Adventures in Odyssey

Caleb: Halo, Benjamin! Wake up, look!

Benjamin: Oh, blessed Lord God, look! God save us!

Caleb: Have mercy, what is this?

Benjamin: We are being visited by God's holy angels!

Caleb: But we are mere shepherds. Why would angels visit—

Benjamin: Wait, wait! The angel is about to speak.

Angel: Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of a great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.

Benjamin: Look, my brothers! There is a multitude of heavenly host all around us. Thousands upon thousands of angels!

Angels: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill toward men!

Jimmy Barclay: So, what do you think?

Jack Allen: Very interesting.

Jason Whittaker: Yes. Tell me again, Jimmy, why did you produce this?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, it was a project I just finished for school. I thought it would be cool to do a radio drama about the Christmas story, so I did the scene with the angels. Obviously, it still needs work. The guys I got to do the shepherds weren't very good.

See, after I finished the scene I thought, wait a minute. It would be even cooler to do a live radio drama on Christmas Eve on Kids Radio so everyone can hear it.

Jason Whittaker: Live radio? On Christmas Eve?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah! Don't you think it would be great? If you guys will let me do it.

Jack Allen: It sounds like a lot of work.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, but I have most of the script written, and I know who I'll get to act. All I need is the Kids Radio equipment.

Jason Whittaker: You realize Christmas is only a week and a half away?

Jimmy Barclay: No problem! It's radio. It's not like anybody has to memorize their lines or anything, and I'll take care of the rest.

Jack Allen: Well, Jason, we did want to do something special. What do you think?

Jason Whittaker: Sure. Why not?

Jack Allen: Okay, Jimmy. I guess Kids Radio will have a Christmas show this year.

Jimmy Barclay: All right!

Donna Barclay: Jimmy, you must be out of your mind.

Jimmy Barclay: Why?

Donna Barclay: You want to produce a live radio production in a little over a week?

Jimmy Barclay: Sure! If we all pull together, we can—

Donna Barclay: Wait a minute. What do you mean "we"?

Jimmy Barclay: I mean we, as in me and my loving, sacrificing family.

Donna Barclay: You're kidding.

Jimmy Barclay: Look, it won't be that hard. I thought Dad could be Joseph.

George Barclay: Which is the first flaw in your plan. I'm interim pastor now, son. My responsibilities take up all my time.

Jimmy Barclay: But it won't take much time. And what could be better for the new interim pastor than being heard in a Christmas program all over town?

George Barclay: But we have the Christmas Eve service at the church.

Jimmy Barclay: Right! At 8:00. And we're going to perform it at 10:00, which gives everybody plenty of time. So anyway, you'll play Joseph and Mom can be Mary.

Mary Barclay: Hold it, Jimmy. Have you taken a good look at me lately? I'm ready to burst any minute.

Jimmy Barclay: It's radio, Mom. No one can see you. Besides, the original Mary was pregnant too, you remember. And she didn't let a little thing like being pregnant get in the way of her starring in the first Christmas story.

Mary Barclay: That's a little different.

Jimmy Barclay: It'll be a breeze for you. All you have to do is show up and say your lines. Well, what about Donna? Who will she play? Oh, the bratty, self-centered innkeeper's daughter. Now, I was thinking—

Donna Barclay: No way! I am not playing a bratty, self-centered character.

Jimmy Barclay: Why not? You were born for it.

George Barclay: Jimmy!

Jimmy Barclay: Forget it.

Donna Barclay: Come on, guys. If I can't get my own family to help me out with Kids Radio's first live Christmas show, then who can I get? What kind of family is this?

George Barclay: Well, if you're sure it won't take a lot of time.

Mary Barclay: And my being pregnant won't get in the way.

Donna Barclay: And you change the innkeeper's daughter to someone sweet and understanding, like me.

Jimmy Barclay: Then we'll help. It's a deal! Boy, the haggling you have to do with these temperamental actors.

Eugene Meltsner: Hi, Connie. Hi, Katrina. I'm sorry I'm late.

Connie Kendall: Late? Late for what?

Eugene Meltsner: The rehearsal for the Christmas radio show.

Connie Kendall: Did Jimmy ask you to be in it?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I'm not actually in it, and Jimmy didn't ask me. I'm going to work as a technical assistant of sorts.

Connie Kendall: Well, with Eugene as technical director, I guess that makes perfect sense.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, I suppose so. That is, he asked me and I said yes.

Katrina Shanks: Katrina, Connie, in the many weeks we've been studying our Bibles together, I've deeply appreciated your restraint in not asking me about my relationship with Eugene.

Connie Kendall: Meaning that you want my restraint to continue?

Katrina Shanks: Precisely. Eugene and I are friends, and that's all there is to say about it.

Right. Well, I should go on to rehearse, but I need you to pray for me, Connie, about this Christmas show.

Connie Kendall: Okay. How come?

Katrina Shanks: Because it's my first Christmas as a Christian, and I'd like it to be special, to be real. Do you know what I mean?

Connie Kendall: Yeah, I felt the same way after I became a Christian. Maybe we can make this Christmas show special for you.

Katrina Shanks: We? Are you in the show too?

Connie Kendall: Are you kidding? I'm the innkeeper's wife. I wouldn't miss it.

Mary Barclay: Who's there? Who comes to visit me on this quiet, starlit night?

Jimmy Barclay: Greetings to you, most favored one. The Lord is with you.

Mary Barclay: You call me a favored one? What do these words mean?

Jimmy Barclay: Do not be afraid, Mary. God is gracious, for you will conceive a son and you will call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, and he will be king over the people of Israel forever and ever.

Mary Barclay: But... but... but I need to turn my page over to read the next line.

Jimmy Barclay: Mom!

Mary Barclay: I'm sorry!

Jimmy Barclay: It's okay. You just need to lay all your pages out so you can see them. Here, I'll come into the studio.

Eugene Meltsner: Jason, if I may make one small suggestion?

Jason Whittaker: Yeah, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Move closer to your microphone just a few inches. You're a little off-mic, so to speak.

Jason Whittaker: Okay, sure thing. There, is that better?

Eugene Meltsner: The presence is much better.

Jimmy Barclay: Okay, guys, that was a good rehearsal. It sounded great.

George Barclay: Jimmy, if we're going to take a break for a minute, I need to call the church.

Mary Barclay: Good. I need to run next door to pick up a Christmas gift for Donna. I'll be back before Dad finishes his call.

Donna Barclay: In that case, I'll just rest for a few minutes.

George Barclay: Well, then I guess I'll just see how Jack and Connie are doing in the shop.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, go ahead. But tell them their scene is coming up.

George Barclay: Will do!

Jimmy Barclay: Eugene, Katrina, any errands you guys need to run? Phone calls to make? Planes to catch?

Eugene Meltsner: No, Katrina?

Katrina Shanks: Not me. I need to make sure these sound effects are in the right order though.

Jimmy Barclay: Good, thanks. Then maybe I'll just rewrite some of the script or something. I'll be back in a minute.

Eugene Meltsner: We'll be here. Katrina, I'm most grateful for your assistance. I'm certain there is an infinite number of Christmas-related activities you would enjoy more than this.

Katrina Shanks: Not at all. I've purchased all my Christmas presents, except for yours, and I'm honored to be involved.

Eugene Meltsner: Excuse me, pardon me. Did you say "except for yours"?

Katrina Shanks: Yes.

Eugene Meltsner: Meaning me?

Katrina Shanks: Yes. Eugene, you don't have to buy me a Christmas present.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I know I don't have to, but I want to. And I know exactly what I'm getting.

Katrina Shanks: But... but... well, I'm touched.

Eugene Meltsner: Why? I haven't given it to you yet.

Katrina Shanks: Well, I'm touched by the thought. It's so unexpected.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, we're friends, aren't we?

Katrina Shanks: Then it's more than appropriate, isn't it?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I suppose it is.

Katrina Shanks: Then why are you looking so pale, Eugene? Don't worry, this doesn't mean you have to give me anything.

Eugene Meltsner: I realize that, of course. I wouldn't feel compelled to give you a Christmas present merely because you're giving me one.

Katrina Shanks: Good.

Eugene Meltsner: Right. Will you excuse me a moment?

Katrina Shanks: Sure.

Connie Kendall: Eugene, what is your problem?

Eugene Meltsner: Miss Kendall, I need your advice right away.

Connie Kendall: Right away? Why, what's wrong?

Eugene Meltsner: Katrina is determined to purchase a Christmas gift for me.

Connie Kendall: Well, that's nice!

Eugene Meltsner: Well, it's nice, yes, but that necessitates my purchase of a Christmas gift for her in return.

Connie Kendall: So? Wait a minute. Do you mean to tell me you weren't going to get her one anyway?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I honestly hadn't thought about it. That is, inasmuch as we're only friends, I didn't... which is to say, the protocol of an occasion such as this one—

Connie Kendall: You are so hopeless, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, for once I must agree with you. Do you have any suggestions? You and she have become close. What does she want? What does she need?

Connie Kendall: Well, there is one thing that comes to mind.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes?

George Barclay: Sir, please, you must help us.

Jack Allen: Am I expected to help every needy stranger in Bethlehem? How can I make it clearer? I have no room! Tell him, wife.

Connie Kendall: My husband speaks honestly. Our inn is small and fully occupied. This Roman census has brought many travelers to our town.

Jack Allen: Too many travelers.

George Barclay: But can't you see? My wife is about to give birth.

Mary Barclay: Oh, Joseph, help me! The pain!

George Barclay: Please.

Jack Allen: I'm sorry. You'll have to look elsewhere. Now, on your way, I have work to do. Come, my wife.

Connie Kendall: Yes, my husband.

George Barclay: But what am I to do? Where am I to go? Please help us!

Donna Barclay: Excuse me, sir. I have an idea. Papa, Mama, wait!

Jack Allen: What is it, my daughter?

Donna Barclay: Well, the stable. Why can't we put them in the stable? It's dry and reasonably clean.

Jack Allen: Well, now that you mention it.

Connie Kendall: Of course! Why didn't we think of it ourselves?

Jack Allen: At a reduced rate.

Donna Barclay: For free, Papa. She's about to have a baby.

Connie Kendall: Yes, my husband. You wouldn't want everyone to think you're the kind of man who would take advantage of those in need.

Jack Allen: Why not? Papa! I was just a joke, sort of. Go on, daughter. Lead them on. Take them to the stable.

Donna Barclay: Yes, Papa. Follow me.

Mary Barclay: You are an angel to help us. Thank you.

Donna Barclay: Be careful, these city streets are crowded.

Jimmy Barclay: Sorry, I put in the wrong sound effect. We'll get it set up in a minute. That scene was good, guys. Donna?

Donna Barclay: Yeah?

Jimmy Barclay: I think you played it a little too sweet. You want to back off a little?

Donna Barclay: But I'm supposed to be sweet, right?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, but that was too much.

Donna Barclay: How can it be too much?

Mary Barclay: Well, it didn't sound—

Jimmy Barclay: If you two are going to talk about that, can I lie down for a minute?

Mary Barclay: Sure, Mom.

George Barclay: I'd better call the church.

Jason Whittaker: Actually, I think I'll see if Jason needs any help up front.

Connie Kendall: Good idea, Connie. It's bound to be busy.

George Barclay: Sure, but if we're taking a break, I'd like to go buy Norm a new collar.

Mary Barclay: I believe I'll get some last-minute shopping errands run. Farewell!

Donna Barclay: Bye! Oh, I have a couple of quick errands to take care of myself. Bye!

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, good idea. No problem. Everyone just go. I mean, it isn't like we're performing this thing live on the radio tomorrow night. What have I gotten myself into?

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Jimmy Barclay: Okay, okay, so far so good. We're at scene seven.

George Barclay: I think it's going quite well for a live performance.

Jimmy Barclay: All right, now the music rings out and bring up the sound effects for Bethlehem, Katrina.

Katrina Shanks: Yes, sir.

Jimmy Barclay: And I'll cue the actors. This way, my darling, it isn't much further now.

Mary Barclay: Please hurry, Joseph! The pain... oh, it grows all the time.

George Barclay: I know, I know. Perhaps there's an inn where we may rest. I'll ask the soldier, surely he'll know. Excuse me, sir.

Jason Whittaker: What do you want?

George Barclay: We're here for the census. Could you please tell me if there are any inns nearby? As you can see, my wife is pregnant and very nearly ready to deliver our child.

Jason Whittaker: So I see. Well, the town's pretty crowded right now. I think you'll have... water! I have to find some water!

Connie Kendall: Donna, what's the matter? Why'd you run out like that?

Donna Barclay: Didn't you see how she looked? I've got to get some water for my mom!

Connie Kendall: Really? I didn't hear her say anything.

Donna Barclay: She didn't have a chance! She signaled me with her eyes. Where's the water? She looks so pale!

Connie Kendall: Calm down, Donna. I'll get it. Here. Do you think she's... I mean, she wouldn't, not now! We're in the middle of a live radio show, right?

Donna Barclay: I don't know! She said she felt funny when she left the house, but she didn't want to let Jimmy down.

Connie Kendall: Oh no!

Jimmy Barclay: What are you guys doing? You're in the next scene!

Connie Kendall: We're coming! We're getting Mom water, Jimmy. Listen!

Jimmy Barclay: We don't have time for this stuff. Get back in the studio now! You're on!

Okay, where are we? On scene eight. Is everything all right, Jimmy?

George Barclay: I don't know. Cue sound effects.

Katrina Shanks: They're cued.

Jimmy Barclay: And the actors. Sir, please, you must help us.

Jack Allen: Am I expected to help every needy stranger in Bethlehem? How can I make it clearer? I have no room! Tell him, wife.

Connie Kendall: My husband speaks honestly. Our inn is small and fully occupied. This Roman census has brought many travelers to our town.

Jack Allen: Too many travelers.

George Barclay: But can't you see? My wife is about to give birth.

Mary Barclay: Oh, Joseph, help me! The pain! Boy, she sounds convinced.

Jack Allen: I'm sorry. You'll have to look elsewhere. Now, on your way, I have work to do. Come, my wife.

Connie Kendall: Yes, my husband.

Mary Barclay: No... no, the pain... it's started.

George Barclay: Wait a minute, that's not in the script. I think something's wrong.

Mary Barclay: Oh please, please, it's time, George!

George Barclay: George? What am I to do? Where am I? Mary, are you all right?

Mary Barclay: No, I'm in labor! We have to go to the hospital, please!

Jason Whittaker: Good grief! Make way, everybody. Make way!

Jimmy Barclay: This can't be happening now. Donna, please say your lines!

Donna Barclay: Excuse me, sir. I have an idea.

George Barclay: Yes!

Donna Barclay: You get the car and we'll take her out the back door.

George Barclay: No! Good idea!

Mary Barclay: Oh!

Jimmy Barclay: Somebody do something! Say something!

Connie Kendall: I know! The stable. Why can't we put them in the stable? It's dry and reasonably clean.

Jack Allen: And at a reduced rate, now that you mention it.

Donna Barclay: For free, Papa. Husband, she's about to have a baby. You wouldn't want everyone to think you're the kind of man who would take advantage of those in need.

Jack Allen: Why not? Car's here, let's go!

George Barclay: I'd better go, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barclay: I can't go. This is my production.

George Barclay: I meant into the studio with the actors!

Jimmy Barclay: Oh, okay. Right. Keep going with your lines, Mr. Allen, your lines!

Jack Allen: Right. They seem like a nice couple. I hope they get to the stable quickly.

Connie Kendall: Me too!

Jimmy Barclay: Somebody close that door! Jimmy, we're on the air! Oh yeah... oh boy. Eugene, turn off our mics and play a commercial.

Eugene Meltsner: What commercial?

Jimmy Barclay: I don't care! Whatever's in there.

Eugene Meltsner: If you insist.

Jimmy Barclay: Okay, this whole thing doesn't have to be a disaster. All we need is another Joseph and Mary.

Connie Kendall: I could be Mary.

Jimmy Barclay: No, no, we just heard you as the innkeeper's wife. I know! Eugene, Katrina, come in here.

Eugene Meltsner: Who, us?

Jimmy Barclay: You'll play the parts, and I'll run the soundboard. Or try to. Oh brother.

George Barclay: We need help here! We need help! My wife is about to have a baby.

Guest (Male): So I see. Have you called your doctor?

George Barclay: No! Who is your doctor?

Mary Barclay: Doctor Morton.

George Barclay: Right, Doctor Morton.

Guest (Male): Okay. Nurse, call Doctor Morton right away. Orderly, get that stretcher over here! And don't worry, everything's going to be all right.

Katrina Shanks: Yes, that's right. We just put fresh hay down in this stable. Just lay back there. You, what's your name?

Eugene Meltsner: Joseph, to be precise.

Katrina Shanks: Well, go fetch some water, then leave us alone. This is women's business. I don't believe this is happening to me.

Jason Whittaker: So Joseph went for the water as Mary proceeded to deliver into the world a new king. The animals moved around restlessly as if in anticipation.

Jimmy Barclay: Sound effects, where are they? I said, the animals moved around restlessly as if in anticipation! Ah, here it is.

Guest (Male): Doctor Morton's on her way. The delivery room is just around the corner, Mrs. Barclay.

Mary Barclay: Thank you!

Guest (Male): Are you coming in, Mr. Barclay?

George Barclay: I wouldn't miss it.

Donna Barclay: I'll be in the waiting room.

George Barclay: Okay, let's go. I love you, Mom!

Mary Barclay: I love you and Jimmy! Tell him I'm sorry, but—oh!

Guest (Male): That's it, no more time.

Jason Whittaker: And so Mary gave birth to a child, a little boy, just as the angel had prophesied. And she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.

Eugene Meltsner: Mary, look at our beautiful baby boy.

Katrina Shanks: I see him, my darling. He is indeed beautiful. Thank you for being so close by. I felt your prayers, your presence.

Eugene Meltsner: Blessed are you, my love. Truly you are the heart of my heart, the essence of all that I cherish with wonder and awe.

Katrina Shanks: And you are my husband, to love this son as your own.

Eugene Meltsner: How could I not love him? He is like my son and he is truly my Savior. Oh, my wife.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, Joseph, my Joseph.

Eugene Meltsner: I love you, Mary. But you must rest now. Rest.

Katrina Shanks: Yes. Sleep, thinking, dreaming of my love for you and our newborn son. The one we'll call Jesus.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, for he will save the people from their sins.

Jason Whittaker: And Mary slept. While in the hills above them, shepherds were greeted by a host of heavenly angels.

Jimmy Barclay: No, no, wrong tape!

George Barclay: Mary, are you awake?

Mary Barclay: Oh, hello, George.

Donna Barclay: Hi, Donna.

Donna Barclay: Hi, Mom. How are you feeling?

Mary Barclay: Good. Sleepy. This baby wanted to be born in a hurry.

George Barclay: So we noticed. The doctor said you may have set a record.

Mary Barclay: Well, I don't know about that. But he's healthy and I'm thankful. Oh look at him, such a beautiful baby boy.

George Barclay: Yes, he is. A gorgeous child.

Donna Barclay: I think he looks a little too much like Jimmy.

Mary Barclay: Maybe he'll grow out of it. Oh, thank you for being so close by.

George Barclay: How did those lines go? Blessed are you, my love. Truly you are the heart of my heart, the essence of all that I cherish with wonder and awe.

Mary Barclay: And you are my husband. And you are my daughter, Donna. And I just wish Jimmy could be here.

George Barclay: Now, the radio play should be done by now. I'm sure he'll be here any minute.

Mary Barclay: I'm sorry I messed it up for him.

George Barclay: I'm sure he understands. Oh, my darling wife, I love you, Mary. But you should get some sleep now.

Mary Barclay: Yes, I am tired.

George Barclay: Yes, you sleep now and dream of our little baby boy, the one we'll call Stewart Reed.

Mary Barclay: Stewart Reed. Oh, listen to the church bells. They're beautiful.

Jimmy Barclay: Hey, thanks again for all your hard work, everybody. Thanks for jumping in, Eugene, Katrina.

Eugene Meltsner: I assure you it was my pleasure.

Katrina Shanks: It was for me too.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, well, all things considered, I guess it went okay.

Jason Whittaker: Hey, I think it was really good, Jimmy. You should be proud.

Jack Allen: That's right. It was an ambitious idea and you pulled it off nicely. If you're not proud of yourself, then I'm proud of you.

Connie Kendall: Same here.

Jimmy Barclay: Thanks, Mr. Allen, Connie. But I have one last favor. Can one of you guys take me over to the hospital? I'd really like to see my mom now.

Jack Allen: I'd be happy to do it.

Jimmy Barclay: Thanks.

Connie Kendall: Well, night everybody! Merry Christmas!

Group: Merry Christmas! Congratulations!

Eugene Meltsner: May I walk you to your car, Miss Shanks?

Katrina Shanks: Oh, I'd be honored, Mr. Meltsner.

Eugene Meltsner: Very well. The bells sound beautiful, don't they?

Katrina Shanks: Oh, Eugene, even with all the confusion, I think this may be one of the best Christmases I will ever have. You don't know what it meant to me to play Mary. It was so real, to feel those feelings.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, I felt quite a few feelings myself. You acted that scene very tenderly. I didn't know you were such a good actor.

Katrina Shanks: I didn't either, to be honest. But perhaps it was more than acting. Well, here's your car.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, thanks. Eugene?

Katrina Shanks: Yes, Katrina?

Eugene Meltsner: Here's your Christmas present. I hope you like it.

Eugene Meltsner: If it's from you, I'm certain I shall. And this package, heretofore cleverly concealed under my coat, is your Christmas gift.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, Eugene! You weren't supposed to do that, although I'm glad you did.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, shall we open them now or wait until morning?

Katrina Shanks: Now! I don't think I can wait.

Eugene Meltsner: Then open them we shall.

Katrina Shanks: Eugene, a Bible! A Bible! To think of the same gift for each other. It's beautiful, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: As is this one, and you even had my name embossed at the bottom. It's very thoughtful of you.

Katrina Shanks: Then you'll read it?

Eugene Meltsner: Of course I will, if only because it's a gift from you.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, thank you, Eugene. Katrina, why the hug and the tears?

Katrina Shanks: I don't know, I'm just a sloppy sentimentalist at heart. Merry Christmas, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Season's... Merry Christmas, Katrina.

Katrina Shanks: Well, I should go.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed. Drive carefully.

Katrina Shanks: I will. Have a good day tomorrow.

Eugene Meltsner: I'll do my best. Give my regards to your family.

Katrina Shanks: I will. Goodbye, Eugene. Thank you so much for the Bible and a most heartfelt Merry Christmas to you.

Eugene Meltsner: Katrina? Yes? Thank you for my Bible and, again, Merry Christmas. Katrina? Katrina, wait! Katrina, there's something I have to say. I love you.

Jimmy Barclay: Hi, Stewart. Welcome to the world.

Donna Barclay: He's adorable, Dad.

George Barclay: He looks kind of like me.

Mary Barclay: You need glasses, Jimmy. I said he's adorable.

George Barclay: Oh look, he's yawning. See, Donna? You start talking and people want to go to sleep.

Mary Barclay: Now, cut it out, you guys. I don't want the first thing his little ears to pick up is you two bickering.

Donna Barclay: May as well get used to it now.

George Barclay: You want peace and quiet, don't you, Stewart? Yeah, because you're sleepy. That's right, you go ahead and sleep. Yeah, go to sleep, little brother.

Mary Barclay: Sweet dreams.

George Barclay: You sleep, Stewart, while we thank God for your wonderful new life.

Chris: You know, I have to admit, that wasn't the most normal Christmas story I've ever heard. I wonder what's going to happen to Eugene and Katrina. Oh well, at least the Barclays have something wonderful to celebrate: the birth of Stewart Reed.

And what could be more appropriate than to be born on Christmas Day? Though I imagine Jimmy would have preferred for Stewart to arrive after his Christmas program. But like always, things have a way of working out, and Odyssey has yet another memorable Christmas to think about in the days ahead.

We're glad you let us be a part of your Christmas memories. And don't forget, if you want to write to us, our address is Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 4G3.

And while you're at it, why don't you ask how you can get your own copy of today's episode? It's called "Unto Us a Child Is Born." Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. Unto Us a Child Is Born was written and directed by Paul McCusker. Our production engineer was Mark Drury, and the music was by John Campbell. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.