Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Author:Kim Vogel Sawyer
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: ebook, book
ISBN: 9781441214164
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2010-11-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter

TWENTY-TWO

“ ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord . . .’ ”

Edythe followed along in her brand-new Bible as Reverend Coker read with his usual serious, resounding tone. Memories of Christmases from long ago, and Mama’s sweet voice reading the nativity story from the Bible, winged through her heart – precious memories of Mama sharing how Jesus Christ came to walk earthly soil, adopt human flesh, and fulfill His destiny as the world’s Savior.

“ ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men . . .’ ”

A lump filled Edythe’s throat. Something seemed to pull on her heart, bringing the desire to cry.

“ ‘And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen.’ ” Reverend Coker closed his Bible and smiled at the crowded congregation. “Shall we rise and praise God through song? Let us begin with ‘It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.’ ”

Everyone stood – except the widow Meiner, whose hips gave her trouble, and Missy, who had apparently fallen asleep. Luthenia reached past Edythe and poked the girl. Missy leaped up, her face bright red. As it should be!

The beautiful carol, sung in perfect four-part harmony, echoed from the rafters and chased away Edythe’s irritation with Missy. Chills of pleasure traveled up and down her spine. She sang at full voice, some words winging closer to her heart than others. “Look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing . . .” If only she could capture glad and golden hours . . .

When they finished the carol, Reverend Coker led them in several more, each sung more robustly than the one before. Edythe’s chest felt so full of joy and wonder she could hardly draw a breath, but on she sang, joining her Walnut Hill neighbors in exuberant celebration.

They closed their service with “Silent Night.” The boisterous voices that moments ago had sung “Joy to the World” faded into a sweet melody of heartfelt worship. Repeatedly, Edythe dabbed at her eyes. Strange emotions – unfamiliar but not unwelcome – swirled through the center of her heart.

When the hymn ended, men handed out bags of goodies to the children. Their delighted squeals carried over the happy conversations buzzing through the sanctuary. Mr. Jeffers offered a bag to Missy, who took it with a polite thank-you. Then the girl scurried down the aisle to the bench where William Sholes stood with his parents. The two youngsters put their heads together and chatted.

Edythe frowned. What could she do about Missy’s fascination with the Sholes boy? She set her worry aside as townsfolk greeted her, offering wishes for a merry Christmas. The two little Townsend boys raced over, and Robert plopped an orange in her hands. “Merry Christmas, Miss Amsel!”

Edythe gave the boy a hug. “Merry Christmas, Robert. And what’s this?” She bounced the orange on her palm.

The boy beamed. “An or’nge! It’s for you – for Christmas.

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