Christmas in Midnight Clear (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Good morning, Lord.

I have the same request as yesterday,

maybe with a little more urgency.

Give me the strength to keep

this place from falling

apart for dad, my family and everyone

in this town who needs you.

And Lord, if you could

help me figure out a way

to pay for a new roof before

Christmas Eve service,

super helpful.

Hey, Uncle Daniel.

Good morning, Tommy.

I'm not complaining as I love

seeing you as often as we do,

but I'm fairly sure your mother

has cereal at your house.

That stuff is not edible.

I am a growing boy.

I need sugar and something

that tastes like actual food.

Is your mom picking you up

for school or am I taking you?

I left her a note saying I'd be here,

eating a sufficient breakfast.

Good placement

on the eye roll, by the way.

Oh, well, hallelujah, I have finally

impressed my teenage nephew.

Have you looked

in on your grandfather yet?

No need to check on me.

I'm fine.

I've got my son and my grandson,

and I woke up breathing.

God is good.

How's the church roof doing?

About as good as your hip.

It's seen better days,

but it's hanging in there.

Well, at least my hip isn't

leaking on the congregation.

Hello.

I come bearing gifts

of the season, in cookie form.

Enjoy.

Really, Dad, for breakfast?

What...

So whether you eat

or drink, whatever you do,

do all to the glory of God.

First Corinthians, 10:31.

You're pulling out all the stops, I see.

Once a pastor, always a pastor.

It's OK.

He can have these.

They're a new recipe.

It's fat free, gluten free,

sugar free, and dairy free.

What's left?

Air.

Tommy.

These aren't Christmas cookies, Mom.

They're...

They're not good.

They're not good at all.

Really?

Oh, um, well...

OK, well, they could

use a little finessing.

A little?

You are my daughter and I

love and support you.

But these are terrible.

But they're... yeah, OK.

They're terrible.

You don't have to eat them.

But we should get going, Kiddo.

It's your last day before break.

I can be late.

Well, I can't.

So let's get you

to school and me to work.

Come on.

Chop chop.

Well, if I had a car,

I wouldn't have to worry

about anyone driving me.

Just saying.

Christmas is coming.

Yeah, not getting

a car for Christmas, Bud.

Let's go.

Hey, Mike and I heard

that there might not be

a Christmas festival this year.

Something about insurance costs?

It'll work.

We always find a way.

I was hoping you'd say that.

I don't think we've ever not had one.

And thanks for taking care of Dad.

Stop.

We're family, it's what we do.

Well, thank you.

Bye, Dad.

Love you.

You know, I may have parts that

are not working at full

capacity, but I can still hear,

you know?

If I ever get to be a burden on you...

Dad, we have talked about this.

You're stuck with me.

Well, if you insist, I'll stay.

But we do have other options to discuss.

It would be the last thing

I'd want to do, but...

We're not selling the church.

Maybe if you look at it like it's

not so much about the church

and more about family.

We are all struggling.

We've got my medical bills, insurance

premiums we can hardly handle.

And the house needing almost

as many repairs as the church.

You have always told

us that God will provide.

Why can't we still trust in that?

We can.

But sometimes God provides

through difficult decisions,

Danny.

I need to get to work.

We'll get through this, Dad.

We always do.

Love you.

Well, the success

in other areas,

I believe now is the perfect time

to forge into Midnight Clear.

Forgive me for sounding

pessimistic, Mr. Shaw,

but I was the one that

was there last year.

There's no way they'll all agree to sell.

And that's why I'm sending in

our top acquisition specialist.

This town represents

our biggest opportunity yet.

Prime real estate, desperate sellers, and

hopefully, with Hilary

overseeing the deal,

minimal resistance.

Hilary.

OK, so as Richard stated, I'll

start with the properties that

have shown interest, solidify

those deals while talking

to the more stubborn holdouts.

The more I can bring on board to sell,

the easier it's going to be to

convince the others that this is

the best plan for our future.

OK?

Thank you, everyone.

That will be all.

Wow.

Love the Christmas spirit.

Some of us are busy executives,

and as much as we like Christmas,

we like to close deals more.

Was a good speech today.

If you want, I could take you to dinner,

show you my notes on the town owners.

Could help you when you get there.

I appreciate the offer, but

I think a fresh set

of eyes and a new approach

might be the answer.

I'll call you if I have any

questions when I get there.

OK?

Thanks, though.

I'll leave you to it then.

Brandon, I told you, I'm all good.

I can see that.

Prepping?

Yes.

This could be a massive

win for the company.

If you play it right, for you.

I appreciate that.

I do have a question, though.

Have you seen this church?

It's right in the middle

of the town, and, I don't know,

I think it could be considered historic.

OK?

And?

Well, look at it.

I'm not sure taking it down and

following our standard operation

will work in Midnight Clear.

Hilary, business is business.

That church sits on prime real estate.

It's the best point in town.

It has perfect visibility from the highway.

Look, you work around it or through it.

I don't care what you

choose, just get it done.

I will.

But maybe our community

development initiative

could work here.

Hilary, that community

development initiative

is there to make us money.

That revitalization stuff

is simply good marketing.

Yeah, the church does seem

like it's in pretty bad shape.

Well, even better.

Easy to justify demolition

for safety reasons.

What's our cover story?

No story needed here.

We're offering these people

more money than they've

ever seen in their life.

Most will jump at the chance.

And the holdouts?

Eminent domain, if necessary.

And the county's already

interested in the increased tax

revenue.

I need those contracts

signed by Christmas Eve.

That's... that's just a few weeks away.

Then I suggest you tell them

whatever it is they need to hear

to get the job done on time.

Understood?

Mm-hmm.

Good.

Oh, Raquel and I look forward to

seeing you at Christmas dinner.

Merry Christmas to you too, Dad.

Hello.

Is anyone here?

Oh, hi.

Excuse me. Hi.

Hi.

What can I do for you?

I'm Hilary Shaw

from Shaw Development.

I just wanted to get

a few minutes of your time

and talk to you about your property.

Not interested.

Oh, you didn't even listen

to what I have to say.

I don't need to.

You said you're from

a development company, right?

This church has been in my

family for four generations.

We've developed.

OK, mister...

It's pastor.

Pastor Porter.

Pastor Porter, I completely

understand your attachment,

but I'm here to completely

revitalize your community.

There will be wonderful opportunities

for retail, community centers,

jobs for local residents,

and affordable housing.

Affordable for who?

You or me?

May I ask, what do you

know about Midnight Clear,

aside from charts and zoning?

You know how many folks

live in the senior home,

which the church funds, or how

many people you'd be displacing?

I should warn you, Ms.

Shaw, one of my finer traits

is that I'm able to see through people

who don't tell the whole truth.

Any chance you'd like

to tell me the real plan?

I just told you.

You told me what you

think I want to hear.

Pastor Porter, I'm just

trying to help your community.

Clearly, you're struggling economically.

Almost half your main street is closed,

your church is literally

falling down, and...

And you think your money

can solve all our problems?

Yeah, I think money

solves a lot of things,

like leaking roofs and medical bills.

I do my homework.

Ms. Shaw, there's some

things that can't be bought.

Community is one of them.

Faith is another.

Well, what could

our community and faith

if your buildings collapse?

This church in this

community, we are not for sale.

Everything is, it's just a matter

of finding the right price.

Some things have value that can't be

measured in dollars, Ms. Shaw.

Now, if you please excuse

me, I have work to do.

Hi.

Welcome to the Evergreen Inn.

I'm Nicole.

Can I get you checked in?

Yeah, I think so.

Oh, you must be admiring

our Christmas decorations.

Isn't it wonderful?

We really like to go all out here.

Yeah, you certainly do.

The reservation's under Shaw.

Oh, sure.

Great.

You've come at a perfect time of year.

We have so many wonderful

Christmas events,

so hopefully you're in town

for a while to enjoy them.

No, I won't be staying long.

Oh, can I ask what brings

you to Midnight Clear?

Just doing some business.

And what business are you in?

Are you going to be meeting

with locals around here?

I'm so sorry.

I've had a really long trip.

I just want to get checked in.

No problem.

No problem at all.

Oh, wow.

OK.

Insanity.

OK, let's see what

we're working with here.

So you're the one staying

at the Evergreen Inn?

Hear you're asking

questions about the town.

Well...

Oh, honey.

In a town this size, a sneeze

on Main Street gets you a.

God bless you before

you're even done sneezing.

Name is Betty Collins.

This is my diner.

I'm Hilary Shaw.

It's very nice to meet you.

So what brings a big city

girl to our little old Midnight.

Clear?

Oh, I've been serving pie

and coffee a long time.

I can spot city folk from a country mile.

And those shoes look like they cost

more than most folks here

make in months, maybe years,

maybe more.

Well, I'm here to assess the

area for potential development

opportunities, to revitalize.

That's a fancy word for tearing

things down so you can build

them back up again, isn't it?

No, not necessarily.

Sometimes it means preserving

what matters while creating

new opportunities.

And who decides what matters?

Wow.

This coffee is excellent.

That's the same blend

my folks served when

they opened this place in 1964.

My dad always said a town

needs three things to survive.

A place to pray, a place

to learn, and a place to gather.

We already had a church and a

school, but no place for folks

to just be.

So they opened this.

That's a lovely story.

Oh, it's not a story.

It's family.

It's tradition.

Every booth in here has seen marriage

proposals and business deals,

celebrations, and heartache.

I mean, just think about those things

before you start telling folks

to walk away from all they know.

I should go.

Insurance has denied the claim

for my physical therapy

sessions.

What's the reason this time?

They say it wasn't medically necessary.

Tell that to my hip.

How much was it?

$550.

It's OK, Dad, I'll figure it out.

With what?

You haven't taken a salary from

the church in over six months.

I can't ask people to tithe

more when they're barely

making ends meet themselves.

We're three months behind

on the house payment,

and the church needs a new roof

that's going to cost $15,000.

I still know all of that, too.

You have taught me that faith

and prayer can change things.

Anything.

I agree.

Both powerful weapons.

But given our current situation...

She's got to be kidding.

What are you talking about?

This lady was at the church earlier.

She's back again.

Maybe she's a tourist.

She's not.

How do you know?

Tourists don't come

to Midnight Clear, Dad.

Not anymore.

Not to take pictures of empty storefronts

and churches falling down.

Plus, I talked to her.

I know exactly who she is.

I know you do, Son.

I can't imagine what you're up to,

but whatever it is, thanks in advance

for what you're working on.

Can I help you with something?

It's nice to see you again, Pastor.

I didn't realize anyone would be here.

Well, I do work here, which you know.

All due respect, we've already

discussed where we both stand.

I think this is one of those

moments we agree to disagree.

Pastor Porter, I think we got off

on the wrong foot this morning.

I'd like to start again.

I'm Hilary Shaw.

Daniel Porter.

And you're snooping around because?

I wasn't snooping.

OK, fine, I was snooping.

Look, we specialize in community

revitalization projects.

Community revitalization.

Right.

Historical buildings

can be the centerpieces

of our development projects.

Development projects?

OK.

Modern housing, commercial

spaces, job creation.

We can bring prosperity

back to towns like yours.

Towns like mine.

Pastor, is there a reason

why you keep repeating

everything I'm saying?

Or are you just trying to get me to leave?

I'm not leaving.

I know you care deeply about this town,

but the question is whether

caring is enough to save it.

Save it from who?

You?

From economic collapse.

From becoming a town for sale.

This community has survived

the Great Depression,

two world wars, economic recession, and

natural disasters.

Know how we've done it?

By sticking together and relying on faith.

Can I give you some advice, Ms. Shaw?

If you want to help this

town, get to know us,

realize what we value before

you decide what we need.

That's what I'm trying to do.

No, you are trying to evaluate

our assets and liabilities.

There's a difference... a big one.

Whatever's happening

at the office is not my fault.

I beg to differ.

No one is planning the Christmas party.

Well, I'll be lucky if I can make

it home before Christmas Eve.

Honestly, if I can't convince

these people to sell,

I might as well not come

home because my dad's

going to disown me.

As an employee or daughter?

Both.

That bad?

Yeah, it's not good.

How long have you been there?

I think less than 24 hours.

I'm sorry.

Did you think that you could seal

up the town in less than a day?

Obviously.

You're

good, but no one is that good.

So who have you all talked to so far?

I had a brief intro with

the owner of the diner.

I spoke to the woman

who runs the inn here.

And... oh, right.

The pastor.

Yeah, it didn't go well

with him either time.

You've visited him twice already?

Mm-hmm.

The first time wasn't ideal.

And then the second time just,

hoo, went downhill from there.

So leave the pastor for now.

Talk to everybody else.

That's what Daniel said.

I mean, the... the pastor.

OK, well, thanks, Brandon.

I appreciate all your help.

Anytime.

You know this.

All right, let's get to know this town.

All I'm saying is, whatever this company

offers could be a chance

to get folks back on track.

We're two weeks from Christmas, and

half our businesses

have already informed me

they can't make January rent.

How are we going to fund

the Christmas festival?

We already know the church

can't help out anymore.

The church never let the town down.

It's not going to start now.

You say that, Frank, but things are not

the same as they used to be.

It's true.

Bookings at the Inn are down

50% from this time last year.

I hate to say it, but if that

company offers enough to pay off

debts, I'm afraid that people are going

to take the money and move.

I know.

I know, but we can't just

go selling our properties

to the highest bidder.

Nicole, I hear you.

We all do.

But families are leaving.

If we don't do something

to change things,

there's not going to be enough left of us

to keep this town working.

Sorry to interrupt.

I'm Hilary Shaw from

right.

You already know who I am.

We were just talking

about you, and your company.

Noted.

Thank you for your honesty, Mister...

Frank Porter.

I'm Daniel's father.

Oh.

I believe you two have already met.

Indeed we have.

I was hoping to get a coffee to go.

Coming right up.

We're just decorating cookies

for the Christmas festival.

If we can even have it.

Feel free to help out if you like.

Oh, I don't think I'd

be very good company.

Thank you though.

Does anyone have

any recommendations

for a business I can visit?

I was hoping to get to know

the town while I'm here.

I got a place.

If anyone has any questions, I'll be

staying at the Evergreen Inn.

Happy to talk one on one.

OK?

Thank you.

Bye, Dad.

Break's over.

Let's get back to these cookies.

Thank you for taking the time.

Thank you, sir,

for lending me some of yours.

It's Frank.

May I call you Hilary?

Mm-hmm.

You know, Hilary, I was in the church

when you and Daniel

had your first meeting.

I'm not sure I'd call it a meeting.

It felt more like round one.

Isn't that what business

meetings sometimes are?

Your son is a very strong-willed man.

Yeah.

Don't I know it.

I was hoping I'd see you today.

And I was hoping

the same thing about you.

I'm Hilary Shaw.

Oh.

Oh, she's a friend of Daniel's.

I asked her to join me here for a bit

of Midnight Clear Christmas history.

Good to meet you.

Have a seat.

I sure remember this day.

Christmas, 1968.

My father was the pastor then.

We had a brutal snowstorm

that lasted for days,

and the church roof couldn't

support all the snow,

and it collapsed.

That's terrible.

On Christmas Eve?

Yep.

Hours before our annual service.

The sanctuary was covered

in snow and broken beams.

Tell her what happened next, Frank.

Well, seeing as how the first

church at Midnight Clear

collapsed, it struck a bit

of a chord with the community.

We turned to see the entire

town walking down.

Main Street with shovels and...

and... and tools and tarps

and you name it.

And by 6:30, we had

a makeshift sanctuary.

And that Christmas Eve

service was the most beautiful

this town has ever seen.

That's when

I met my late husband.

He was helping clear

the snow, and I was making

hot cocoa for the workers.

So how long has

the church been the center

of all your Christmases?

Since the very beginning.

It's beautiful, all these

families, all these Christmases.

Ms. Shaw, Would

you like to share some

of your family's traditions?

Oh, no.

No, I just... I'd rather

hear about Midnight Clear.

I don't know if you'll

still be in town, Hilary,

but Christmas Eve here is

nothing like you've ever seen.

After the candlelight service,

the whole town gathers

to sing Christmas carols.

And then we walk down Main Street

to the diner for hot cider and cocoa,

and Betty's famous Christmas cookies.

OK.

Thank you for your time.

I'm just... I have to go.

I have another meeting.

I'm really busy while I'm here.

Thank you.

Hi, dad.

How's everything going?

It's OK.

A little complicated.

How so?

This isn't just another

failing small town, Dad.

They have a strong community.

They all start off

as strong communities, Hilary.

I don't know.

Midnight Clear feels different.

Well,

the good news is you've only

been there for a short while.

True.

But I think there are some

properties worth preserving.

We're in the business

of building a future,

not maintaining a past.

Right.

I know, but what if the past

is worth maintaining?

Please do not get sidetracked.

Remember why you're there.

Yes, to evaluate business opportunities.

No.

To close a business deal.

OK.

Hear me out.

What if... what if we could find a way

to develop what's here without destroying

what makes it special?

What makes it special is the

location and the price point.

Everything else is just sentiment.

Well, what if sentiment matters, Dad?

Not to our investors.

Hilary, I need you focused.

Can you finish this job or

should I send somebody who can?

I can handle it.

Good.

Now, make contact with

the key players tomorrow.

Start with the pastor, since

he's the biggest obstacle

of the church property.

I don't think the pastor

is going to agree to that.

That church is the centerpiece

to the whole development.

Without it, the project doesn't work.

Get him to sign off on this.

Good morning, Pastor Porter.

Ms. Shaw.

I wanted to bring you a coffee.

I was hoping that this

could be a peace offering.

Why?

Are we at w*r?

It's actually thoughtful.

Thank you.

You sound surprised.

Well, my dad seems

to be warming to you,

but I'm still trying to figure you out.

Oh, I have Christmas cookies.

Betty insisted when she knew

that the second coffee was

for you.

Very, very popular, Pastor Porter.

Daniel, please.

It's Hilary then.

Good morning, ladies.

How long until the whole town knows

that you're sharing cookies

and coffee with the enemy?

Oh, they already know.

So what are you doing here?

Fixing a pew.

You need any help?

You know how to fix pews?

No, but I know how to hold things

while someone else fixes them.

OK.

Hold here.

Morning, Grandpa.

What are you doing?

Just watching over things.

What things?

I don't see anything.

That's because from where you are,

you're only focused on one thing.

We fix our eyes not on what

is seen, but what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary,

and what is unseen is heavenly.

Grandpa, I'm on Christmas break, which

means I don't want to learn.

Your uncle's

in the church with Ms. Shaw.

I believe he is finally

starting to let his guard down.

As is she.

How do you know that?

By looking not at what is

in front of our eyes, but what

is unseen, 2 Corinthians 4:18.

Look it up.

Grandpa, I love you,

but I told you and Uncle D,

I'm not interested in the family business.

We'll see.

Oh.

Hey, Uncle D. I'm heading out

to go work at the tree farm now.

Thanks, Tommy.

Your grandfather OK?

He was staring out a window when I left.

Tommy, this is Ms. Shaw.

Right.

Grandpa said something

about letting guards down.

Then he read me some scripture

I did not understand.

So you're that development lady, huh?

Guilty as charged.

You here to offer us a good deal?

Your uncle has been very

strong-willed at refusing.

Yeah, he... he gets like that.

Anyways, I gotta go.

Nice meeting you, Ms. Shaw.

Bye.

Sorry about that.

Seems like a good kid.

Oh, he is

mostly.

Well, I'll let you get back to work.

If you want, I...

I could show you around town later.

Spots the tourists don't see.

I'm not exactly a tourist, am I?

No, you are most definitely not.

But I'd still be willing to show you.

I'd like that.

Pick you up in an hour?

See you soon.

Oh, sorry.

I'm so sorry.

No, that's OK.

Are you OK?

I'm fine.

Are you off to a big

meeting or something?

Not exactly.

Well, I really hope

you're enjoying the day.

I... I mean, I know

you're here on business.

Do you... do you know where

I could buy a pair of boots

for, like, walking in the snow?

I didn't pack strategically.

I'm... I have nothing.

OK, well, what shoe size are you?

9?

Yeah?

Yeah.

Yeah, I... I can drop a pair off in a few.

Nicole, right?

Yeah.

Thank you.

My pleasure.

- OK, I'll see you later.

- Have a good day.

Bye.

Bye.

What?

Nothing.

I was just wondering when

you had time to go shopping.

Maybe I brought these with me.

Nicole, she lent me a few things.

Do I still look like I don't belong?

Just the opposite.

Come on.

Sorry, I don't...

I don't mean to be rude,

but am I missing something?

This... this just looks like

a field covered in snow.

That's what it is now.

But spring through fall,

it's a community garden.

Every family in town gets a plot,

and folks share what they grow.

The Abbotts plant extra tomatoes

because the Joneses love them

but can't get theirs to ripen.

The Browns plants mostly

all of our lettuce.

And Nicole plants all

of our flowers way over there.

So what do people do in the winter?

Plan for next year.

My point is, is we all

look out for each other.

Count on one another.

I don't think I've ever had

anyone count on me like that.

Your father does, doesn't he?

He counts on my successes.

It's not the same.

What do you count on?

My job, my reputation, and

my ability to get things done.

That sounds lonely.

It is.

Anyway, where to next?

After you.

This is all that's left

of the first church that was

built here in Midnight Clear.

Despite efforts to preserve it,

it just wasn't safe anymore.

So Dad built another one.

But folks around here

keep its memory alive.

In the summer, people gather

here for plays, live music,

even outdoor weddings.

And next week, if we can pull it off,

it'll be host to the Christmas

tidings and tree celebration.

Why wouldn't you be able to pull it off?

Costs are up and our budget is down.

Two, please.

The committee's meeting in the

morning to go over finances.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Thank you for today.

Well, thank you for really

seeing it like we do.

Yeah, it's... it's growing on me.

So what's her name?

Sorry?

Oh, your wife.

I... sorry, I just

assumed you were married.

You had a ring on.

- Oh...

- Sorry.

It's none of my business.

I didn't mean to...

No, no, no, no.

It's OK.

I was married.

My wife, she... she passed away.

I'm so sorry.

It's OK.

It was a long time ago.

That's... that's the end of the tour.

We should probably get going.

Sorry if I said something about your wife.

I did not mean to...

Not at all.

Yeah, I should get back

to work anyway, I just...

OK, I have everything.

Yeah, I'm going walk.

You sure?

Yeah.

Thanks for today, Daniel.

Dad, what's going on in here?

I had Tommy bring these down.

These are our Christmas

tree ornaments.

We haven't put up a tree since Beth.

And it's time.

This year, we are going to have an all

out holly jolly Christmas.

Well, we can't decorate tonight, though.

We don't have a tree.

It's too late to start tonight, though.

We'll decorate tomorrow.

Hilary's pretty.

Dad, don't.

She is here to buy the church.

Looks to me like she might be

here to fall in love with it.

I hope you're right.

I have been praying

for an answer to our problem.

Maybe she's it.

And what if she's the problem?

That's not up to you, is it?

That's up to God.

I'll be quick.

Bottom line is we need $3,500 to

cover the insurance and permits.

Without it, there's no

tidings and trees celebration.

There has to be something we can do.

How about a bake sale?

I'll donate and organize the whole town.

Betty, we'd need to sell

1,000 overpriced pies to raise

the kind of money we need.

Sorry.

Are you closed?

We... we

nope.

Come on in.

Coffee?

Sure.

Actually, Ms. Shaw can hear

this as it affects the town.

And well, for better

or worse, your company

might be part of our future.

Well, I'm happy to answer any questions.

Right now, we're trying to

save our Christmas celebration.

Dan... Dan...

I mean, Pastor Porter,

he mentioned an issue.

Just a minor detail of $3,500.

Thanks.

I don't need any change.

Thanks, Betty.

I'll let you guys get back to it.

Can I talk to you for a sec?

There's no way we can

come up with $3,500.

There's got to be a way.

I mean, we've had bigger

challenges than this.

We're just... $3,500 divided by how many

people in the town,

or how many families,

or how many businesses?

There's... there's a solution to this.

There always is.

I think we could

just put our heads together.

What?

Hilary just donated money.

How much?

All of it.

What?

She's covering everything.

All the costs.

And just like that, we

have ourselves the Christmas tidings

and tree celebration after all.

Woo-hoo.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Good morning, Father.

A little early for a check in, isn't it?

I thought you'd call last night.

Yeah, I was just getting to know

the town like you suggested.

How are the signatures coming?

I... I haven't done that yet.

Look, the town is financially

desperate, and they

they almost didn't have their

Christmas festival this year.

Yeah, perfect.

Use Christmas.

Promise them the best

festival they've ever had.

It's a great idea, Dad.

What about the church?

You're letting your emotions

cloud your judgment.

Remember who you work for.

Get those signatures by Christmas Eve,

or I'll find someone who can.

Historic preservation grants.

Ooh, what about this one?

Could be your Christmas tree this year.

Not without opening up a hole in my roof.

Oh, maybe the snow will cave in first

and then you can get it.

What?

I'm kidding.

I'm kidding.

Not funny.

Hey, look who just walked in.

Hey, Ms. Shaw, over here.

Hey.

What?

I thought we could maybe

thank her for her donation.

Hi.

Hey, guys.

I'm going to go help

a friend at the stands.

I thought you were going

to help me get a tree.

I was.

Hey, Ms. Shaw, what are

you doing right now?

Nothing really.

Great.

I'm going to go help with hot chocolate,

and you two can pick out a tree together.

Look at us.

Spreading the joy.

Look at us.

Sorry about that.

He's gotten very comfortable

giving his uncle life advice.

Just so you know, I have no idea how

to pick out a Christmas tree.

Well, if you're serious

about not having any plans,

I would love some company.

My father told me what you did.

You gave this town reason

to believe that prayer

really can change things.

I've been called a lot of things,

but never an answer to a prayer.

What you did was more

than generous, Hilary.

You have no idea what

the Christmas season

means to this community.

I'm starting to.

Can I ask why?

Why you did it?

Honestly, I don't know.

I did it before I even

knew what I was doing.

I just... I don't think I've

been a part of something

that mattered before.

And I can tell this really mattered to you

to everyone, I mean.

To the town.

Want to know what I think?

Hmm?

I think you've been touched

by the Christmas spirit.

Who, me?

Mm-hmm.

No.

Good.

You're still there.

Were you serious about

helping me if I need it?

Like, really serious.

What do you need?

Research.

Whatever you can get on historic

preservation grants, tax

incentives and, I don't

know, community development

partnership. Oh, oh.

And info on successful projects that

have preserved existing structures

instead of demolishing them.

Hilary... I know.

OK?

I know.

If you can't help me, I understand.

Let me see what I can find.

Thank you.

Also, look into what it costs to

restore a 19th century church.

I'm just asking for a friend.

You got it.

Thank you.

OK.

Hi.

Hi.

I have a few moments before I have

to go help Nicole with the festival,

so I just thought I'd come

and see what you're doing.

Look at you starting to fit in.

Let's not get carried away.

I've never really belonged anywhere.

Well, you do here.

You know, even though this

church needs so many repairs,

it's stunning.

My late wife, Beth, used to always

say that broken things could

be the most beautiful of all.

She always saw the potential

where others saw problems.

In the church, you mean?

In here and with me.

When we met, I couldn't wait to see

what life was going to give me.

What happened?

Beth helped me to see that

sometimes what we think we want

isn't actually what we need.

And what did you want?

To leave Midnight Clear.

Travel the world.

Build something new

somewhere not here.

And now?

Now, I can't imagine

being anywhere else.

I think back to all the roads that God

had me travel down to get

me to this place I am now.

I mean, think about it.

All the roads you had

to travel to get you here.

I know I shouldn't be

saying this to a pastor,

but I'm not sure about

the whole faith thing.

Mind if I ask why?

If there is a God, he hasn't really

shown much interest in me.

Maybe you haven't been looking for him.

There has to be a way

that we can save the church

and I can help this town.

I just... I haven't figured it out yet,

but I promise I'm going

to do everything I can.

Nicole, do you think we can

put the hot chocolate stand

in the center of the festival?

Yeah, sure.

Where were you thinking?

Ooh, by the benches.

That way people can sit while they drink.

Then we can have Betty's

cookies right beside.

Great promotion for both.

I love it.

You know, you really were not what

we expected when we heard

there was a big city

developer coming here.

What did you expect?

Someone who saw dollar

signs instead of people.

Oh, I was definitely that

person when I got here.

Mm-hmm.

And now?

I still see a few dollar

signs, but I see people more.

Can I ask you something?

What you're doing here, is it

really going to help our town,

or is it part of some bigger plan?

Last week, it was a bigger plan.

But helping this town

feels more important to me.

It's probably the most

important thing I've ever done.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

Hold on.

I'll be right back.

I gotta take this.

Oh.

Sorry.

Do you have to get that?

No, it can wait.

I'm glad I ran into you.

Not literally, but it worked

out, so that's good, right?

OK, I think.

I was wondering if you'd

like to join us tonight.

We're decorating Christmas cookies.

There will be pizza involved if

that helps make your decision.

Really?

I'm not intruding on a family

tradition or anything?

I think it's time for a few new ones.

And truthfully, my father overestimates

my decorating abilities,

and I underestimate

the time it'll take.

I'd love to.

OK.

We'll see you later.

OK.

Bye.

That pizza is so good.

Nice.

Look at this old nativity set I found.

Oh, wow.

Your grandmother

made this the Christmas

after you were born, Tommy.

She worked on it for months.

I forgot we still had this.

It's beautiful.

My mom would always

say that every angel

should look like they're

carrying good news.

So where are we going to put it?

What about in front of the window?

Yeah, that's a good idea.

That way, everybody who

walks by can see it.

That's exactly where it belongs.

Kind of like you.

I have been praying for someone to help

Daniel remember how to laugh.

Thank you.

Dad, are you bothering Hilary?

No.

No, not at all.

In fact, I was just asking him

about those Christmas cookies

you promised me in exchange

for my decorating skills.

When you offered cookies,

you never mentioned

that I would have to make them.

Confession time.

I don't know how to make

Christmas cookies from scratch.

What other way is there?

You know, the...

the tube thing from the...

No.

Store. Yes.

You can't be serious.

Beth was the baker.

I was the taste tester.

Plus, when you've got

someone like Betty

making cookies for you

where did you learn how to bake?

My mom.

Yeah, she was... she was

an incredible baker.

Oh, she was so kind, considerate.

And she cared about, well, everything.

Is that a bad thing?

I didn't think so, no.

My dad would say, caring

doesn't pay the bills.

Neither does not caring.

Hilary, what happened

to make you afraid of faith?

I'm not afraid of it, I just...

I just don't believe in it.

You know?

My mother was diagnosed

with cancer when I was 10.

The church prayed for her, and

two years later, she was gone.

And you blame God?

A little, yeah.

Maybe a lot.

Prayer isn't just about

getting what we want,

it's also about finding

strength for what we get.

We call that divine intervention.

I like her.

So does your uncle.

You think she'll stay?

Till after Christmas, I mean.

Oh, I think she's already decided to stay.

She just doesn't know it yet.

You didn't have to walk me home.

What if I didn't want tonight to end?

Thank you for sharing

your family traditions with me.

This last week, spending time with you,

I remember what hope feels like.

What it feels like to look

forward to tomorrow.

It... it's been a long

time since I felt that.

That... that... that was a lot.

I'm... I'm out of practice.

No.

No, it's not.

I... I feel the same.

I just... I just don't want

you hating me if I can't...

Whatever it is, I have faith in you.

That thing you told me earlier today

about God not showing up in your life,

what if he's been here all along?

Good night, Daniel.

Good night.

If you're up there, I could

really use a miracle right now.

This might just work.

Hi, Dad.

I was just going to call you.

I find that hard to believe, considering

numerous calls, texts and emails

have gone unanswered for days.

Where are we with the contracts?

There's progress.

I just need a little bit more time.

You know

our investors are concerned?

Quite frankly, so am

I. You get them to sign

or you find leverage to make them.

Dad, I understand.

I do, I just

there's got to be a better way to address

these issues and that...

Hilary, what side are you on?

Is it mine?

You get them to sign today.

Hi.

Hey.

I hope it's OK that I'm here.

Of course.

Church is always open to anyone

who needs to talk to God.

Unfortunately, I'm the one

doing all the talking.

After you talked, did you listen?

Now you tell me.

Everything OK?

I think I found a plan to help

your town and save your church.

That kind of sounds like a miracle.

So why don't you seem happier?

It's my father.

He just won't listen to me.

I... we have these investors, and

they want their money out, and

something's changed

since I've been here.

I just... I like this me in Midnight Clear.

I... I like the town.

I like the people here.

And I like you.

I like you, too.

Do you want to tell me your idea?

Mm-hmm.

I've been working on it all night.

I actually have a friend

helping me in the office, too.

Daniel, look at these numbers.

This could actually work.

Mm-hmm.

I just need to get the town

on board to support this.

And then I need to convince my father

that this plan is actually

better than his original plan.

And you think you can do that?

Honestly, I don't know.

But I'm going to try everything that I can.

Can you help me get everyone

together for a meeting?

Can I have everyone's attention, please?

We're all aware of the current

circumstances and the offers

that everyone's been receiving

from Shaw Enterprises.

But before we walk away from

everything our ancestors

and our families have

worked so hard for,

I think we should hear Hilary's idea.

I'm sorry, Pastor,

but you're a little too late.

Shaw Development made a formal

offer for the entire town,

including the church.

What?

What?

No, that can't be.

No.

It can.

They offered 30% over market

value for every property.

Cash deals and quick closings.

I just spoke to my father

a few hours ago.

This was not part of the plan.

His plan must have changed.

His offer came at 10:00 AM,

along with a notice which states

if properties are not sold

voluntarily, they will pursue

eminent domain proceedings.

Look, they're offering enough

money to pay off your debts

and have some left to start

over somewhere else.

Start over?

This is our home.

What about tydings and trees?

The church?

Our community?

Sentiment doesn't pay medical bills

or save failing businesses, Tommy.

Can I say something?

I know you have no reason to trust me,

but I might have an alternative.

I highly doubt anything

could be better than the offer

we received from your company.

What if it could save your town?

Historic preservation grants.

Federal tax incentives

for heritage tourism, community

development partnerships.

OK, this is the plan.

We restore the church as a heritage site,

create seasonal festivals all year round,

which will bring back tourism and

visitors who just want those small town,

authentic experiences.

This revenue alone could

save the community.

Keep Midnight Clear as it is?

Bingo.

But make it the best version

of itself that it could be.

I believe in this town, and I

believe in everyone here.

Someone very special

showed me just what it

means to have hope and faith.

Now I'm hoping that you

can have it too, in me.

Give me 24 hours.

I'm going to present

this plan to my father

and show him that it could be

more profitable than the one

that he has.

And if you can't?

I'm asking you to trust me for one day.

I trust her.

So do I.

Me too.

24 hours, Hilary.

Then Midnight Clear accepts the deal.

Deal.

Hilary, what are you doing here?

Please tell me you have the contracts.

I don't.

But I've come up with something better.

Look, this could make us more money

and create a new model

for community development

nationwide.

We can create something unique.

A heritage tourism

destination that can bring...

Just... just stop.

You haven't even looked at the numbers.

I don't need to.

What is going on with you?

Dad, this town is different.

It's not like the others.

They're... the people there, they're like

they're like one big family, you know,

that have kept traditions

for generations and generations.

You wasted enough time there.

I'm moving forward with eminent domain,

and I've already found

a way to close the church.

Dad, no.

It's already done.

It's time to move on.

OK.

This is me moving on.

I quit.

What's going on?

Pastor, I'm sorry.

Someone called with code violations

claiming the church to be

structurally unsafe.

Until I can get an engineer here,

the church must remain closed.

So what about Christmas Eve service?

No one is available until after Christmas.

What?

I'm sorry.

I really am, but my hands are tied.

I know you all trusted

Hilary, but I think it's clear

now where her allegiance lies.

We agreed to give her 24 hours.

Daniel, I had nothing to do with this.

This was all my father.

I'm... I'm so sorry.

I tried.

I'll let Shaw Development

know we're accepting the offer.

Can we say no?

There has to be something we can do.

I'm so sorry.

There'll be substantial

relocation packages and...

Daniel.

Was this the plan all along?

Daniel, no.

No.

I tried, I really did.

We all appreciate what you've done.

I think you should go now.

She's not bringing good news today.

It might seem like that.

But you know what I've always said.

Sometimes the best gifts come

from the most unexpected places.

You cannot spin this

to a positive outcome.

Isaiah 43:19, now I

am doing something new.

See how it springs up.

I feel like I've failed everyone.

How can you say that, son?

You have kept us above

water for years now.

You alone have turned this town

into a community, a family.

And you opened your heart

to someone else

when yours had been broken for so long.

I have never been more proud

of you than I am in this moment.

Me too, Uncle Daniel.

You and Ms. Shaw are

going to figure this out.

It's not that simple.

Yeah, it is.

Hope lives here, right?

We literally have a sign

of it in our church.

The kid's not wrong.

Tommy, I appreciate

everything you're trying to say.

It's just...

No, Uncle D, just no.

When Aunt Beth died while my

parents were having rough times.

When everything didn't look

like it was going to work out,

you told me to not give up.

We have faith.

We keep hope, no matter

what it looks like.

You can't give up.

We just can't.

It's awful strange to think this might

be our last tree lighting.

Who would do something like

this right before Christmas?

Someone who's not

from here, that's who.

Hi.

I'm probably the last person

you want to see right now.

I just... I wanted to come say goodbye

and tell you how sorry I am.

Sorry doesn't save our town.

I know.

I tried to stop him, I really did.

Maybe you just realized you

care about us in this town

a little bit too late.

You're right

to be upset with me.

Whether you believe it

or not, this week with you

has been the biggest blessing of my life.

I just... I want you to know that.

I hope you told that to Pastor Daniel, too.

Hilary, wait.

The tree lighting is tonight,

and it's only happening

because of your donation.

Might not be a good idea.

Maybe not.

But she at least saved that.

You should at least be here

to see it before you go.

I know this has been

a difficult time for us,

but tonight we celebrate that in

which we have always celebrated,

hope, community, faith, and love

that binds us all together.

Christmas reminds us that

even in our darkest moments,

light can break through

and miracles can happen

when we least expect them.

I know you've all heard this from myself

and my father before me.

Sometimes the greatest gifts

come from the most unexpected

places,

and people.

Let there be light in Midnight

Clear one last time.

Hilary, wait up.

Hey.

I just wanted to say goodbye.

And for what it's worth, I'm sorry.

I thought you had a really strong plan.

We had a strong plan.

Thanks again for all your help.

I... I should have known my father

would never change his mind.

Do you have any plans for Christmas?

I think dinner with my father

is off the table, so yeah.

Stay in touch.

OK?

And if you ever need

any more help, I'm here.

Thanks, Brandon.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

You're seriously quitting?

Look, I know you think

this town is different,

but you'll see it's not.

Congratulations, by the way.

For what exactly?

Your underhanded tactics.

Calling in what I'm sure

were numerous favors

to report the code violations

two days before Christmas.

Was you who gave me the idea.

What are you talking about?

Well, what was it you

reported about the roof?

Structural damage, leaks,

potential collapse.

The roof?

That's... that's what the code

violations were all about?

Yeah.

What's funny?

Nothing.

You just gave me the best

Christmas present ever.

I don't think I understand.

Merry Christmas, Dad.

Merry Christmas Eve...

I know I can't fix everything else,

but I can try to save

Christmas Eve service at least.

How?

The church is condemned.

I have an idea.

But just don't tell Daniel because I

don't want to get his hopes up.

Please?

I have nowhere else to go.

Well, then, welcome home.

I know it's Christmas,

but I need roofing materials.

Thanks anyway.

OK.

Hi, it's Hilary Shaw.

I understand that you might

have some leftover shingles.

Is there any way you could donate them?

Hello?

Hello?

OK.

Plan B.

I overheard her asking

people for materials

to fix the church roof.

I can't believe she came back.

Maybe she's trying to fix things.

A little late, considering

tomorrow's Christmas Eve.

The roof, you say?

Let me tell you ladies a story.

Picture it.

Christmas, 1968.

Oh, it was a storm.

Hilary.

I heard you came back.

I guess my question is, why?

I just came back to

try to fix what I broke.

You didn't break the roof.

I just thought if I

could get it repaired today

that they would lift the code violations

and you could do

your Christmas Eve service.

You really came back for that?

I've called construction companies,

suppliers, contract workers.

Turns out, unlike my father, no

one is working on Christmas Eve.

Daniel, I am so sorry for trying to get you

to sell when I first came

here, for what my father did,

for everything.

I quit my job, and I wanted

to come back here and just...

I wanted to make things right.

You quit?

None of it matters.

Not without this town and everyone here.

And I didn't just come back for the roof.

I came back for you.

I understand how upset you are with me.

And if you want me to leave, I will.

I just... I just wanted

you to know how I feel.

You coming back as the best

Christmas gift anyone

could have ever given me.

Hilary, turn around.

We heard it when you were trying to do,

so we made calls of our own.

How did you do all this?

Well, it turns out

Monroe Family Construction

really loves your sermons.

And the hardware store in

Hill Valley was happy to donate

materials for a good cause.

As soon as the roof is fixed,

I'll lift the code violations.

And if we finish before

7:00 the Christmas

Eve service is back on.

On this holy night,

we celebrate not only

the birth of our Savior,

but the power of hope,

faith, community, and forgiveness.

Mary and Joseph had no place to go.

They were alone, far from home.

It looked impossible.

I'm sure it felt hopeless.

But God specializes

in impossible situations.

Our community, we still

face many unknowns.

A lot of us are probably feeling like we're

in our own dark stable right now.

But just as God provided

that night in Bethlehem,

He provided for us today.

And He will provide

for us in every tomorrow.

The birth of Jesus reminds

us that God specializes

in new beginnings, teaching us

that whenever it looks darkest,

that is when God appears.

Not how we expect, but through

ordinary people like you and I,

willing to say yes

to his extraordinary plan.

Tonight, as we light our candles,

we celebrate that same miracle.

The light of Christ that

no darkness can overcome.

The hope that lives in this

church, in each one of us.

And the town of Midnight Clear says?

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

It came upon the midnight clear.

That glorious song

of old from angels

bending near the Earth

to touch their harps of gold.

I'll be right back.

Beautiful Christmas Eve service.

Not a dry eye in the church.

You good?

Yeah.

Yeah. Just thinking.

Tonight was pretty cool to be a part of.

Maybe I will join the family

business after all.

Oh.

See you, Uncle D. Bye, Grandpa.

What do you want, Dad?

I heard you were trying to fix the roof.

I was, and we did.

The town came together

and we made it happen.

Is that all?

Oh, Pastor Porter, I assume.

This is my father, Richard Shaw.

I just came to see what

made my daughter walk

away from everything we built.

Dad, it's Christmas Eve.

Can we please not do this?

This won't take long.

I'm starting a new division

at Shaw Developments.

Well, I told you, I quit.

You did.

But I was hoping you'd

consider returning

to save places like this

instead of destroying them.

I found a new home

here in Midnight Clear.

I'm... I'm not leaving.

It could be based right here.

What about

your development plans?

I read your proposal.

To preserve and revitalize, I believe?

You were right.

Midnight Clear has a lot more

to offer than profit margins.

And I saw that firsthand

tonight during your service.

Midnight Clear is a special place.

And I'm sorry, Hilary, for not listening.

I rescinded my plans for the town.

I'm hoping you'll make Midnight

Clear our first community

restoration project.

Mr. Shaw, would you like to join

us at the diner for Christmas

cookies and hot chocolate?

Oh.

I'd be honored.

Ah.

So how was your first

Christmas at Midnight Clear?

First of many, I hope.