Page 20 of The Christmas House
When it was close to their usual early suppertime and Dat and Adam still were not to be seen or heard from, Liz once more headed out to the barn to check for a voice message. She was pleased to learn as she picked up the phone that there was, indeed, a message waiting, and from Dat, no less .
“Hullo, I’m callin’ from Somerset. Adam and I tried to get out early this morning, but the roads were still a mess and drifted shut in places.
Hopin’ to be home for supper if we can get a driver, but if not, please don’t fret.
Go ahead without us. We’re warm and dry at my cousins’ house.
We’ll look forward to celebrating whenever we can get there. Love to each of you.”
Smiling, Liz saved the message for Mamm. She’ll be so relieved , Liz thought, heading back to the house to let Mamm and Martha Rose know, feeling lighter herself.
At the news, Mamm decided to wait no longer to get the goulash—Dat’s favorite dish—on the table. There was plenty to eat, including buttered lima beans and chow chow, so Dat and Adam could have leftovers if they arrived later on, though Dat was not one to eat much close to bedtime.
Without Dat and Adam present, there was a tangible emptiness at the meal, and Liz prayed they would soon make it home.
After supper, Mamm and Martha Rose got into the family carriage.
Liz sat in front and picked up the driving lines, while Mamm and Martha Rose each held a quart jar on their blanket-covered laps.
Mamm had also insisted on bringing along several knotted comforters to give, as well as two battery-operated candles.
Liz had hoped to arrive a little early at the Christmas House, so they parked on the far side, waiting. The sun had set two hours prior, but the waxing moon and the stars were brightly visible as several enclosed buggies and a few men on horseback began to arrive.
Soon, even more neighbors were coming on foot, so Liz, Mamm, and Martha Rose walked down toward the house, where Liz motioned for folks to congregate with them.
Quickly, the People made a long line across the front yard, three rows deep, all of them standing silently with their canned goods, blankets, and the candles.
After a time, once the stream of new arrivals, which included Preacher Yoder and the bishop, had ceased, Liz told the first person in line, Onkel Joe, to pass down her instructions to the next one. Then she walked toward the dark, quiet house.
A good many came! she thought, delighted.
She knocked on the door and stepped back a little, holding one of the lit candles so her face could be seen.
Ashley Hyatt answered the door and immediately smiled. “Wow, Liz, this is a surprise. What brings you out on such a cold night?”
“Merry Christmas!” Liz replied, turning to point to everyone behind her—rows of Amish folk now, their candles all lit. “We noticed your power was out and wanted to help.”
Ashley’s eyes glimmered as she took in the crowd, nearly all of Hickory Hollow, it seemed—families and even little children. Then, slowly, she turned to call for Logan and their own children, who soon appeared wearing coats and hoods and scarves.
Logan looked stunned, eyes wide in disbelief. “What’s this?” he asked as the People began to bring their canned goods of homemade chili soup and a variety of other things—baked goods, flashlights, woolen blankets, and even bundles of firewood—onto the porch.
Then, as Liz had instructed, one by one, the neighbors who had fretted and complained about the Christmas House display began to place their lit candles in the snow surrounding the large nativity scene in the side yard.
The loneliest neighbors have the biggest Christmas display , thought Liz unexpectedly as she gazed at the only visible thing in the yard—the lovely nativity.
Santa, his sleigh, and the dancing elves, and everything else unrelated to the true meaning of Christmas remained dark.
But the Christ child in a bed of hay shone brilliantly.
A passenger van pulled up just then, and Liz saw a young man get out and cross the road to join the People.
Only when she heard his clear voice lead out in “Silent Night” did she know it was Matt.
The People joined him in singing, and Ashley, now wearing a hooded wool coat and boots, reached to link arms with Liz there on the porch, blending her voice with all the others, including her husband and children.
Liz’s heart warmed at seeing the big gathering and such generosity. This is what I’ m meant to do , she thought. See others through God’ s eyes ... bring people together.
“All is calm, all is bright.” Everyone sang the well-known lyrics, and Liz couldn’t keep her voice from wavering at the sight of so many candles lighting up the holy family.
Jesus , the Light of the world.
And hearing the beloved carol sung so sweetly by young and old alike gave her hope that this moment might be the start of a new beginning in the hollow.
“You’re amazing, Liz,” Ashley said, standing shoulder to shoulder with her. “Merry Christmas to you and your family.”
“Thank you, everyone !” Logan said loudly.
Then, observing the candlelit nativity, he added, “I’ve decided that this nativity will be the focal point of my Christmas decorating in the future.
” He paused before adding, “Although I might have to include a Bethlehem star, three kings, and a few more shepherds and sheep.”
Spontaneous applause broke out, as well as a few chuckles.
“I also want to apologize for the unintended repercussions this enormous holiday display has had for many of you.” Here, he shook his head. “I only wanted to share the Christmas spirit. But you’ve shown me that coming together to help others is a way all of us can enjoy celebrating.”
Bishop Beiler moved out of the crowd just then and walked up to the porch to give Logan a firm handshake, then stood there with him in solidarity.
Many of the Amish waved before turning to head back to their horses and buggies, some still humming “Silent Night” as they went.
To Liz’s delight, Matt was waiting at the end of the walkway, so she headed there, leaving Mamm and Martha Rose on the porch to talk with Ashley and pet Kippy Sue, whose tail thumped against the floor as if she was delighted by all the attention.
Liz was touched to see Matt sporting his new navy-blue knit hat and the scarf she’d made.
“What a wunnerbaar-gut idea, Lizzy. I just had to come and see this for myself,” he said softly.
She smiled. “I’m so glad.”
“Does the offer for hot cocoa still stand?” he asked.
“How ’bout tonight?”
“Invitation accepted.”
Her heart filled with delight at the prospect of spending more time with him.
Just then, she heard what sounded like her father’s voice. Could it be?
And there, amongst the last few neighbors milling about, were Dat and Adam, walking in their direction.
“Oh, mei Lieb !” Mamm said at the sight of Dat and hurried down the front walkway.
Dat wrapped a big arm around her shoulders. “I’m so happy to see ya,” he said. “Our driver seemed to know just where we could find ya.” He motioned for the van to pull up closer.
Mamm’s face was beaming as tears welled up. “Merry Christmas,” she whispered. “You’re almost home.”
“ Nee , I’m home now .” He smiled and suggested that Mamm and Martha Rose ride with him and Adam in the warm van to the house. “Matt and Liz can follow in the buggy,” Dat said, grinning at Matt knowingly as though taking credit for their being together. “Your Mamm’s been keepin’ me in the loop.”
Liz couldn’t help smiling all the way to the waiting horse and buggy.
“Mind if I take the reins?” Matt asked her.
“Not at all,” she said. “I’ve got a perty gut idea of your drivin’ skills.”
Matt’s laughter rang out into the chill air, the sound of it warming Liz’s heart.
“I wonder how Dat and Adam knew ’bout the Christmas House gathering tonight,” Liz said when they were on their way. “I mean, have ya ever known the Amish grapevine to spread news that far so quick?”
Matt was chuckling. “Well, we came in the same van, interestingly enough. Bill stopped in Bird-in-Hand on the way from Somerset to pick me up.”
Liz couldn’t believe it. “What’re the chances of that?”
“Well, Lizzy . . . it’s nearly Christmas.” He moved both reins to his right hand and reached for her hand with the other. “The Lord has His own perfect way of answerin’ prayers.”
She smiled again in agreement. “There’s been a lot of prayin’, for certain.”
At the house, Matt halted the horse over near the stable, where Dat must have hung a lantern since the sky was so dark. Still sitting in the carriage with her, Matt pulled something out of his coat pocket. “This is for you, Lizzy.” He gave her a flat, wrapped box.
Curious, she opened it to see a pair of ladies’ black leather gloves in the dim light. “It’s the ideal gift for the winter tours ahead.” She tried them on, pleased. “ Denki , Matt.” She paused a moment, thinking about what she truly wanted to say. “I hope ya might be along for those tours, too.”
Matt studied her in the lantern’s light. “If that’s what ya want, I’ll be there.” He paused a moment. “I’d really like to spend as much time as possible with the woman I hope to court.”
Oh, she loved hearing this, with all of her heart. “Maybe at some point the tours can expand to more carriages and drivers,” she ventured.
“I like how you’re thinkin’.” He was grinning now. “And what if we grew the buggy business ... together?” He reached for her gloved hand and raised it to his lips. “Remember, we’re a team, Lizzy.”
She smiled back at him. They were indeed.
Her heart soared with joy on this very special night.