A Christmas Prayer (2025)

[bunniefuu]

All right.

If I were a kid, what kind of characters

would I want to see brought to life?

Hi, Hank.

Good morning, Natalie.

Good morning.

Thank you.

Have a good one.

You, too.

Ok.

Hi.

Sorry, sorry.

I was collecting

donations for the churches.

Never mind.

Well, as you all know,

Ralph the Reindeer is

our highest-performing children's book

here at blitz publishing.

And that's thanks to each and every one

of you and your unique talents.

It takes a village, and

you've all done a fantastic job.

We're looking to develop

some new characters

for our department, and

we'll be taking one of you

off the Ralph team to

head up your own series

of books in the new year.

If you'd like to be considered, please

have your pictures in my inbox before we

break for the holidays.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Madeline, I was hoping you had a second.

Yeah, what's up?

I had an idea for a new book series.

I don't have it all fleshed out yet,

but I was thinking it could be

a faith-focused children's book

to highlight the meaning of the season.

How about this...

you develop it a little bit

more and get back to me.

Sound good?

Yes.

Yeah.

OK, great.

Thank you.

Yes!

What are you working on?

Our homework from Sunday school.

Our teacher wanted us to

write down a list of prayers

for the people in our lives, instead

of writing down a toy list.

Well, that's very...

I'm glad you're doing that.

Me, too.

It's really fun.

Do you want me to add anything for you?

I'll give it some thought.

Better get your shoes on.

We're going to be late.

I think we should put up

some decorations in here.

It's a little sad.

That's the thing.

I usually just get chamomile.

But tonight, I got lemon ginger.

I hope it's not too gingery.

Mm, it is.

All right.

If you'll excuse me for just one moment,

I'm going to go freshen up.

Yeah, sure.

You couldn't have picked

a pizza place or something?

Fusion restaurant is trending.

They're the hot new thing.

Could be my next big

client if I play my cards right.

Next big client?

That implies you already have at least one.

Oh, fine.

First big client.

Whatever happened with

the roller rink laser tag combo

you wanted to invest in?

I got some market feedback

that that was too dangerous.

Oh.

I wonder who also said that.

Just a little bump in the road.

I love your enthusiasm, Dad.

I really do.

And I can't wait for

you to find that thing.

And I look forward to

seeing it take off when you do.

I gotta run.

Babysitter's waiting.

Will you be joining Caroline

and I at church on Sunday?

Did she finish her Christmas prayer list?

I think she did.

And as far as joining you goes,

I'll have to check my calendar.

Good luck with the client scout.

This could be the place.

I hope it is.

Thanks for the drink.

Sorry about that.

Merry Christmas to you, too.

Oh, thanks.

You're welcome.

Then Molly promised me

she'd add my prayers to her list.

Well, that was nice of her.

But I didn't want to wait.

So I prayed myself.

It was very good of you.

You know, Dad, Mrs.

Maroney at Sunday school

says that miracles happen all the time,

and that there's living

proof all around us.

It's getting late, kiddo.

Try and get some sleep.

I love you, Dad.

I love you, too.

Dear Jesus, thank you for today.

Thank you for my dad.

And please bless Pops and Mrs.

Jenkins from across the street.

And my teacher, Ms. Flitter.

He was very passionate about tea.

Why did you go out with him?

I don't know.

Because I'm single?

Might be a good time for

you to spend some time

with your sketchbook, right?

I just need some direction.

I know I can write a story that captures

what Christmas is really about.

You know, a story that needs to be told.

But I'm just having

trouble getting started.

I sat there for four hours

last night and nothing.

You know what you need?

A distraction.

Well, that's why I went out with Matt.

A healthy distraction.

Come volunteer with me down at the church?

I need some hands with

the upcoming senior events.

And with Stephen still

overseas, it is our busiest season,

and I could really use some extra help.

I'd love to.

Oh, great.

Because I already added

your name to the schedule.

OK.

I will email you your shift

information this afternoon.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thanks.

So, did you make them an offer last night?

As it turns out, I did.

Wow.

I... I didn't expect you to actually...

wow.

Sent it off to the other

investors to get their thoughts.

But I think Tom Emerson Investment Ventures

has their first client.

I'm excited for you, Dad.

Yeah, I can tell.

Hey, Caroline, you want to

go see if they got any sprinkles?

Really?

Yeah.

I think this whole festive season

has gone to Caroline's head.

Everything is Christmas

this and Christmas that.

She's talking about making reindeer food

and decorating a tree

and stringing up lights

in every room in the house.

And I can't keep up.

And this morning, I found

her Christmas prayer list.

Take a look at that.

"Dear Jesus, this Christmas,

I have a lot of prayers.

I know this season isn't about gifts,

but I'm praying for these anyway.

I would like, number

one, for Dad to be happy,

number two, for Pops to

finally get his first client."

Oh, very eloquent.

She's going to grow up to

be a lawyer or an investor,

like her old pops.

Keep reading.

"Number three, for our mailman to get

a plane ticket to go see his

daughter at her faraway house."

She absolutely nailed her Sunday

school homework assignment.

She's a kind, sweet, sensitive

girl who wants to help people.

I think you should celebrate that.

How?

I don't want her to feel

like God isn't listening

because one of her prayers aren't answered

exactly the way she hoped.

In my experience, He has a

way of making things happen

when we least expect them.

I don't know about that.

I mean, a plane ticket for our mailman?

God works in incredible ways.

Caroline is a kid with a big

heart and a big imagination.

I think you should just

let her relish in the spirit

of the season for as long as

she can before she becomes

old and cynical like you.

I'm not old, or cynical.

Keep telling yourself that.

I didn't know which ones I wanted.

So I asked for both.

Are you leaving, Pops?

I am.

I got a big meeting.

About a new client?

Yeah.

Good luck.

Oh, thank you, darling.

I love you.

I love you too, Pops.

See you, son.

Good luck.

That is a lot of sprinkles.

What?

It's Christmas time.

Oh, I am so sorry.

It's fine.

Your bag is really big.

Caroline.

Yeah, it seems like it.

Here.

How very Mary Poppins of

you when there's a whole stack

of napkins right behind you.

Oh, that's good.

I can refill my stash for the next time

I spill coffee on someone.

Why don't you run these to the dish bin?

Why didn't you.

Ready, Dad?

Ready

Again, I'm so sorry.

It's fine.

That was his second cup.

I'm Caroline.

Natalie.

Merry Christmas, Ms. Natalie.

Merry Christmas, Caroline.

Merry Christmas.

Hank the mailman.

Hank's my mailman.

Tell me what you think, Grandma.

I'm going to call her Adeline the Angel.

She's this angel who goes on adventures

and saves the day by

answering Christmas prayers.

Except the kids in this

story aren't asking for things

like toys or clothes.

They're asking for the same things

that this little girl, Caroline, is...

to answer other people's prayers.

And how do you know this little girl?

I don't, really.

I just spilled coffee on her dad

this morning at the coffee shop.

Oh, my goodness.

And her list really doesn't

have anything for her on it?

No, everything is for other people.

Oh, she sounds like such a sweet girl.

I just wish there was more I could do.

Well, maybe there is.

This list is very interesting.

I think you should go for it.

What?

Try and answer her prayers.

What?

At least one of them.

I mean, I've never

believed in coincidences.

It's not by chance that you

just found this prayer list,

and that it inspired you.

I think you should give it a shot.

Who's to say I should be the

one to do something like this?

Well, who are any of us to do anything?

I mean, even if you

can't answer all of them,

it might still be a very,

very good exercise.

Come on, tell me about that prayer list.

OK.

So, see this?

For our mailman, Hank.

Hank Davis?

Isn't he the one that goes to our church?

Mm-hmm.

And she's right.

His daughter lives overseas

and has fallen on hard times.

But he hasn't been able to scrape together

enough funds to go and see her.

I was thinking, what if I did

some sort of mini fundraiser

for him?

Crowdsource some resources from

other neighbors, church members,

see if we could raise enough funds for Hank

to buy a plane ticket.

You know, that'd be such

a generous thing to do.

I don't know where this girl lives,

but maybe I could take

a note to the coffee shop.

Or I could give one to Hank directly.

What do you think?

Well, I think the Lord is ready to work

through you, my dear.

I mean, Christmas is the

most wonderful time of year

to share the message of Jesus.

And anytime we can help our fellow man

be His hands and feet, my philosophy

is that you just do it.

So she's an angel.

Uh-huh

But this is a Christmas book, right?

So she should make toys.

Well, she answers prayers

assigned to her by Jesus.

But for other people, not the kid.

Yes.

I'm just not sure it's got the legs.

Do you like anything about it?

Well, the angel character's cute,

but I just don't think the

story's strong enough.

Let's try another round.

Maybe add in some more characters.

You got it.

And then I want to make

cookies for Mr. Riley

to say thank you for the piano lessons.

We pay him for those.

And I want to make hot

cocoa mugs for Mrs. Amos.

We already got your teacher a present.

Oh, and I want to clean out the hall closet

and take the towels to the

baby kittens at the animal shelter.

Oh, and maybe we can look at dogs.

Caroline, we've been over this.

I know.

It was just a suggestion.

Or we could take them to

the local homeless shelter.

Oh, and did you get the

Christmas cards I asked for?

Yeah.

I told Mrs. Jenkins she'd

be number one on our list.

Oh, you did?

I don't know, Natalie.

What's wrong with it, James?

It's just... you know?

No.

An angel that works for Jesus?

Couldn't we make her an elf or something?

I like the message.

I think an elf feels more Christmas.

Well, that is the point.

I want to put more Jesus

back into Christmas,

celebrate the real reason for the season.

Make it less commercial.

Right. Makes sense.

I think you should still

consider the elf idea.

Thank you, James.

Elf.

Yeah, that's bad.

Yeah, I'm happy to help.

I just don't see why Madeline

thinks he is such a better

Illustrator than I am.

Oh, I'll get that.

Thank you so much.

He's calling.

What?

Hannah.

There's my girl.

Hi.

So how are things going?

Good.

Fine.

I miss you.

I miss you, too.

A lot.

Life on an army base sure

is different from life at home.

Any word on if they'll let you

come home for Christmas?

Honey, we've been through this.

I know.

I know.

I guess I was just hoping,

since you were supposed

to be done in November...

I can't leave if they still need me.

I know.

I'm really proud of you.

I'm proud of you.

So how are things going at the church?

Good.

I enlisted a new recruit.

Hey!

Taking over my job, are you?

Oh, you know I could never fill your shoes.

Good.

Don't get too comfortable.

I'll be back before you know it.

Can't wait.

Hey, sorry.

I gotta get going.

But I'll call again when I can, OK?

I love you.

Love you.

Hey, he'll be home for Christmas.

I hope so.

OK, boss.

What's next on our Christmas to do list?

Oh, should look at my schedule.

Let's go to the front, yeah?

Yeah.

Maybe set up some wreaths.

I've got plenty in the box.

Thank you so much.

You lead the way, boss.

OK.

Good work on the designs

with the illustrators.

They say you're really improving.

Thank you.

And as far as the pitch goes?

Send your character over, and I'll review.

Yes!

OK.

Adeline the Angel.

Who is Adeline the Angel?

Thank you.

Oh, I'm sorry.

You should leave that bag outside.

It's a bit of a hazard.

Doesn't usually cause this many accidents.

So I'm just lucky.

Apparently so.

Have a great day.

You, too.

Oh, hi, Mrs. Jenkins.

Natalie!

To what do I owe the pleasure?

I don't know if you heard about

our beloved mailman, Hank.

No, I did not.

Yeah.

Kind of a weird thing to

know about a mailman,

but I know it's been hard on him,

having his daughter living abroad so long.

So I was hoping we could

spread a little Christmas cheer

by raising enough money

for him to buy a plane ticket

and go visit them for a few weeks.

I love that idea.

I'll grab my checkbook.

Hi.

Hello.

Would you like to donate to

the church's fundraising efforts?

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

All right, Hank, let's

get you a plane ticket.

I should clean this up.

Oh, very good.

Dad, we have to get a Christmas tree.

How about we put lights

up on top of the bookshelf?

Hmm?

You said that last year.

Yeah, and it was a cool idea then, too.

A tree just sheds needles everywhere.

Mom loved Christmas.

And I miss doing all

those Christmassy things

like decorating a tree and stuff.

I know it reminds you of her.

It reminds me of her too.

But I like that.

I want to remember her.

We'll always remember her.

We can get a tree.

Thank you.

Now eat up.

Hank.

Hey.

I have something for you.

Natalie, what is this?

It's for a plane ticket.

The money is from all of us

at the Belford Falls Church.

It's too much.

I can't accept this.

I'd say it's barely enough.

We'll miss you, Hank.

But we hope you have the best time.

Thank you.

You have no idea how much this means to me.

Please, thank everyone for me.

I will.

Merry Christmas, Hank.

Merry Christmas, Natalie.

Hi, Hank.

Good afternoon, Caroline.

Hey, I wanted to let you

know I'll be gone for a few days.

I'm going to see my

daughter over the holidays.

So Merry Christmas, Caroline.

Dad!

Dad, Jesus answered one of my prayers!

Hank got his plane ticket

to go see his daughter.

It's a Christmas miracle!

We need a Christmas tree.

What does this have to do

with us getting a Christmas tree?

Everything.

Dad, come on.

Please.

OK.

OK.

I promise I will get you a tree tomorrow.

And I'm calling Pops if you don't.

Why?

Because I asked him

to take me If you don't.

You are your mother's daughter.

I miss her so much.

Yeah.

I do too, kiddo.

Tree, tomorrow.

You got it.

Want to come by for dinner tonight?

Would love to.

But I'm going to an ornament

decorating thing at the church.

Sounds fun.

Wanna come?

No, but you have fun.

You don't think her dad

would be mad if he found out?

I don't think he would have a reason to be.

It's not as though I'm

breaking any rules or anything.

I'm just answering some prayers.

I'll tell her it was me, eventually.

But I think I want to keep going.

It felt good to do something

for somebody else.

It took me out of my head

for the first time in so long.

Wait.

Did the tree come today?

I don't know.

I knew it.

I knew I should not have

ordered that Christmas tree

- this year from that ad online.

- Hannah.

And with the ornament decorating tonight,

what are we going to do if

we don't have the tree to put

the decorated ornaments on?

Oh...

Well, I have the afternoon free.

I can go to the tree

lot, pick something up.

Could you?

Mm-hmm. Oh, that'd be wonderful.

- I got you, boss.

- Oh, thank you so much.

I'll be so quick. I promise.

Appreciate it. See you soon.

So much to do.

Hi.

Hi.

I'm Natalie, from the coffee shop.

Yeah, I remember.

Mary Poppins.

Wow.

Everywhere in town sold out.

This is the fourth place I've tried,

and it's still a whole

week until Christmas.

Christmas is in seven days,

and you don't have a tree?

You do?

Yeah, I do.

Then why are you here?

Just doubling up?

Do you always answer with a question?

Do you?

So do you always wait until

the last second to get a tree?

OK, it's not the last

second if there's still

seven days until Christmas.

That's the last minute by a holiday that

requires decoration standard.

By the time you get them up,

it'll be time to take them down.

Well, if it were up to me, I

wouldn't put one up at all.

Wow.

Really festive, are you?

It's not really my thing.

Well, for the record, you can never

have too many Christmas trees.

Yeah.

We're stuck.

What?

No, no, no.

I need to find a tree.

I thought you already had one.

I do.

It's for a seniors event

at the church tonight.

The ornament decorating?

Yeah.

How do you know about that?

My dad's going.

He likes to mingle.

Funny.

My grandmother's going to that.

I'm sorry.

One second.

I think I have an idea.

Hey, grandie, I have a huge favor to ask.

Does Matilda still have a

hook up at that tree farm?

It's kind of an emergency.

Having food delivered was a good idea.

Looks like they forgot the cutlery, though.

No worries.

Thank you.

So any update on your tree?

Yeah.

My grandie said they found one.

Her Bible study is helping

her deliver it to the church

as we speak.

Oh, nothing like Bible

study to save the day.

Literally.

So how long do you have

until Caroline gets home?

A few hours.

She has dance right

after school on Thursdays.

Wait, how do you know my daughter's name?

We met at the coffee shop.

Oh, right.

She seems like a very sweet girl.

She is.

She has this Christmas list.

It's a prayer list.

It's very sweet, actually.

She's praying for things for other people

this Christmas, like a plane ticket

for our mailman, some new

winter clothes for a girl in her class.

Sounds like she has a very big heart.

Yeah, she really does.

I just worry that her faith

will be shaken if these prayers

aren't answered.

Who's to say they won't be?

Look, in my experience,

Jesus has a way of working

everything for His good.

You know, I know I know that in my core.

But I feel like my faith's been

in short supply these days.

Sounds to me like you need to slow down,

give yourself time to invest

in your relationship with Him.

Might not feel like a lot to you,

but it means the world to Him.

Hey, what are you guys

doing tomorrow afternoon?

Well, now, probably trying

to find a Christmas tree.

Well, I can guarantee a

great spot that will have a tree.

Multiple, likely.

Same place your grandma

got one for the church?

Mm-hmm.

How do I not know about this place?

It's very rustic, a great way, I would say,

for one to show their

daughter they were getting

into the Christmas spirit.

I would be happy to take you two.

Well, this was...

Unexpected.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It was.

If you're interested, text me.

Then we can make it happen.

Number four,

get a new coat and boots for Jane Fritz

in Mrs. Flitter's class

at Pinecrest Elementary.

Her coat is too small

and is missing buttons.

And her boots have a hole in the big toe.

Jesus, I think she really needs this.

We're about the same

size, and I wear kids 8.

So maybe just get that and

give her the receipt just to be safe.

Hey, what's going on here?

I was just trying to get inside.

Do you have a ticket?

Do I need a ticket?

No, I was just kidding you.

It's upstairs.

Oh, right.

I'm Tom.

Katy.

Nice to meet you, Katy.

Let's go.

Follow me.

Hi.

I need to drop this off for a

student Ms. Flitter's class.

Thank you.

Why are you looking at me like that.

Your coat and boots.

Cool, right?

Where did you get those?

You weren't wearing them when

you got to school this morning.

They were in my cubby when I

went to go put away my backpack,

just this big wrapped box

that said Merry Christmas.

Oh, my gosh.

Another answered prayer.

Get Mrs. Jenkins

the Christmas poinsettias

like Mr. Jenkins used to.

So, this tree farm?

Send the address, meet there at 3:00 PM.

Dad, Dad!

Is everything OK?

It happened again.

It's real.

What?

What happened again?

Another one of my prayers.

It was answered.

I asked that this girl,

Jane, get a new coat and

boots since I noticed hers were

too small and had holes in them.

And today, there was a new

coat and boots at her cubby.

Dad, this is huge.

First, Hank, the mailman, gets

the money for a plane ticket.

Then Jane gets a new coat and boots.

Next thing you know, Pops

is going to land a big client,

and you're going to be happy.

I think it's really incredible

that two of your prayers

have been answered.

I really do.

But if Jesus doesn't answer the other ones,

that doesn't mean He's not still with you,

that He's not listening.

I know.

Just this is exactly what I prayed for.

I know.

I think Mom would have really liked this.

I think so too.

You know what?

How about we go get a Christmas tree?

Wait, really?

Yeah, really.

Hi.

I would like two poinsettias, please.

Oh, unfortunately, we're all sold out.

- Oh.

- Yeah.

This close to Christmas, everybody's out.

I'm sorry.

OK, thank you.

Yeah.

You take care.

Yeah, hi.

Yes, I'm looking for two poinsettias.

Hello?

Hi.

Yes, I just need two poinsettias.

That's fine.

Thank you.

Hi.

I was hoping you had

two poinsettias in stock.

You do?

Great.

I'll be there in a few minutes.

Thank you.

I just don't see what the problem is.

I just don't think it's strong enough.

But I took all of your notes.

I added in the other

characters and the arcs.

I know.

And I think your work is

very well done, as always.

I just don't think it's strong enough

for a full-fledged children's series.

Well, is there anything I can

do to make it more full fledged?

If you're willing to do another round.

Yes, I am.

I want to see more of a plot.

Maybe add a B story, something to give

us another character arc.

Then I'll give it another pass, see

if it's something that I think

the board will approve of.

OK.

Sounds great.

Bye.

Ms. Natalie!

Hey!

Oh, I love your hat.

Thank you.

You ready to go find a tree?

Come on, let's go.

So I take it you've been here before.

Yeah.

I used to come here every

year with my grandmother

when I was little.

My parents were young when they had me.

So my grandma helped raise me.

What was that like?

It was really special.

She poured her heart and soul

into everything she did for me.

Made even the little things special.

What about you?

Have any family in Belford?

I do.

Yeah, my dad's here.

Like your grandmother,

he's been here for years.

Caroline and I moved

back at the top of the year.

Where were you before that?

New York.

My wife, late wife, she

passed the year before last.

I'm so sorry.

It was very sudden.

She got the diagnosis.

And it's definitely been

an adjustment, moved

back to be closer to family.

I'm sure it's been hard on Caroline.

Christmas was my

wife's favorite time of year.

She would go all out like the

tree, the cookies, you name it.

I just feel like I can't even come

close to what she used to do.

So I don't even try.

That's not fair on Caroline.

So I want to try, try to make

this our own version of special.

She's lucky to have you.

En garde!

What are you doing?

Defend yourself!

To battle.

You better watch it.

OK, ladies, back away from the candy cane.

Dad, I need backup!

Hey, hey, hey.

Two on one is not fair.

That should do it.

I don't know how I'm

going to get that down.

I can help.

Yeah, I just have to run

Caroline to a friend's sleepover

first.

Yeah, I'd love that.

OK.

Just give me your address.

Chestnut Lane.

We live on Chestnut Lane.

Really?

Yeah.

Wow, small world.

Caroline's friend's place is on the way.

So I could meet you there in 20 minutes?

Sounds great.

Hi.

Should we get your tree

inside before it freezes?

Yes, please.

I thought you said you already had a tree.

I do, but it is smaller than this one.

So I moved it to my bedroom

to make room for this one.

Apparently, you can never

have too many Christmas trees.

No, you can't.

Thank you.

Of course.

I mean, if you're free, I'd love

an extra hand in decorating it.

You have enough

decorations to cover two trees?

Oh, I have enough to cover easily six.

Why am I not surprised?

Come on, I'll show you.

It's just right over here.

I am so sorry.

I may or may not have a problem.

You want to help me?

Sure.

You good?

I got it.

So you illustrate children's books, huh?

That's really unique.

Thank you.

I just wish it was going

a bit more smoothly.

What do you mean?

Oh, well, right now, I

work on a children's series

called Ralph the Reindeer.

Caroline loved those books

when she was younger.

Yeah?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, they're great because

they're really consistent,

and they release multiple books a year.

Sounds like a good gig.

Yeah.

Don't get me wrong, they're...

they're great.

But there's a whole team of us.

There's the two creators

who come up with the stories,

the two writers who write the actual books,

and then the two of us

designers who do the illustrations.

And of course, I'm thankful for the work.

It's just...

Stifling

Exactly.

Would you ever want to

write your own series one day?

I do.

Ralph the Reindeer is great, but I really

want to do something that captures

the reason behind the

season, Jesus and His message.

But I don't know if I'm good enough, if I'm

a good enough Illustrator

or strong enough storyteller,

if I am the person to

capture the message of Christ

in a children's book.

Well, not that you're asking my opinion,

but I think the Illustrator of Ralph

the Reindeer is very talented.

Well, thank you.

Well, it's late.

I should...

Yeah, of course.

Thank you again for coming.

Thank you for your neighborly hospitality.

Any anytime.

Good night.

Night.

OK.

I was looking for that.

Bye!

Thank you!

Dad!

Another one of my prayers was answered.

What?

First, Hank gets the

money for a plane ticket.

Then Jane got a new coat and boots.

And now... come on.

See?

Number five on my

prayer list was for us to get

decorations for the new house.

And look at Mrs. Jenkins' house.

Number seven on my list

was to get her poinsettias,

like Mr. Jenkins used to.

Caroline, why don't you

run inside and wash up?

Breakfast is almost ready.

But the decorations.

Let me just sort through these,

and then we can decide what to do.

What to do?

We should decorate the house with them.

Just go wash up.

I'll be there in a second.

Morning, Wes.

Mrs. Jenkins.

Do you know anything about these?

No, I don't.

But I received a gift as well.

Poinsettias?

Yeah.

I thought they were from you,

carrying on Roger's tradition,

getting me Christmas

flowers for our anniversary.

I didn't know anything

about the poinsettias.

Oh, well, it looks like we

have our very own Christmas

mystery.

Someone's answered at least two

of Caroline's Christmas prayers.

Sounds like Caroline

is a very special girl.

Or something weird's going on.

How does this person know where we live?

How do they know what's on our prayer list?

I couldn't tell you.

Maybe it's just a little Christmas spirit.

Yeah.

I'll see you later.

See ya.

Turn one of the trees

in hazelnut park to a candy

cane tree, just like nan used to.

For Mr. Smith to get new

nativity scene for his yard,

since the last one broke in the snowstorm.

Madeline? Hi.

Did you have a chance

to review the new Adeline

the Angel concept I sent over?

I did.

It's cute, but it needs

a bit more of a hook.

What's this?

Oh, that's just my inspiration.

Is this based on a true story?

Now that's something we could really sell.

How sweet.

You're answering her

prayers through your character.

Oh, no.

I just want to share the message of Jesus.

Well, I think we can go bigger.

This is good, this prayer list.

Maybe we could get this in the local paper.

Tie it in with your book.

No.

Sorry, I mean, let me give it some thought.

Like you said, it's not quite there yet.

And how about I rework some things,

and then we can discuss it?

Sounds good.

But remember, time is of the essence here.

Do you remember Caroline's

Christmas prayer list

her Sunday school assignment?

Sure.

Why?

Some of her prayers have been answered.

Someone's answering them.

Isn't that the point?

I mean, I guess.

But how?

Well, who else knew about the list?

No one besides me, you, and Caroline.

Are you sure?

I don't see how anyone else could.

It's been in the trash

since Natalie spilled coffee

all over it the other day.

Natalie?

Who is Natalie?

She's a woman I met.

Happens to live in the neighborhood.

Helped me get a tree for Caroline.

Making new friends, are we?

Stop, it's nothing.

But you're smiling.

I smile all the time.

But, tell me what

prayers on Caroline's list

have been answered.

Number 3, 4, 5, and 7.

I'd really like it if they

could answer number two.

What happened with the sushi bar?

Yeah, they weren't the right fit.

Yeah. Couldn't see my vision.

Does this have anything to do

with Don Hamilton's new app?

I saw the article.

OK, yeah.

So my former coworker

and I retire at the same time.

He runs out and starts

an app that's taken off.

And I can't get a single

client for my investment firm.

You don't have to compete with him.

I'm not.

I'm just saying...

I know you've struggled since retiring and

seeing Don do this app thing.

Just because you don't have

to go into an office every day

and have all the stress

and pressure and people

reporting to you, doesn't

mean you don't matter.

I love that you're trying

to start your own company,

that you're finding your thing.

But I think you should do

what you want to do, not

all this weird, loud, flashy stuff

to keep up with an old

coworker you didn't even like.

That's why I love you, son.

You always know what to say.

I love you too, Dad.

Maybe you're right.

Maybe I should just get back to basics.

I think that would be a good move.

Now I just need to figure out who's

behind answering Caroline's prayers

so I can get them to stop.

Why would you want them to stop?

What they're doing is

good for other people.

Because I don't want Caroline

to be disappointed or feel

let down by God because one

of her prayers aren't answered.

Well, you're trying to control

a situation that's a whole lot

bigger than you, son.

The Lord is at work here.

How our prayers are

answered now and in the future

isn't up to us.

We have to let go and let God do His thing.

He's in control, not us.

Mm-hmm.

Speaking of which, what are

you and Caroline doing later?

Tree turned out really

great, don't you think?

Thank you again for

literally saving the day.

What's up?

Nothing.

Madeline loved the Adeline the Angel idea.

That's great.

But only if it's based on a true story.

She saw Caroline's prayer list.

OK, why don't you just tell

her about Caroline and Wes?

I don't know.

Because it feels wrong,

like I'm using them.

I mean, you kind of are.

No, I'm getting inspiration

from Caroline's prayer list.

What I am putting into my book

is simply inspired by Caroline.

It's mostly about Adeline

and less about the kid.

But Madeline wants to change

all of that, which feels wrong.

Exploiting Caroline and Wes for content?

I can't do that.

You care about them, don't you?

What?

Do you like him?

I am not doing this right now.

Oh, my gosh.

You really like him.

Stop.

Oh, this is good.

This is really good.

What's really good?

Stephen.

Stephen!

You're home.

Are you really home?

Is this real?

Yes, this is real.

I switched days with Ron.

He's going to take New Year's

to be home for Sydney's birthday.

Thank you, Lord.

Thank you.

I love you.

I love you.

Quite the good turnout, eh?

Who doesn't love a little caroling?

Is that Stephen?

Sure is.

Oh, talk about a little Christmas spirit.

Seems to be in the air this season.

Katy!

Oh.

Hello, Tom.

You two...

Know each other?

We met the other night.

At the ornament making.

Katy here helped me

unlock my creative potential.

I showed him how to use a hot glue g*n.

Dad, can I?

Sure, go ahead.

We should go find our seats.

The good ones are going fast.

Oh, you don't mind, do you?

Of course not.

And then there were two.

I should warn you, I

am incredibly tone deaf.

So am I.

Well, then we'll make a great pair.

All right, everyone, can I

have your attention, please?

Hi.

Thank you all so much for joining us

at the annual Belford

Falls Caroling Nights.

It is so good to see so

many familiar faces and

even some new ones here this evening.

As I'm sure many of you remember,

our former head volunteer of the

Belford Falls Community Church,

my husband, Sergeant

Major Stephen Matthews,

who I took over for when

he got called back into duty.

Now he led our church's fundraising efforts

each Christmas.

And when he left, I had

some big shoes to fill.

But with your help, we have

now raised more than double

what we needed to keep

our senior events going.

Yay!

And now we can add after-school

programs two days a week.

I'm going to have to work twice as

hard to fill those shoes again.

If I let you.

Now, if you'll join hands,

we'll begin with a prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

thank you so much for this time

and for the gift of Your son, Jesus Christ.

We know that when we gather together,

You always have a divine agenda.

Help us to build strong

connections with one another

this sacred season,

fostering a sense of belonging

with our community as we

celebrate You in all the things

that we do.

In Jesus's name we pray.

Amen. Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

What do you all say we

do some caroling, yeah?

So it's been a while since

you've been to church, huh?

Yeah.

But I'm glad to be here now.

I thought I'd be wildly

uncomfortable, but...

I'm glad it feels like home.

All right, everyone.

If you will turn to the

first page, we'll begin

with "Silent Night."

I'm not sure you're ready for this.

Bring it on.

I am terrible.

So am I.

You know, Natalie and I have a tradition.

Every eve of Christmas Eve, we make cookies

to take to our neighbors.

That's fun.

We used to have a

Christmas Eve tradition where

we'd make personalized pizzas.

Oh, yeah.

Well, if you three are free tonight,

we'd love to have you

over to make some cookies.

Can we?

I don't see why not.

Sounds good to me.

Can we bring anything?

Just yourselves.

I think we can do that.

Meet you there in about an hour?

Yeah, sounds great.

OK.

See you later.

Hey.

You guys doing anything?

Do you want to come make some cookies?

We'd love to, but Stephen

booked us a little getaway.

Spend some quality time together

- before I have to head back.

- Aw.

Well, that sounds like so much fun.

I sure love you both.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

It's working!

What is?

The Christmas spirit.

Look at you.

What about me?

You're smiling so much.

You don't do that anymore.

I smile all the time.

He's definitely smiling more.

You two are ridiculous.

OK, so explain to me what's going

on with you and Mr. Emerson.

You're not the only one

with a Christmas crush.

I do not have a Christmas crush.

Well, Tom and I both saw you.

The way you were looking

at Wes and the way he

was looking right back at you.

Coming!

No Christmas crush nonsense.

Hi.

Come on in.

Who's ready to make some cookies?

Come on in.

Hi.

Hi.

Nice to see you.

Hello.

Oh, no.

Dad, we forgot the eggnog.

Can you run home and grab it, please?

Come on, Wes.

We can't have Christmas

cookies without the eggnog.

You don't even like eggnog.

I know.

But everyone else does.

Can you please go get it?

Fine.

I'll be right back.

Do you believe in the

spirit of Christmas time?

Yeah, of course I do.

I don't think my dad does.

Why not?

I don't know.

I think I made a mistake on my prayer list.

Oh, you can't make a mistake

when it comes to prayers.

I think you're right.

But I just think I should

have been more specific.

I put on my list that I

wanted him to be happy.

But what I think I meant by that is

I want him to find a new friend,

one that makes him happy,

a friend like you.

Because I think he really likes you.

You know what?

I think I like him, too.

Hey, Caroline.

The Christmas lights

down the block just came on.

Want to go look at them

while the cookies bake?

Yeah!

Come on, let's go.

You guys have fun.

I've got things covered over here.

You got this.

Yeah.

Bye, Dad.

Save some cookies for us.

I will.

See you later, son.

Hey.

Secure the goods?

Sure did.

Cookies look good.

Yeah.

Turned out pretty good.

This has been really nice.

Yeah.

It has.

It's usually just Grandie and me.

I'm thankful you let us crash the party.

Should we celebrate?

What are we celebrating?

Christmas.

Oh?

Cookies.

Mm-hmm.

New neighbors.

All worthy of celebration.

Do you want to grab some glasses?

Sure.

Thank you.

What are these?

What are what?

I can explain.

Why do you have my daughter's prayer list?

You presented this to your publisher?

It was just something I

was playing around with.

So, what?

You answered my daughter's prayers

and then used it as content in your book?

Based on a true story.

So you were just using us?

No, that is not...

Did you not answer my daughter's prayers?

I did.

And then wrote about it

and gave it to your boss.

I was going to tell you.

When?

I don't know.

Wes, I am so sorry.

I should have told you sooner.

Yeah.

Yeah, you should have.

Wes, wait.

Dad, what's going on?

Change of plans, kiddo.

We're heading home.

Get your coat back on.

What happened?

I think it's best if your

dad explained it to you.

Well, are you two still friends?

Caroline, come on.

I'll have my grandma send

cookies over later tonight, OK?

What just happened?

Oh, boy.

Yeah.

I should have known.

I should have known she's up to something.

Why?

Because she was too nice.

Nice people always have a motive.

I don't think that's true.

Whose side are you on?

I'm on your side, of course.

I just think you're overreacting a bit.

She was just literally

using us for her book.

You don't know that.

I saw the designs, and I saw

notes that I can only assume

were from her editor.

I'm just saying, I think

there's more to the story here.

Dear Lord, I...

I was trying to do something good.

But I think I messed up.

I ask that You take this situation

and use it for Thy glory,

however that may look.

I ask that You guide my

footsteps, that Your word

may be a lamp to my feet.

Because I really need it right now.

Amen.

In case you were curious, I'm so sorry.

I didn't mean to hurt you.

I'm so sorry.

So, I don't know how to say this,

but you know your Christmas prayer list?

They were answered.

Right, they were.

Yeah.

Can you believe it?

I can.

You know that someone

was actually doing the things it

took to answer those prayers.

I do.

It was Ms. Natalie.

Come on, Dad.

You didn't figure it out

when the box of decorations

showed up on our porch?

I didn't put two and two together.

I think she was just trying to

make Christmas special for me.

For us.

And she did.

We got a Christmas tree

and some decorations, finally.

Hank is going to see his daughter,

Jane got a new coat and boots, and

we got to do Mom's tradition

of a candy cane tree in the park.

Jesus used Ms. Natalie

to get them answered.

I already thanked him for

helping Ms. Natalie do it all.

I think she did a really good job.

I think so too.

I didn't realize you still wanted

to do the candy cane tree.

Dad, just because Mom isn't still

with us anymore doesn't

mean she still can't be in our life.

You're right.

Dad, will you pray with me?

Caroline.

Please?

OK.

Dear Jesus, thank You this Christmas.

Thank You for blessing

our lives with Ms. Natalie.

I know she makes my dad really happy.

And she makes me really happy, too.

Thank you for helping her

make this Christmas special.

I love you.

Amen.

Amen.

Caroline's asleep.

Dad.

Dad.

What?

What are you doing with my tablet?

The Adeline the Angel book.

It's quite good.

What?

Natalie sent it to you.

And you took it upon

yourself to go through my tablet

and read it?

I took it upon myself to

find out why you're so upset.

Honestly, I don't think you

got a leg to stand on here.

Let me see it.

Once upon a time, in

a land not so far away,

there was an angel named Adeline.

She worked with Jesus during

the day, helping spread His word.

And He trusted her so much, He gave her

a top secret mission to work

on a Christmas list of blessings.

By candlelight, Adeline would

sift through all of the prayers

and see if she could answer them.

After one letter from a

sweet girl named Caroline,

she concocted a plan for how to answer

her prayers, with Jesus's

blessing, of course.

Caroline had a long

list of requests, the first,

for her mailman to get a plane

ticket to go see his daughter

who lived far, far away.

Adeline knew that Christmas

spirit takes a village.

So she called in

reinforcements to help, all

while Caroline dreamt

of sugar plum fairies.

Adeline the Angel, got to work, answering

each prayer one by one.

But there was one prayer

that Adeline couldn't answer.

And she knew it was the

most important because it was

the first on Caroline's list.

And that was for her

father to find happiness.

And Adeline realized that she had

answered Caroline's first

prayer by answering the others.

She had opened the hearts

of others which her father saw,

and he began to experience happiness

through the spirit of the Christmas season,

just the way Caroline wanted him to.

And Adeline the Angel,

her mission complete,

went back home where she patiently awaited

her next assignment from Jesus.

It's a good story.

Yeah, it is.

Her heart was in the right place.

It was.

You know, I think...

I don't know how to explain it, but it

feels like God was using this.

I'd like to come to

church with you next week.

Maybe the week after that, too.

We'd really like that.

I should have just told

Wes at the Christmas tree lot

about finding Caroline's

list, about my idea of wanting

to try and answer them.

Well, why didn't you?

I don't know.

Because I didn't want

Caroline to be disappointed

if I didn't pull it off.

And I didn't think it would

actually go anywhere.

Well, if you knew, do you think anything

would have been any different?

I don't know if I would have stuck with it.

So you wouldn't have raised money for Hank,

or that little girl in Caroline's class

wouldn't have a new coat and boots,

and Mrs. Jenkins wouldn't

have her poinsettias,

and Caroline would still be in a

house without any decorations.

Yeah.

As far as I'm concerned,

good came out of it.

I don't see that this is a loss

or a failure by any stretch.

You brought the spirit of Christmas

to those people that really

needed it without asking

for anything in return.

I mean, I did put it in my book.

Not that that matters.

According to Madeline,

it's not going anywhere.

But honestly, it's probably for the best.

You know what's best.

I hope so.

So tell me about your

plans for Adeline the Angel?

I don't know if I have any.

If you have to turn it into a series.

What would you do?

I don't know.

Oh, come on.

Yes, you do.

I think I would set it in

different parts of the world.

Show Adeline answering

different kinds of prayers

for different kinds of kids,

but tying into this theme

that we are all more alike than we realize.

What is that?

I don't know.

Dear Adeline, I have a Christmas prayer

I need help with.

You see, there's this woman.

She's vibrant and kind

and so incredibly talented.

I think I really like her.

But I think I messed things up big time.

I got upset with her for doing something

I should have tried to do myself...

for seeing the heart of

Christmas and leaning into it.

I know you've answered lots

of prayers for us this season.

But if you have it in you to do one more,

I would love the chance

to tell her I'm sorry.

I've let myself be closed off to love.

I thought it would

protect me, but it didn't.

It only hurt me and the people I love more.

So, Adeline, what I'm

asking is for the chance

to tell her that I'm sorry.

And that... well, I think I

might be falling for her.

Hi.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

Well, I do live just up the street.

I'll give you two a moment.

Your book was really good.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have snapped at you.

You were just trying to

make Caroline happy, and I...

thank you.

I know the things on her list weren't easy,

and they were very unconventional.

I should have told you sooner.

Told you that I was thinking about pitching

it as a book series.

But you don't have to worry.

It's not moving forward with Blitz.

I'm sorry to hear that.

And I'm sorry I didn't help

you try and answer them.

I wish I would have.

And maybe I'll get the

opportunity to next year.

Next year, huh?

Oh, I'm sure once word gets out

about Adeline the Angel's

success in Belford Falls,

her inbox is going to be quite full.

Inbox.

So angels have emails now.

I mean, maybe.

Yeah.

Thank you for making

this Christmas so special.

Not just for Caroline, but for me as well.

It was all Adeline.

But I'll be sure to tell

her she did a good job.

She did a great job.

This has been the best Christmas

I've had in a long time.

I feel the same way.

Well, I guess Caroline's

last prayer was just answered.

Wait, no.

I didn't complete the

second one on the list.

I didn't find a client for Pops.

Yeah, you did.

You know, there is a very big market

for well-done children's book

series with strong illustrations

behind them.

And my dad would love to sit down with you

and have a full pitch meeting.

He thinks he can bring the series to market

as early as next year.

Are you serious?

If you're interested.

Yes, I would love that.

Well, I guess his people

will call your people.

Oh, and Caroline was

hoping that you and Ms. Katy

would come to our house for a pizza party.

Pizza party?

Mm-hmm.

Would you like to come?

We would love that.

Looks like someone found

their Christmas spirit after all.

Thanks to an angel named Adeline.