CHAPTER TWO

The family bundled up before they trekked across the show-caped field to get to Margot’s haus.  Bertha was feeling better and had no fever.  Miraculously, the boppli had begun playing and laughing as soon as Marie had gotten up from the floor, having spent an hour in prayer. 

As they crisscrossed the field, the familye sang songs from The Ausbund and praised the Lord that Bertha was feeling so lively and cheerful.  Silently, Marie thanked Gott for Margot, for forgiveness, and for a Savior that died on a cross on Calvary her sins.  Silvery snowflakes covered the girls’ black bonnets and the men’s straw hats.  The field that was once full of wild violets was now a winter fluff of white.  Suddenly, the snow stopped, and the clouds parted, and the stars glittered down upon them, shining a silver path to Margot’s snow-kissed driveway.  Margot was on the front porch, oil lamp in hand; ready to hear some Christmas praise. 

Making their way up the wooden steps, they made their way inside, where heaping plates of cherry, orange, mint, and cranberry Whoopie pies rested on the makeshift wooden entertaining table.  Cups of steaming hot cocoa and piping hot apple cider rested on the table, making everyone’s cold throat ache for it. 

Marie unbundled the girls and handed their bonnets to Margot, who kissed each of their cheeks.  Benjamin, wanting attention, ran up and hugged her before saying, “Mamm is going to do really good for our play.  We practiced today.” 

Margot waddled to the kitchen and fetched two more oil lamps to light up the room better.  She took her place in her wooden rocker and tilted her left ear as The Ausbund was opened and they began to sing is wonderful harmony.  Margot smiled, her heart melting.  This was what Christmas was all about: sharing memories with church familye while praising a baby that was once in a manger.

******

 

It was a beautiful evening as church members filled the two-room schoolhouse in an eager excitement to present their parts and to hear others’ parts for the special get-together.  Smiling, Benjamin and his assistants for his play: his mamm, Margot, and the bishop gave the story of how within the blink of an eye, life could suddenly change.  Mamms gripped their dochder’s hands and daeds held their little sons in their laps, snuggling closer.  The play had touched the whole community, all while fresh glistening teardrops of snow fell outside the warm Amish school. 

As usual tradition, the Amish reflected on the true meaning of Christmas, and how lucky they were to not only have a Savior, but to have each other.  Boppli Bertha sat in her cousin’s lap and smiled; she has mysteriously been healed, and the doctors were in awe. Life was good.

 

 

Study Questions

 

 

1.        Marie starts out her day in a sugar let-down, blaming her generous church neighbor for her health issues, all while her boppli, Bertha lays in the haus with a fever and rare illness.  Did you feel sorry for her, or did you wonder if maybe she should explore more avenues as to why they were ill?

2.       In the back of Marie’s mind, she tends to be worried about finances, having waited until the last minute to sew winter clothes for her family.  It has been said that being in a “flight or fight” state, where you worry too much, keeps one going around in circles and they can’t tend to the regular, everyday needs of their family.  Have you done this?  How did you get out of the “hole?”  If you are in it now, how can you get out of it? Can God help you?

3.       Margot has health issues herself, but she tends to be positive and do things for herself, and even offers food for her neighbor on a daily basis.  Can you think of a Margot in your church, at your work, or in your community?  How can you thank them for what they do?

4.       Benjamin’s play reflected a belief in a Higher Being, one that will one day wipe away all illnesses, all pain, and all tears.  Think about the day that you arrive in heaven?  What are you doing to do? What would be the transformation?  What song will you sing first?

5.       Having not known that she was to be in a play, Marie was stunned by the news of Margot’s death.  In our lives, we sometimes call these occurrences “close calls,” and it is in these times when we hug our families more and go to church more. Gott wants us to be like this all the time.  Our families do too.  Make a list of your loved ones, and next to it, jot down how you can improve your relationship with them.

6.       Celebrating Christmas the true way, the Amish turn away from Black Friday and excessive materialism.  What can you do to be more like the Amish and bring back the true meaning of Christmas?  Have a Christmas play event, where you and your family make a play and do it before friends or neighbors.  Have each family member write a poem, a short story, or sing a song. 

7.       When Marie started having gratitude and saw her own weaknesses and lifted them up to God, her life changed, and her faith was strengthened as she prayed for a miracle.  Gott answered because of her faith and positive attitude.  The Bible speaks of us having the faith of a mustard seed to move mountains.  Have you had this faith?  What were the results?  Jot them down and encourage church sisters or siblings to do so, and share your experiences.

 

CHICKEN SOUP

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, chopped

5 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tablespoons salt

¼ cup whole wheat flour

3 quarts chicken broth

2 teaspoons black pepper

2 tablespoons rosemary

2 tablespoons oregano

4 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon mustard

2 lemons, juiced

4 stalks celery, finely chopped

20 carrots, ¼ inch slices

20 potatoes peeled and cubed ½ inch.

In a large soup pot, heat oil, onions, and garlic until golden brown. Add salt and pepper. Slowly stir in the wheat flour. Add chicken stock, bringing it to a complete boil. Reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Continue simmering for 4 hours. Serve with homemade biscuits and mint jam.

 

GERMAN POTATO SALAD

1 pound potatoes

¼ cup parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup chives, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon sea salt

½ cup cooked bacon, crisp & chopped

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

Boil the potatoes for 20 minutes. Toss the olive oil, vinegar, parsley, chives, sugar, and sea salt until lightly blended. Add the potatoes, stirring lightly. Add the chopped bacon, and serve warm.

SHOOFLY PIE

1 pie crust

¼ molasses

¼ cup boiling water

¼ teaspoon baking powder

¾ cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

¼ cup shortening

Mix molasses, water, and baking powder, and pour in the pie crust. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, shortening, and salt until crumbly. Place the flour mixture on top of the molasses mixture. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees, or until dark brown.

 

BOOK SIX: AMISH CHRISTIANITY CHRISTMAS STORY

 

“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”  Proverbs 31:16 KJV

To God alone, who protects my familye.  You, I truly adore and serve with every breath.  May I be a light to the world like your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.