Another Christmas

It was Christmas Day and Kira and Joel were going to spend it at his parents’ house. Last night, Kira baked a Christmas fruit cake and Gingerbread cookies while Joel wrapped the presents. They just finished having breakfast and were on their church for the Christmas service.

“Just think, next year Christmas, we’ll have another member of the family celebrating with us.”

Kira smiled. “Yes.”

“Mom and Dad are very excited about being grandparents again.”

“And Matt is excited about being an uncle for the first time.”

“Yes, he was really thrilled when we told him and Melania. Cam was excited too about having a cousin.”

“I can’t wait to see his little face when he sees what we got him this year for Christmas.”

Joel chuckled. “Me too. I remember how my parents used to sit and watch Matt and me rip off the wrapping paper. By the time we were done opening our presents, the place looked like a tornado had ripped through it. Of course, we had to clean up. And you’d be amazed at how quickly we got the place back in shape.”

“I bet the only reason you cleaned up so quickly was you couldn’t wait to play with your new toys, games and gadgets.”

“Although I hate to admit it, you’re spot on.”

Kira smiled. “Andrea and I used to make such a mess that my mother had us take our presents down to the basement where we could make as much of a mess as we wanted. We didn’t clean up until it was time for lunch.”

“Now why didn’t my mother think of that? Matt and I could have played to our hearts’ content and then cleaned up afterwards.”

Kira laughed. “Maybe you mother was afraid that she would end up having to clean up.”

“Maybe. I bet Andrea and Phil were thrilled when you told them the news.” Andrea was Kira’s older sister and Melania’s mother.

“Yes, they were. They said that they were sorry that they couldn’t spend Christmas this year with us.”

“I’m sure Phil’s family is happy that they’re spending it with them.”

“Yes. They’re sorry that Mel wouldn’t be joining them, though.”

“You and I both know the reason why Mel wants to spend Christmas here instead of in Seattle.”

Kira sighed. “Yes. I don’t think it’s a good idea for her and Matt to be spending so much time together.”

“Mom told Matt to be careful because Gina can use his friendship with Mel against him.”

“Gina has it in her head that they are more than friends.”

“Yes, and once Gina gets something in her head, it’s impossible to get it out.”

“You’re right about that. I’ve tried to reason with her but it’s no use. I can only continue to pray for her.”

“Let’s not talk about anything unpleasant. Today is Christmas day. We’re going to church and worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who is the reason why we celebrate this joyous season.”

“Yes. Let’s go. I think that it’s wonderful that instead of a sermon, the church choir is putting on Unto Us A Child is Born Christmas program.”

“Yes. That’s why we invited my parents, Matt, Cam and Mel to come. I think they will enjoy it.”

“So, after the program, we’ll come here, grab the cake, cookies and presents and then head over to your parents’ house.”

“Yes. Mel and I will take care of everything while you wait in the car.”

“Joel, I’m fine. I’m pregnant, not physically impaired.”

“Still, I don’t want you overdoing it.”

She went over to him and hugged him. “It’s sweet of you to worry about me like this but I’ll be fine.”

He hugged her back. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Now before we go, I’d like to take a photo of you in front of the Christmas tree.”

“All right.” He released her and she went to get her tablet. He stood in front of the tree and smiled as she took a few pictures.

“What about me taking some of you?”

“You’ve taken enough of me to fill two albums,” she laughed. “I’ll go and get my handbag and then, we go and pick up Mel.”

Joel stood there for several minutes. He had always loved Christmas but he loved it more because of her. And next year Christmas, there would be another reason to love it. He couldn’t wait for the day to come when their son or daughter would be born. Ever since Kira had told him the wonderful news, he thanked God every day.

Now, he had an idea of how Joseph must have felt when he was told that he was going to be a father to Mary’s Son. Aside from Jesus being the best Gift that God could give anyone, being a parent was the next best thing. He was looking forward to being a father. Smiling, he went over to the sofa where his jacket was draped and pulled it on.