Thomas Kinkade's Cape Light

by Katherine Spencer

  “Can you imagine the situation that night? Certainly, it was a crisis. Mary, forced to give birth outdoors, on a bed of straw, in a flimsy shelter alongside farm animals. Uncommonly rough, even for those days. But out of that crisis, opportunity arises. A chance for some to show their best nature, to share the experience of this young couple, not cast them aside. To aid and support this homeless family. To bring gifts and to simply respect and value them. All these very different people, brought together by the wonder of Jesus’s birth. All experiencing the same revelation, the same joy in their hearts.

  “I wasn’t studying tonight’s Scriptures when this insight came to me. I wasn’t even sitting at my desk, staring into space, wondering what to say, as is often the case.” His admission made many laugh.

  “I was in Fellowship Hall, working in our warming center, filling the coffee percolators for the umpteenth time. Making sure everyone had enough blankets, pillows, and cell phone chargers. Surprised and grateful when the donations of food continued to come in. There were no barn animals wandering about. I don’t think so, anyway,” he added in a bemused tone that brought more laughter. “Only a diverse group of people, mostly strangers, brought together by an unexpected challenge, and showing their best side, their highest selves. Forgetting their differences and focusing on their common experience and the similarities deep inside.

  “Finally, I thought of the beautiful, innocent baby in this scene. A baby who responds the same to the admiration of the shepherd or the king. A baby who doesn’t know the difference between any of the different faces surrounding him. He reaches toward all of them with equal love. Because that is the way God has created and loves us. We are all equal in His eyes and all worthy of love, respect, and care.

  “Maybe the message of the manger scene that I have overlooked for so long is simply this: In the eyes of God, our differences are infinitesimal. We are each unique, but equally wonderful, equally loved and valued. It is our challenge here, in this world, in this ‘manger scene’ of our own making, to see each other and treat each other just that way. To ignore the differences, the external experience, and look deeper. Down to the essential level of spirit. The way the infant looks up at each one of us, with so much love and trust.

  “Sometimes we need a crisis, like a huge, destructive storm, to remind us. But the opportunities are then abundant to show care and love to each other. To express the qualities in our nature that are truly a gift from God. And we are continually reminded to look for the light that shines in each and every one of us. To feel the connection of our love for Him, and our love for each other.”

  The sanctuary was silent as Reverend Ben bowed his head and stepped away from the pulpit. The choir stood and began singing “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.”

  Reverend Ben’s sermon had put into words so many feelings Emily had experienced the past few days—but couldn’t quite put her finger on at the time. He had a gift that way. She knew she would be mulling over these thoughts for a long time, well past Christmas.

  * * *

  When the service ended, Zoey felt as if her family were the only people in the whole world who were not going to Sophie’s house. Lucy seemed willing to go, but Charlie insisted that they have Christmas Eve on their own, just the family. He was closing the diner as a warming center and they would have their dinner there, since they still didn’t have heat at home. Zoey guessed that Charlie needed a break from being in the midst of the entire village. He had barely had a minute off all week long. She could understand that, but it was hard for her to miss the party, since she had helped Sophie prepare and knew how much good food and fun Sophie was anticipating. It was going to be the party of the year, maybe even of the decade.

  Across the sanctuary, she watched the Potter clan empty out of their pew. Evelyn herded everyone to the side door, eager to beat the guests back to Sophie’s house.

  Zoey searched the group for James but didn’t see him. Her parents and brothers were on line to wish Reverend Ben a merry Christmas, a mission that could take until New Year’s Day, Zoey thought. She worked her way to a side door and stepped outside, greeted by the crisp night air and sharp, bright stars that covered the sky above the village green.

  She felt alone and dispirited, not at all in a Christmas mood. She wondered how she would get through the night. She had a secret and it felt like a weight pressing on her chest. It was a secret from her parents, but she believed she was doing the right thing, keeping this from them. The mature thing. Her parents would be proud of her, if they knew. But the whole point was for them not to know.

  She had been watching the mail the last few days—trying to be the first to the delivery before her mother or father. Which wasn’t hard, since they were both out working so much. She’d received a letter yesterday, offering her the internship at the center. She had to read it a few times to make sure she understood the message. Then she felt so happy, she wanted to dance and scream. Then she remembered she couldn’t take the job.

  End of story. You’ve faced much tougher situations and disappointments, she reminded herself. This is nothing. Besides, you knew better. It was dumb to go to the interview, knowing you could never take the job.

  She wasn’t going to tell her folks and start another fight—or make them feel super guilty. And she didn’t want to ruin everyone’s Christmas with a big drama. Charlie was right. He had this one chance to be mayor, but she would have a lot of opportunities. She had to give him this. A special Christmas present. Even if he didn’t realize it.

  Someone tugged on her sleeve and she turned to see James, his face inches from her own. “Hey. I’ve been looking all over for you. I thought you left.”

  “Just slipped out to wait for my folks. It was so crowded in there. I thought you left with your family.”

  “I escaped the iron grip of Aunt Evelyn. It’s all hands on deck, but I think they can manage without me for a little while. Are you coming to the orchard tonight? I hope so,” he added. His blue eyes sparkled, as bright as any of the stars.

  Zoey shook her head. “I’m sorry . . . I don’t think I can. We’re having Christmas Eve at the diner. There’s still no power in our house. I don’t think I’ll be able to make it out there.”

  James looked surprised and disappointed. “Maybe later? I think the party will go on awhile. I can pick you up,” he offered. “Maybe your whole family will come. They know they’re invited, right?”

  “Yes. And I’ll remind them, but I think my dad wants to just lay low tonight. He’s burned out from dealing with the storm and talking to everyone in town all week.”

  “I get it.” James nodded, sounding sympathetic. He took her hand and caught her gaze. “It won’t be the same without you. I was hoping we could dance to another Elvis song,” he added. “Maybe you’ll be able to slip away. I’ll hope for the best, as my grandmother always says.”

  “I will, too,” she promised, though she wasn’t sure she could muster much hopeful energy tonight.

  James leaned over and kissed her cheek. She felt happy again and wished she could go with him to Sophie’s at that very moment.

  They both heard his father calling from the parking lot, “James, where are you? We’re leaving.”

  He gave her hand a quick squeeze, then vanished into the darkness. When she turned, Lucy was standing on the church steps, waving to her. “Zoey? We’re going to the diner now. Dad is bringing the car around.”

  Zoey shook her head. “It’s okay, I’ll walk.” Her hands dug in her pockets as she headed across the green toward Main Street.

  It was going to be the longest Christmas Eve of her life.

  * * *

  It had seemed an odd idea to her to spend Christmas Eve at the diner, but once the rest of her family got there, it didn’t seem odd at all. Her mother had set up a small Christmas tree on one of the tables and their presents were stashed underneath. Her father disappeared int
o the kitchen and returned wearing a Santa cap. He set out some tasty snacks on the counter and carried around a tray of glasses filled with his famous Christmas punch. He had turned on Christmas music and sang along as he passed out the cranberry potion.

  “I bet you don’t know who this is singing,” Charlie said.

  Zoey took a sip of punch—mainly cranberry juice and ginger ale, but it was tasty. “Bet I do. Burl Ives.”

  Charlie looked surprised. “Very good. Best Christmas album ever.”

  “It’s Sophie’s favorite, too,” she said, though she wasn’t sure he heard her.

  “Is this box for me? Is this the video game I asked for?” Jamie stood near the tree, shaking the gifts.

  Lucy took the box from his hands. “We’ll see. We’re not opening gifts yet. We have to eat dinner.”

  “What’s for dinner? I’m starving.” C.J. had worn a tie and jacket and his good wool pants to church, but now he yanked off the neckwear and draped his jacket over a chair. “Can I turn on the TV?”

  “No, sir,” Charlie replied. “No TV on Christmas.”

  “Thank heaven,” Lucy said with a sigh. A big table in the center of the room was covered with a red tablecloth and set for five. She added a centerpiece of pine and holly and two diner candles. “See, it’s just as nice as home.”

  It really wasn’t, but Zoey appreciated her mother’s effort to make it so. And her father’s. It was certainly better than their cold, dark house. Even candles and a fire in the hearth couldn’t dispel the shadows these last few nights.

  “I think it’s fun,” Zoey said, determined to at least act cheerful. “The table looks very pretty. Can I help you with the food?”

  Lucy had folded green napkins into little hat shapes and paused at the table to prop one up. “Thanks, dear. It’s all ready. I made a roast and mashed potatoes.”

  Jamie took a seat and tucked the cloth napkin into his collar. He also wore his best clothes: a navy blue blazer, a white dress shirt, and a red tie. Zoey thought he looked like a miniature banker or lawyer. He enjoyed dressing up and didn’t rip his tie off nearly as fast as C.J. always did.

  “Church was so long,” Jamie said. “All the singing made me hungry.”

  “Singing can’t make you hungry, dummy.” C.J. sat down and shook his head.

  “Don’t call your brother names, please?” her father said.

  Her mother carried in the roast, and Zoey carried the side dishes. “I loved the singing,” Lucy said. “That was the best part. I hope we can sing some carols later, before we open the presents.”

  Her brothers groaned together, making Zoey laugh. When they finally settled down, her mother asked everyone to bow their heads and said grace.

  “Well said, Lucy. Thank you for that prayer. And for this delicious dinner. What a feast.”

  “Thank you, Charlie. Enjoy, everyone.”

  Zoey passed the serving plates around and filled her own dish. The meal did look good, but she couldn’t help but wonder what they were eating at Sophie’s house right now.

  “Did you see how many people were headed for the orchard?” Lucy was obviously thinking in the same direction. “It looked like a car parade heading out of the church parking lot. I’ll bet half the town will be there.”

  “At least they have someplace to go. I can do without a big crowd tonight, everyone asking me when the roads will be clear and the power back on. I just want to relax and enjoy Christmas.”

  “I understand,” Lucy said. “It’s been a long week, and a very hard one.”

  So much for hoping, Zoey thought.

  “I bet they’re having fun.” Jamie pushed a string bean around his plate. “All the kids in my class are there.”

  “Another reason to steer clear,” her father said. “The noise must be deafening.”

  “It’s a big house. People will spread out,” Zoey said.

  Lucy tilted her head to one side. “A big party can be fun. It’s very good of Sophie to open her home for people who still don’t have power or any way to cook a dinner. But we have everything we need. It’s much cozier here.”

  “I agree. This is the perfect place for us to celebrate Christmas.” Charlie smiled and gazed around the table. “Merry Christmas, everyone. Now, let’s eat up so we can get to those presents.”

  A short time later, they were sitting by the tree and Charlie was passing out the gifts. Zoey was surprised when she opened a big box and found a pair of high boots that she had really wanted. “How did you know I wanted these, Mom?”

  “I saw you eyeing them in the store when you thought I wasn’t looking. I have my ways, you know.”

  Zoey felt touched by her thoughtfulness. She got some other great gifts, too—clothes that she had wanted and some books and art supplies. And it felt good watching her parents and brothers open the gifts she had chosen for them. She had bought Lucy a pair of comfort clogs for the hospital; she was on her feet so much at work. And Zoey had found a fancier, less practical gift for her, too.

  “Oh, Zoey . . . this is beautiful.” Lucy unfolded the flowered scarf Zoey had chosen and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Don’t I look elegant?”

  “You always look just right to me,” Charlie answered. “But those flowers do look nice with your eyes and your dress.”

  Her mother seemed pleased and kept the scarf on. It did go well with her blue dress. She put her arm around Zoey’s shoulders and gave her a hug. “I love it, honey.”

  When it was Charlie’s turn to open his present, he tore off the wrapping, then carefully lifted the box cover. “Well . . . I’ll be. I thought I was getting a pair of earmuffs.”

  “It’s a desk set, Dad, for your office in Village Hall. I thought the mayor should have something special.”

  “This is special, all right.” Charlie seemed impressed, even a bit awed, as he examined each piece of the fancy leather set—a desk blotter, a pencil holder, a note holder, and even a pricey pen and pencil set. “This looks expensive, Zoey. I think you overdid it.”

  “Do you like it?”

  “I’ll say. It belongs on a judge’s desk. No, the president of the United States,” he corrected himself. “You were way too extravagant—”

  “You need that, Dad. Besides, you gave me a big raise. I could afford it,” she added with a grin. “There’s something else for your office. On the bottom of the box. Do you see it?”

  He dug through the box again and came up with the last tissue-wrapped packet. He tore off the paper and smiled at the family portrait Zoey had framed for him.

  “That’s perfect, honey. Just what I need to give me a boost when things get rough down there.”

  “Things are going better now,” Lucy assured him. “You did a lot the last few days to get us back to normal. People are grateful.”

  “After a shaky start,” Charlie agreed.

  Zoey was about to agree. She, too, had heard some good reviews of her father’s performance as mayor the last few days. But before she could comment, her cell phone buzzed. She pulled it out from her pocket and found a text message from James:

  Haven’t given up on you. I can pick you up. My dad’s car, not the truck. I know your father hates Bella.

  When she looked up, she found her parents watching her. “Everything okay?” Lucy asked.

  “It’s James. He wants me to come to the orchard. Can I go? He said he can pick me up with his father’s car.”

  Her parents exchanged looks. Charlie sighed. “I don’t know. Christmas Eve is a time to be with your family.”

  “That’s true,” Lucy agreed. “But Zoey helped a lot with the party preparations, and she is close to Sophie. It’s probably the last time Sophie will have a big get-together in that house.”

  Zoey’s phone buzzed again with a text:

  Everyone in town is here. They’re all asking about your dad.
They want him to come. I’m not just saying that to get you here . . .

  Charlie leaned close, as if sensing his name had been mentioned. “What’s he saying now?”

  “He said everyone in town is there, and everyone is wondering if we’re coming. They’re asking for you, Dad. They want you to come.”

  “Me? Why would they want to see me?” he scoffed, but Zoey could tell he felt good about that report.

  “Because you’re the mayor, dear, and we’ve all just muddled our way through a big ordeal, and now folks are relieved and celebrating,” Lucy replied.

  “Can we go, Dad?” C.J. asked. “My friend Mike just texted me, too. He says it’s awesome.”

  “I guess I’ve been outvoted,” Charlie said, but he seemed pleased. “Let’s clean up a bit and get our coats on.”

  * * *

  Cars lined the narrow lane that led to Sophie’s house. Luckily, a car parked close to the house was pulling away, and Charlie quickly claimed the spot. “You’d think it was the county fair in there,” he mumbled.

  “At least we don’t have far to walk,” Lucy said, balancing the large bowl of Christmas pudding she had made for their family’s dessert.

  “I’ll carry that. You take my arm, Lucy,” her father said gallantly.

  Her mother had packed up the desserts she had prepared—a big Christmas trifle and an orange spice Bundt cake. Zoey carried the cake and followed them. The front door was open, and guests streamed in and out, many also carrying trays of food and gifts.

  They stepped into a scene of light, music, and laughter. Zoey had never seen Sophie’s house so active or filled with so many people— children and their young parents, old people, and everyone in between. The most well-to-do people in town were there, like Lillian and Ezra Elliot, and the most humble, like Grace Hegman and her father, Digger. She saw Reverend Ben and his family, including his daughter, Rachel, her husband, and his grandchildren. She even saw Santa—a guest in a full Santa suit—with a flock of kids buzzing around him as he gave out small toys and candy.