Joseph glanced up at the judge, then studied Aaron. “Your Honor, I’ve had many instances in my life where others’ choices have affected me. Sometimes we don’t know which choice to make, and at other times the correct choice is clear. And although Aaron has sought to bring me harm, I choose to forgive him.”
“Do you suggest we let him go free, Sir?” The judge raised his brow.
“Nee, he cannot handle freedom. I suggest community service…to the homeless. Your Honor, God showed me a verse from the Bible but I never really understood it. It is this: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? I’d thought, How can we reconcile justice and mercy? How can the two coincide? Is it possible to do justly and love mercy at the same time? I think we can offer both justice and mercy.”
The judge’s eyes lit up. “I have the perfect solution!” His gaze moved from Joseph and settled on Aaron. “Aaron Gingerich.”
Aaron glowered at Joe, but looked to the judge. “Yes, Your Honor?”
“I’m sentencing you to six months of permanent community service. You will live in the shelter at the local rescue mission. You will serve those less fortunate in the soup kitchen. You will learn compassion for your fellow man.” The judge laced his fingers together. “And if you don’t, I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you inside my courtroom again.”
Aaron nodded silently.
The judge pounded his gavel on the sounding block to dismiss the court.
<><><>
Anna and Joseph exited the courtroom walking hand in hand.
“I do feel sorry for Aaron, though,” Joe said.
“You do?” Anna raised a brow.
“He didn’t get you. All that scheming and underhandedness and he still didn’t get his prize.”
“Oh, so I’m a prize, huh?” Anna smiled up at Joe.
“Oh yes, you are most definitely a prize.” He bent down to meet her lips with his.
<><><>
“Will you two love birds quit all that smoochin’ and get on with it? Rachel and Mammi put on a fine smellin’ roast this mornin’ and I’m achin’ to give it a try.”
“We’re coming, Harv. Just hold your horses.” Joe smiled at Anna and released her from his embrace.
“Miss Anna, you think you’ll be makin’ any more of them whoopie pies again? Joe’s got me addicted to those things.”
Joe perked up. “Isn’t God good, Harv?”
“That’s what I been tryin’ to tell ya all along!” He turned to Anna. “He finally gets it.” Harvey continued, “Now remember, just because your life seems all fine and dandy and perfect right now, doesn’t mean it’s always gonna be that way. ’Course, I reckon you know that already. Just don’t forget that God is there and He loves ya just as much in the bad times as He does the good. You can always trust God to know what He’s doin’.”
“Thanks for the reminder, Harv.”
“Well, hey. That’s what friends are for, jah?”
“Jah. And a wonderful friend you are.”
<><><>
“Thank you for coming to my little Christmas party.” Linda smiled at her friends. “It’s not much, but I wanted to have an opportunity to let you know how much you all mean to me. Even though we see each other nearly every day, and I might not always show it, I want to let you know that I love and appreciate you, and I consider you some of my dearest friends.”
Anna, Joe, Harv, and Mammi all nodded their appreciation and returned her sentiments.
“I do have a small gift for each of you,” Linda said, handing each of them a card. She smiled at her husband next to her, at the table she’d set for her guests.
Harvey’s face lit up as he opened his gift. “A gift card for a restaurant! Don’t go to those too often anymore. What a lovely surprise. Linda, you are a woman after my own heart.” He turned to Mammi and winked. “Now, if I can just find me a date for dinner, I say I’d be the most happiest man on earth.”
Mammi cheeks flamed and she ducked her head.
Joe gave Harv a little kick under the table for embarrassing her.
“Ouch!” Harv bellowed.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible, but you may be able to come in a close second.” Joe smiled at Anna. His eyes lit up and he remembered his gift for her. Joseph walked over to the counter and pulled out a wrapped box.
Anna’s countenance illuminated. “Joe, you didn’t have to.” She received the gift from his hands and gingerly opened the box. “You bought me the big candle?” Her mouth hung open.
“I saw you looking at it the day we met.” He grinned. “Do you like it?”
Anna leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Denki, I love it.”
Anna handed a gift to Harvey.
Harvey opened the box and hooted. “Why Anna! You went and got me steel-toed boots. The Good Lord knows I need them when I’m around Joe. I think I’ll put ‘em on right now. ”
The group laughed and continued to share in the joy of the season. Harvey read the true Christmas story found in God’s Word, and even though the occasion was solemn, they couldn’t help but burst into laughter when Harv called the wise men with the three gifts Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
As they sang O Holy Night, Anna shed tears of joy for Der Herr’s wonderful love for mankind. She marveled at how the God of the universe would even take notice of insignificant mankind. But to God, mankind is not insignificant, they are his beloved creation, whom He sent His Son to die for, so that they might live with Him eternally.