Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Christmas Carols/Carolling (10/02/08)
-
TITLE: In Excelsis Deo | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tiffanie Chezum
10/09/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
A throng of smiling faces huddled outside his house breaking into resonating harmony at the sound of the opening door.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your hearts be light.
From now on our troubles will be …
***
“Sweetheart, hurry” Evelyn’s voice chimed through the house. “You’ll miss the carolers.” She clapped her hands in appreciation of the singing.
“I heard them from here.” The elderly man shifted his weight in the recliner.
“Just pay him no mind.” She forced a smile. “Can I get you some hot cocoa? It’s very chilly tonight.”
“No thank you ma’am,” one of the young musicians said.
“You tell Pastor Carlson that we’ll be there for his Christmas sermon tomorrow.” She teetered against the doorframe.
“Are you alright?” A young man stepped forward from the group and propped her up.
“Evie.” Walter shuffled to his wife’s side.
“You sing so beautifully.” The elderly lady’s voice waned. She coughed. “Can you sing Angels we have heard on high?”
“Come now … You need your rest.” Walt nudged her arm. “And the youngsters have other places to go.”
“We must remember why we celebrate.” She motioned to the group. “It’s my favorite Christmas song.”
The small assembly of singers huddled close. A burst of steam rose into the night air as they sang in unison.
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Glo-oo-oo-o-oo-ria, in excelsis Deo…
Evelyn slumped forward.
Glo-oo-oo-o-oo-ria…
“Sweetheart.” Walter put his arm around her.
The voices sporadically silenced.
Evelyn collapsed to the floor, dragging her husband down on top of her.
The band of singers stared in stunned silence.
Walter leaned forward on his chair in the waiting room. “How is she doing?”
Dr. Fitzgerald sat beside the elderly man. “She’s resting.” He shook his head. “She suffered a major cardiac episode … There was a lot of damage to the heart muscle. She’s very weak.”
“Can I see her?”
The physician nodded as he stood up. “I’ll take you to her room.”
Walter sat at his wife’s bedside. “Evie?”
Evelyn’s eyes cracked open. She tried to smile.
“I’m sorry.” The aged man caressed her hand.
“Why?”
Sadness welled in Walter’s eyes. “The hospital is no place to spend Christmas.” His voice cracked.
“But we are together.” Evelyn’s voice faded. “Remember …” She gasped for a breath. “Remember the reason.” Her body went flaccid.
***
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the fates allow.
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
A tear traced the creases on Walter’s cheek. He gazed into the distance.
A buzz spread amongst the group. “Sir?” A young man stepped forward. “Are you alright?”
“I was just remembering.” He heaved a sigh. “Can you sing Angels we have heard on high?”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
