Christmas in the Air by Irene Brand

lastingimpression on all of us. Always remember that when God does a work in our lives, it’s at the best time for us.”
    A candle in one of the windows tipped over, and Quinn moved quickly to extinguish it before the greenery caught fire. Everyone was conscious of the need to prevent a fire tonight. Eric paused until he returned.
    â€œI don’t know where some of you are in your walk with God, but if you feel comfortable in doing so, please kneel with me to worship the newborn King. Each time we worship Jesus, He’s born again in our hearts. While we’re kneeling, Sean will close our service by singing, ‘O Holy Night.’”
    When she slid to her knees, Livia realized that Quinn was kneeling beside her. It seemed natural for them to clasp hands.
    Before he sang, Sean said, “Although I thought I really wanted to be home in California tonight, I’ve realized that there’s no place I’d rather be than where I am. I’ve never understood before what the shepherds must have experienced as they knelt before the infant Jesus. I feel sure that the rest of my life, each Christmas Eve, my heart and my thoughts will return to this place.”
    Livia felt the same way, and the way Quinn squeezed her hand, she knew his thoughts were in harmony with hers.
    Singing without musical accompaniment, Sean’s strong tenor voice sounded loud and clear in the quiet of the little sanctuary. The only other sound was the popping of coals in the stove.
    As he sang the words of the second stanza, Livia’s heart sang with him.
    â€œWith humble hearts we bow in adoration before this Child, gift of God’s matchless love. Sent from on high to purchase our salvation—that we might dwell with him ever above.”
    When the last strains of the music ceased, a hush fell over the room.
    When they stood, Eric said, “Again, don’t feel uncomfortable or obligated if it this isn’t natural for you, but in our church, we always give hugs of fellowship.” He turned to Sean. They embraced and thumped one another on their backs. Livia quivered at Quinn’s nearness, wanting him to embrace her, but hardly daring to hope that he would.
    â€œMay I?” he asked quietly.
    Livia had often fantasized about what it would be like to be held in Quinn’s arms. Her body trembled when he pulled her close, and she locked her arms momentarily around his waist.
    Quinn sensed that she was trembling, and he wondered if the cold had caused her to shake, or if she also experienced the exhilarating sensations he felt. Uncertain of Livia’s feelings, he didn’t tighten the embrace as he wanted to do.
    Exercising a lot of willpower, Livia removed herself from Quinn’s arms and moved to hug the members of her church. Allen and Les were obviously ill at ease with being hugged, though they didn’t invite nor rebuff the fellowship gesture.
    â€œSince we’re sure that the bell is stable now, how about ringing it to acknowledge the birth of our Savior?” Les said. “I doubt anyone will hear it except us, but we ought to have bells of some kind ringing.”
    â€œI keep thinking how God sent angels to the shepherds to tell them the good news of Jesus’ birth and where to find Him,” Quinn said. “Maybe God will use the ringing bell as a message to people in this area that someone is stranded in the church. By the way, how far is it to nearest house?”
    â€œOh, no more than five miles,” Les answered. “Actually, it’s only seven or eight miles west, as the crow flies, to the main highway.”
    â€œAs clear and still as it is now, the sound of that bell should carry well,” Eric said. “Give it a try, Les, and we’ll see what it sounds like.”
    â€œStand back, just in case,” Les said as he positioned himself under the bell tower and tugged on the rope. The swaying of the bell shook the ceiling, and Livia held her