Epilogue

One year later . . .

M ark had thought last Christmas had been the happiest holiday ever. He and Joline had worked together on the Christmas program, being sure all the music and drama centered on the Lord. And there hadn't been a dry eye in the room at the end.

Mrs. Vandenberg had seated Mark at a table near the stage, but the surrounding chairs stayed empty, pointing up his aloneness—except for the smiles Joline flashed his way as she raced around taking care of last-minute costume and prop emergencies. Those smiles meant the world to him.

When he rose to direct the musicians and singers, he turned his back to the room and put all his energy into making this the best program ever. When the show ended, Mark and Joline's eyes met, and they shared a special love-filled glance before he turned around to face the audience, who continued to applaud the children's performance. He hoped the enthusiastic response would help these street kids gain confidence and keep going with their music and acting.

His gaze drifted to his previously empty table, now filled with people. To his shock, every seat, but two, was filled with his extended family. Their eyes were all shining, and they were clapping enthusiastically for the children.

As the young performers scampered off to join their own families, Joline came up beside him. "Surprised?" she asked. "Mrs. Vandenberg contacted your daed and arranged transportation for everyone."

Mark couldn't believe it. "She's something else. I wish we could do something for her."

"I think we already have." Joline tilted her chin toward the table where Mrs. Vandenberg was still applauding. "She told me matching up couples is her greatest joy in life."

Mark glanced down tenderly at the woman he loved most in the world. "She does an excellent job."

"I agree."

Mark enjoyed introducing Joline to his family and spending time with hers on Second Christmas. And thanks to Mrs. Vandenberg's intervention, both families became friends and attended Mark and Joline's spring wedding. So did Mrs. Vandenberg—as an honored guest.

They presented her with a gift, but not to be outdone, her wedding gift to them was a large apartment and office combination like the one Joline's parents occupied, but at the opposite end of the STAR building.

Throughout the rest of the year, Joline and Mark organized shows that glorified God and brought His Word to the community, loving every minute of their work and life together.

After the curtains closed on this year's Christmas performance and the children had returned to their seats, Mark stayed backstage and drew Joline into a dark corner, where he kissed her thoroughly.

"I thought last Christmas was my happiest ever," he said. "I'd reunited with you and my family, but I had no idea this year would be so much better. I'm so blessed to have you as my wife."

"I'm blessed too." Joline stood on tiptoe to kiss him again. "I have a Christmas surprise for you that might make this year even more special."

He waited expectantly for his gift, but he never could have guessed the gift she had for him.

Joline looked down shyly. "You're going to be a father this summer."

Mark sucked in a breath. "You mean . . . ?" He choked up and couldn't get any more words out.

When she nodded, he embraced her, cradling her head against his heart. "I'm so grateful for all God's given us."

After so many years of lonely holidays, Mark had a feeling each Christmas gathering from now on would be better than the one before. They'd not only have their extended families with them to celebrate the Lord's birth, they'd have their own little ones.

" Danke , Lord, for all your wonderful gifts," Mark said, "and especially for the birth of Your Son."

"Amen," Joline said softly, her eyes alight with joy, before their lips met in a holy, heartfelt holiday kiss.