It is a chaotic Christmas Eve at Spring Lane Creek Church. The congregation is in a hullabaloo over the details of their service, from the last-minute casting of a baby Jesus for their play, to the unpopular choir robes mandated by the choir director. The tension reaches a crescendo when it is discovered that the copy machine is broken and the programs have not yet been copied.
Pastor McDougall does not know what to do, as no amount of assistance or negotiation seems to help. When some of the parishioners threaten to quit and go home, Saint Nick arrives in Pastor McDougall's office. Suggesting the pastor open the Bible, Saint Nick reminds him that the true meaning of Christmas is in there--not on the stage or in the service program.
Filled with inspiration, Pastor McDougall rushes out to share Christ's message, but he finds a suddenly calm congregation. All are quiet, many are smiling, and some have even shed a tear. Apologetic and humble about losing sight of the "reason for the season," they acknowledge Christmas as it was meant to be. A pure heavenly light fills the manger as outside they hear sleigh bells ring and Santa's voice announcing this miracle night.
Continuing the tradition of Pelican's signature Night Before Christmas Series, Layne uses humor to send a sincere message that reminds us all of what Christmas truly means.
Steven Layne serves as associate professor of education and literature at Judson College in Elgin, Illinois. He is an internationally known literacy consultant, motivational keynote speaker, and featured author. Dr. Layne's growing collection of Pelican books includes the multiple-award-winning young-adult thriller This Side of Paradise, the picture-book classics The Teachers' Night Before Christmas and The Principal's Night Before Christmas, and the popular gift books Verses for Dad's Heart and Verses for Mom's Heart. He lives with his wife, Debbie; children, Grayson, Victoria, and Jackson; and dog, Snickers, in Saint Charles, Illinois.
Carol Benioff is a native San Franciscan artist and illustrator currently living in Oakland with her two cats. Her work combines digital techniques with traditional printmaking, drawing, and painting mediums.
