by Amy Clipston
Pulling the door open, she found Matthew standing with a host of Kauffman friends and relatives on the porch.
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag!” they called in unison.
“We all wanted to help welcome Rebecca and the boppli home,” Matthew explained, walking through the doorway. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag,” he said softly in her ear as he moved past her into the kitchen.
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag,” Lindsay echoed as the line of visitors made their way from the cold into the warm house. “Please make yourself comfortable. I don’t know when they’ll be home, but they’ll be froh to see you all.” She greeted them all with smiles and handshakes as they filed into the house.
The women left covered dishes and desserts on the counter on their way to sit in the family room. Delicious smells wafted through the kitchen.
“All of the kinner follow me!” Eli called from the family room. “It’s time to hear the Christmas story.”
Lindsay stood in the doorway leading to the family room as the children cheered and rushed to him. With Emma on his lap and the rest of his grandchildren on the floor in front of the rocking chair, Eli began to tell the story from the Book of Luke.
Matthew sidled up to Lindsay. “He tells the story every year, ya?”
“Ya,” Lindsay said, smiling. “I love watching the way the kinner smile and their eyes light up. It’s magical to them every year.”
“They do look excited.” Matthew gestured toward the children. “Mei daadi used to tell us the story each year too. I miss him.”
“I’m certain you do.” Lindsay glanced across the room and spotted her gifts for Matthew. “I have to give you your presents.” She motioned for him to follow her to the corner of the room where a pile of gifts sat. She lifted the two heavy wrapped boxes. “I hope this is what you need. Daniel helped me pick them out,” she whispered in order to not interfere with the storytelling nearby.
“Danki.” He gestured toward the stairs. “Let’s go sit there so we can have a little privacy.”
“Gut idea,” she said, following him to the staircase. They climbed up to the landing and sat beside each other.
He examined the drill and accessories, and a smile turned up his lips. “They’re perfect, Lindsay,” he said. “They’re just what I need to start on our haus.”
Her stomach flipped at the mention of the future house. Next Christmas we’ll be married. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag, mei liewe,” she said.
He echoed the words. “Now I have a question for you,” he said. “Have you decided how many bedrooms you want in your haus?”
“Ya,” she said. “How about five?”
“Five?” he asked, grinning. “You’re expecting a big family, ya?”
“I can hope so, right?” She laughed. “Matthew, I don’t care how many bedrooms we have as long as we’re together.”
“I agree, but without bedrooms, all we’ll only have are a kitchen, schtupp, and a bathroom.” He nodded toward the tools. “But if you want five, then five it is.”
“That will be an awfully large house for a couple just starting out,” Lindsay said. “I’ll be satisfied with three bedrooms.”
“Let’s start with five and see how the plans come out.” Matthew’s expression became intense. “Ich liebe dich, Lindsay.”
“Ich liebe dich too,” Lindsay said.
While he continued to discuss the house, Lindsay sighed to herself. Yes, this is absolutely the best Christmas ever.
Katie glanced around the group of family members and friends clogging up Rebecca’s kitchen. When the word got around yesterday that Rebecca had had her baby and everyone was going to surprise her with Christmas dinner, Katie hoped someone would invite Jake. She’d spent the past couple of days making a gift for him, and she wanted to give it to him on Christmas.
Moving through the family room, she spotted her grandfather telling the Christmas story to the little ones, and she smiled. She remembered gathering around him every year to hear the story when she was a girl. Even though she knew the words nearly by heart, it was fun and exciting to hear it again, especially since only her grandfather could tell it so well.
She gripped the little gift in her hand and headed toward the front door, trying to ignore the disappointment filling her. She stood by the door and glanced out at the road, spotting small snowflakes dancing their way down from heaven.
“It’s snowing,” she whispered to herself.
“I know,” a voice behind her said. “I noticed it when I climbed the back porch.”
Turning, Katie found Jake smiling at her.
“Jake,” she said, “you’re here!”
“Ya, I’m here,” he said. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag.”
She touched his arm, noticing that his body was cold. “Did you just get here?” she asked. “You feel like you’ve been walking outside.”
“I did just arrive.” He sat on a bench by the front door and motioned for him to join her. “Mei daadi got a slow start this morning, and I was waiting for him to pick me up.” He pulled a small item from his pocket. “I have something for you. It’s not much, but I made it myself.”
“Oh,” she said, placing his gift on her lap. “I have something for you too.”
“I’ll go first,” Jake said, handing her a small package wrapped in red paper. “I hope you like it.” His smile was shy, and she couldn’t help but think he looked adorable.
“I’m certain I will.” She unwrapped the package to reveal a small, wooden box with Katie carved in the top. It had brass hinges.
“It’s a prayer box,” he said. “You write down your special prayers on small pieces of paper, fold them up, and put them in the box for safekeeping.”
“Oh, Jake,” she said, running her fingers over the wood. “It’s the most schee box I’ve ever seen. Danki. I love it so very much.”
“Gern gschehne,” he said. “I’d hoped you’d like it.”
A commotion sounded from the direction of the kitchen, but Katie ignored it, concentrating only on Jake.
“My gift isn’t much.” She held up the little package. “But I hope you like it.”
“I’ll like anything you give me.” He ripped open the green paper and found a knitted, dark blue blanket. “I love it, Katie.”
“I’m so glad,” she said. “It’s a blanket for when you get your first buggy. You put it on the seat to keep it warm. When I have more time, I’ll make you a larger blanket too.”
“It’s perfect,” he said. “Celebrating our Lord’s birth with you today makes this day perfect. Danki. This is the best gift I could ever receive this year, other than being here with you.”
“Danki,” she said. “I’m glad you liked it.”
“Hey,” a voice called.
Katie looked up as Jessica walked over.
“I’m sorry,” Jessica said, looking embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you two.” She started to walk away.
“No,” Jake said, standing. “It’s okay. Merry Christmas.” He shook Jessica’s hand.
“Hello, Jessica,” Katie said. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.” Jessica jammed her thumb toward the family room. “I just got back from the hospital. I brought Rebecca, Daniel, and the baby home.”
“They’re back,” Katie said with excitement. “I can’t wait to see my new cousin.”
“She’s gorgeous,” Jessica said, smiling. “She’s the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.” Her smile faded, and her expression became serious. “I wanted to speak with you both, especially Katie.”
Katie’s stomach tightened. “Oh?”
“I owe you both an apology.” Jessica looked between Jake and Katie. “I didn’t mean to come between you. I also never wanted to make you feel uncomfortable or cause you to think Jake wanted to be with me. I know he belongs with you, Katie.” She touched Katie’s arm. “I wish you and Jake happiness.”
With surprise, Katie smiled and hugged Jessica. “I forgive you, Jessica. Thank you so
much for your honesty.”
“You’re welcome,” Jessica said. She gestured toward the family room. “I’ll let you two celebrate together. I’m going to go get some of that yummy food that’s in the kitchen. I’m going to miss this Amish food when I head home and go back to being a poor college student.”
Jake smiled as Jessica walked away. “I’m glad she apologized. She told me she felt really bad about interfering, and I suggested she express her feelings to you.”
Katie smiled up at him. “No one can interfere between us now.”
“That’s right,” he said. “Let’s go meet your new cousin.”
“I can’t wait,” she said.
As Katie and Jake started walking toward the kitchen, Katie spotted Lindsay and Matthew coming down the stairs. Katie suddenly remembered how nasty she’d been to Lindsay the night of the Christmas party. Now it’s my turn to apologize. She turned to Jake. “I need to talk to Lindsay for a minute.”
Jake raised his eyebrows. “Oh. Let me know when you’re done. I’ll go talk to Timothy and Luke.”
“Danki.” Katie caught up with Lindsay and touched her arm. “Lindsay.”
“Katie!” Lindsay said. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag.” She hugged her. “It’s so gut to see you.”
“You too.” Katie pointed toward the front door. “May I talk to you for a moment?”
“Of course.” Lindsay glanced at Matthew. “I’ll be right back.”
“Danki, Matthew, for allowing me to borrow her for a moment,” Katie said before following Lindsay to the front door.
Lindsay grinned at Katie. “I heard the news about Jake. I’m so glad you worked things out. That’s wunderbaar he’s going to join the church, and you two can be together. I know how much you care about him.”
“Danki.” Katie smiled. “I never expected things to work out as well as they did.”
“I know. I was surprised when Matthew told me Jake wanted to be Amish, but it all makes sense.” Lindsay smiled. “Did you hear my news?”
“No,” Katie said. “What is it?”
“Matthew asked me to marry him next season.” Lindsay beamed.
“What?” Lizzie Anne sidled up to them. “Lindsay, did you say Matthew proposed?”
“Ya,” Lindsay said.
“Ach!” Lizzie Anne said, squeezing Lindsay’s arm. “That’s so exciting.”
“Oh, Lindsay!” Katie said. “That’s wunderbaar gut. I’m so froh for you.”
“Danki,” Lindsay said. “Now what did you want to talk about, Katie?”
Katie took a deep breath. “I want to apologize.”
“For what?” Lindsay asked, looking confused.
“For being so awful to you the day of the party at mei haus. I shouldn’t have said those mean things to you.” Shaking her head, Katie thought back to the last couple of months. “I’ve been really moody during the past few months, and I’m sorry you both took the brunt of it.” She glanced at Lizzie Anne. “I’m sorry for being nasty to you too, Lizzie Anne. I was a horrible freind to you both.”
Lindsay waved off the comment. “Please don’t apologize. There’s no need. You’re mei freind. We’re always going to have bad days and say things we don’t mean in the heat of the moment. But no matter what, we forgive and love each other.”
“Ya,” Lizzie Anne chimed in. “We’re always best freinden, even on the rough days.”
Katie held their hands. “I’m so thankful for you both.”
“I’m thankful for you both too,” Lindsay said.
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag, mei freinden,” Lizzie Anne said.
Rebecca held Gracie close as she stepped through the back door of her house. Her eyes widened with surprise when she found all of the members of the Kauffman family waiting for her. Kathryn and David stood over in the corner with Beth Anne and Paul. Timothy and Luke stood by the doorway, and Sarah Rose and Miriam spoke to Caleb and Naomi. Children zoomed in and out of the kitchen, snatching goodies off the counter.
The crowd spotted Rebecca. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag!” they called before rushing toward her to coo at the baby.
“Ach,” Rebecca said. “This is so wunderbaar gut! Danki all of you for coming to see us.” She glanced down at her sleeping newborn. “This is your family, Gracie. They all love you.”
Elizabeth emerged from the crowd. “Willkumm heemet, Rebecca and Gracie.” She held out her arms. “I just washed my hands. May I take her from you?”
“Ya,” Rebecca said, handing over the baby. “Danki.” She looked at the sea of food that covered the counters and table. “Everything smells so appeditlich. I appreciate this warm welcome.”
Elizabeth took Rebecca’s cloak off her shoulders. “Gern gschehne. Would you like to rest in the schtupp or in here?”
“I’m very sore,” Rebecca said. “I think I’d like to go to the schtupp.”
Daniel appeared behind her. “I’ll walk with you.”
Taking her hand, he led her through the crowd to her favorite chair in the family room. Rebecca greeted family members on her way, thanking them for coming and for bringing the delicious food.
“I’ll bring you a plate,” Daniel said. “You relax.”
“Danki.” Rebecca smiled up at him and then glanced over at Eli, who was in the middle of telling the Christmas story. She spotted Emma curled up in his lap. Junior sat with his cousins and his eyes were trained on Eli. Happiness filled her. Someday soon, Gracie would be in the middle of the group, enjoying the sacred story with her siblings and cousins.
“Aenti,” Lindsay said, rushing over to her, “I’m so glad you’re home! How are you?”
“I’m fine.” Rebecca held her arms out and hugged her. “How are you, Lindsay?”
“I’m wunderbaar gut. Frehlicher Grischtdaag,” Lindsay said. “Where’s the boppli?”
“Elizabeth has her.” Rebecca gestured toward the kitchen, where Elizabeth was holding Gracie while talking to Sarah Rose and Naomi.
“Oh.” Lindsay sat in a chair next to Rebecca. “Are you feeling well?”
“Ya,” Rebecca said. “I’m just sore.”
Daniel returned with a heaping plate of food and a cup of hot cider. He placed the cider on the table beside Rebecca and handed her the plate. “I’m going to go get myself something to eat. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay,” Rebecca said, before sipping some cider.
Elizabeth stepped into the family room and held Gracie out to Lindsay. “Here’s your new cousin,” she said, passing the bundle to her. “Isn’t she schee?”
“Oh,” Lindsay said, her eyes filling with tears. “She’s the perfect Christmas gift.”
Rebecca smiled. “Ya, she is.”
Jessica rushed over. “Isn’t she exquisite, Lindsay?”
“She is,” Lindsay said, smiling up at her sister. “She’s adorable.”
“And she’s named after Mom,” Jessica added, squatting next to Lindsay to be close to the baby. “Isn’t that awesome?”
Rebecca smiled. Yes, it’s awesome.
“Mom would be so honored,” Lindsay said.
Across the room, Eli finished up the Christmas story, and the children began talking and playing. A small roar of noise rose with their little voices.
“Mamm!” Junior called, rushing over to Rebecca.
“Mamm!” Emma echoed as she leaped from Eli’s lap and hurried over with her arms extended.
“Hello!” Rebecca placed the plate on the table and opened her arms. Both children buried themselves in her hug. “Frehlicher Grischtdaag.” She leaned down and kissed their cheeks.
“Emma. Junior.” Lindsay motioned for them to come over to her. “Come and meet your new schweschder.”
With their eyes round with curiosity, Emma and Junior made their way over to the baby. They stared at her.
“Boppli!” Emma exclaimed with a giggle. “Boppli!”
“She’s tiny,” Junior said. “What’s her name?”
“Her name is Grace,” Jessica said,
sitting on the floor next to them. “We call her Gracie. Do you like that name?”
With a serious expression, Junior nodded. “Ya, it’s a gut name.”
Jessica and Lindsay continued to talk to Emma and Junior about their new baby sister, explaining how much babies like to sleep. Gracie yawned, and the children laughed.
Daniel appeared next to Rebecca and touched her shoulder. “I think they like their schweschder, ya?”
“Ya,” Rebecca said. “They do.” She took his hand. “We have the perfect family, Daniel. God has blessed us.”
“Ya, He has.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek. “I was blessed the day I met you, Becky.”
“I was blessed the day I met you as well, mei liewe.” Rebecca turned back to her children and smiled. “And I was blessed the day Jessica and Lindsay came to live with us.”
Discussion Questions
1. When Katie and Jake become close friends, Katie feels as if she’s finally found her soul mate. Due to the rules by which she lives, her father forbids her from seeing Jake. The bishop and Katie’s parents misconstrue her innocent encounters with Jake. Take a walk in Katie’s shoes. If you were in her situation, how would you have handled the conflict she faced at home? Share this with the group.
2. The birth of Rebecca’s third child intensifies her love for her family and the joy she’s felt while serving as guardian for her nieces. Have you ever had a life-changing1 experience that strengthened your love for your family or a certain family member? Share this with the group.
3. Elizabeth Kauffman quotes Matthew 5:16 (print out the verse). What does this verse mean to you?
4. Jake realizes during the story that he longs to convert to the Amish way of life rather than continue to live as a Mennonite. Have you ever longed to make a huge change in your life? If so, did you follow through with that change? How did your family and friends react? What Bible verses helped you with your choice? Share this with the group.
5. Before Katie becomes close friends with Jake, she feels like the fifth wheel when she spends time with her friends. Think of a time when you felt lost and alone. Where did you find your strength? What Bible verses would help with this?
6. By the end of the book, Lindsay’s and Jessica’s relationship has grown from one filled with disagreements to one of mutual respect and love. Have you ever had a tumultuous relationship with a sibling or family member that flourished into one of mutual respect? Share this with the group.
