in memory of Marlene’s father — the parent who always embarrassed her as a child — Marlene is unwillingly swept into a firestorm of controversy.
As one thing leads to another, Marlene sees her entire life being rearranged before her eyes. Parnass Springs may never be the same. Marlene fears that the secret she’s kept for years may be revealed. Can God work a miracle so she can finally have the future she’s longed for?
Softcover: 978-0-310-26350-0
Pick up a copy today at your favorite bookstore!
Monday Morning Faith
Lori Copeland
Dear Mom and Pop,
Two days ago we all spent the afternoon in palm trees. One of the village dogs broke his leash and treed the whole community. The dog is mean, but I have managed to form a cautious relationship with him by feeding him scraps from our table, and jelly beans… scraps from our table, and jelly beans … I hope candy doesn’t hurt a dog; it hasn’t hurt this dog, I can assure you.
I know you’re wondering about Sam … I love him with all my heart, but sometimes love isn’t enough.
Love always,
Johanna
Librarian Johanna Holland likes her simple life in Saginaw, Michigan. So why is she standing in the middle of the New Guinea Jungle? Johanna is simply aghast at the lack of hot showers and … well …clothing! She is positive the mission field is most certainly not God’s plan for her life, but will that mean letting go of the man she loves? Warm and whimsical, Monday Morning Faith will take you on a spiritual journey filled with depth and humor.
Softcover: 978-0-310-26349-4
Pick up a copy today at your favorite bookstore!
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Founded in 1931, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Zondervan, a division of HarperCollinsPublishers, is the leading international Christian communications company, producing best-selling Bibles, books, new media products, a growing line of gift products and award-winning children’s products. The world’s largest Bible publisher, Zondervan (www.zondervan.com) holds exclusive publishing rights to the New International Version of the Bible and has distributed more than 150 million copies worldwide. It is also one of the top Christian publishers in the world, selling its award-winning books through Christian retailers, general market bookstores, mass merchandisers, specialty retailers, and the Internet. Zondervan has received a total of 68 Gold Medallion awards for its books, more than any other publisher.
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