Page 26 of A Baxter Family Christmas
They were the exact words John needed to hear. God called His people to think of others first. That’s all John had been trying to do by inviting Kendra over. Now they’d all have to find a way to get through the next few weeks.
Even if Christmas wasn’t going to be the same because of it.
Kendra had received the package in the mail a week ago. An early Christmas present, from John Baxter and his wife, Elaine. The gift was a Bible study about the family of Jesus. In his card, John explained that there was no time like Christmas to get to know Jesus and His family.
Even for someone who had never believed in God before.
This Saturday morning, days before Christmas, Kendra was snuggled under a blanket a few feet from the tree, completely caught up in the book. Moe was downstairs cleaning the garage.
Kendra ran her thumb over the cover of the book. Funny, how she had never thought about the family of Jesus. Probably because she had never thought much about Jesus, Himself. But in the last few days, she was touched at the possibility of Mary being visited by an angel and being told she was going to give birth to the Savior of the world. God in the flesh, wrapped in a blanket, safe in her arms.
With her heart defect, Kendra had long since given up the idea of having a baby—though at one time it had been her lifelong dream. But if she could have a child, if she gave birth to a son, she could hardly imagine seeing him born—only to be chased by wicked kings and discredited by a band of religious leaders and then finally, as a young man, to die on a cross.
As she read, Kendra could feel herself opening up a little more to the possibility. She couldn’t help but think her mother would’ve liked the book. What if the Christmas story was more than a nice fable? More than a reason to decorate a tree and sing pretty songs and wrap presents?
Kendra wasn’t finished yet but every page captivated her. Especially the story of Joseph. The Bible wasn’t something Kendra had ever read, of course. But she knew enough about Joseph that his story spoke to her. Here was this guy who never expected any of the craziness that came with being engaged to Mary. He had to believe that his fiancée hadn’t cheated on him, had to stand up to public ridicule. Then once baby Jesus was born, Joseph had to keep him safe by fleeing with his family again and again.
Joseph must’ve loved Mary more than life itself. That’s what Kendra had always wanted from Moe. A devotion that would go the distance when life got tough.
When the book first arrived, Moe had spotted it on the kitchen counter. “What’s this?” He’d held it up, his brow wrinkled.
“A gift. From John Baxter.”
“Kendra.” Moe had released a ten-ton sigh. “It’s not normal. Your friendship with that family.”
“Of course it’s not normal.” Kendra had refrained from raising her voice. “I’m alive because of their loss. But maybe I’m supposed to get more than a heart from them.”
Moe had given her a look that was more sympathetic than understanding. “Like what? A new understanding of life? Some kind of faith in God?”
“Maybe.” Kendra had held her ground. “Things happen for a reason. I’ve always believed that.”
Moe had flipped through the pages and then after a few seconds tossed the book back onto the kitchen counter. “They should’ve told you the heart came with strings attached.”
“Moe!” Kendra still remembered the sting of his comment. “That’s a terrible thing to say.”
He had rolled his eyes and stormed out of the room. In the moments that followed—for the first time in her life—Kendra did something she had never done before.
She prayed. Or at least she talked to God. For the first time it occurred to her that the two were one and the same.
Not quite sure to Whom she was talking, Kendra had looked out the window and whispered her prayer out loud. “God, if You’re real... if You’re listening... could You soften Moe’s heart, please? Our marriage is a mess right now, and truthfully... I don’t think we’re going to make it. But if You’re there, and if You’re real... then You can do anything. Even this.” She had paused. “Anyway, it couldn’t hurt to ask. Sincerely, Kendra Bryant.”
At first, Kendra didn’t notice anything different. If anything, she felt a little foolish. Because what good could come from talking to the air?
But then... a few hours later, after she’d long forgotten her prayer, the wildest thing happened. Out of the blue, Moe came home between tax planning appointments and found her reading the book. He helped her gently to her feet, took the book and set it down on the couch. “I’m sorry, Kendra. My attitude earlier, it was completely uncalled for.”
Kendra had practically fallen back to her seat. She had wanted to tell him she agreed, that his words had hurt her and made her feel distant and alone. But she was so surprised—and so thankful—she could only listen.
Then, Moe had looked straight at her. The way he used to... like he still loved her. What he said next had stayed with her to this day. “Your surgery was like a turning point for us. The worst kind, and I can’t figure out why.” He ran his hand over her dark hair. “You came home from the hospital and ever since it seems all we do is fight.”
“I know.” She had looked down at the place where their feet came together, her voice barely more than a whisper. “I hate it.”
“I hate it, too.” With the softest touch, Moe had lifted her chin so their eyes met again. “It’s my fault. All of it.”
“Work’s been hard for you.” Kendra had felt the stirrings of compassion toward him. “This time of year is always rough.” The love in his eyes had felt wonderful. “And you’ve been worried about me. That’s part of it.”
“No. There’s no excuse.” His eyes had held hers. “Anyway, I’m sorry. You deserve better.”
“Thank you.”
