SCENE 8:

Again, the Marshall House

RJ (opening the door, speaking gruffly): Emily, I’m home. (He hides flowers and candy at the door outside. As Emily appears:) Supper about ready?

Emily: Yeah, I got the phone call. Thanks for the warning. Next time, a little further in advance, please.

RJ: Emily, you ask too much from an old man. Next thing, you’ll be demanding flowers and candy every time I cross the threshold .

Emily: Believe me, I’ll never expect that.

RJ (with pretended anger): And why not? (While she stares curiously he goes to door and retrieves gifts.)

Emily (as she receives gifts): Why, Ron, how nice...thanks.

RJ: You don’t know what to say, do you?

Emily: Well, it has been awhile.

RJ: It won’t ever be that long again. Emily, God’s gotten into this man, and he’s all new inside. This family’s going to be different.

Emily: You know, I believe you.

Ronald Jr. (passing by): Oh hi Dad.

RJ: Hello , Son. I-I don’t know how to tell you about this, but something has happened to your old man… in fact, he’s a new man. I was in the office today, and well, I prayed…

Ronald (interrupting): Oh, you mean you got saved today? Well it’s about time, Dad. We been prayin’ for you at church for about 2 months now. Congratulations! (They hug)

RJ: Thanks , Son. (To Emily) Say, why don’t we surprise the holly wreath off of Pastor Collins and show up for midweek service tonight?

Emily: Well, I guess he’ll be able to take it.

SCENE 9

Scene opens at church, which is really the audience. Pastor Collins is leading the group in Christmas carols. The Marshalls walk in during this time. Collins shows emotions upon seeing RJ and his family together. At the end of the hymn…

Pastor: Something tells me that this would be a good time to have a few testimonies.

RJ: You guessed it, Pastor! (The entire Marshall family rises and goes to front of congregation. Emily and Ronald are on either side, as RJ speaks:) I guess it seems pretty strange to see me in this building on a Wednesday night. I never had a whole lot of time for you people unless you were helping my business concerns, or my prestige. Well, from what I understand of the Good Book, that’s all behind me now. Today in my office, I asked God to forgive me. I want you to know, something happened. I’m different. (Sprinkled amen’s and praise the Lord’s). I guess I had a real bad feeling about Christmas. I saw a lot of people pushin’ and shovin’ , tryin’ to get the good bargains, even Christians. Tryin’ to impress people, and not even knowin’ about the best gift that was ever given. Well, that’s bad, but I don’t have to be like that, not anymore . Now God’s given me a whole bundle of cash, and I want you to know that I intend to pray real hard about what to do with it. Meanwhile, I’m the happiest guy there is, and I want to thank you, our pastor, my family, for puttin’ up with me, lovin’ me. And this year, I’m gonna let Jesus dictate my Christmas plans, not my bank roll or my so-called friends. Jesus is the one that this is all s’posed to be about, so I think He oughta be in charge. I’ve said enough. Maybe there’s some others who need to do some confessing or praising. Thanks.