The Christmas Victory

Meanwhile, Chaplain Jim was in his office, quietly reading the Bible when he received a surprise visitor. As he looked up from the Bible, he could hardly believe his eyes. “Captain Perkins?” His hand went up to his head in an automatic salute.

“Yes, it's me, Jim. At ease.”

“But, what are you doing here?”

“Haven't you heard the news?”

“What news?” he asked.

“The war here is over. Lee surrendered this morning.”

“No, I haven't heard, Sir” he replied. “That's great.”

“I was one of the first to hear and I already checked out of my regiment, which was close by, so I thought I'd come and say a final goodbye to my protégée.”

“Well, that's great, Sir. I'm really glad you came. So, this war is over at last?”

“Yes, it sure is. They should be announcing it any time now. Isn't it wonderful? Now we can all get back to normal living.”

Jim sighed. “I'm afraid I wouldn't know what that would be like, Sir.”

“What do you mean, Jim?”
“Well, I came here right out of Seminary. What am I going to do now?”

“Oh, don't worry, Jim. I'll make some calls for you. You should have no trouble landing a good parish.”

“You will do that for me, Sir?”

“Of course. You have a good head on your shoulder and you're compassionate and passionate about your work. Of course, I did think at first that you were going a bit far with that Christmas sermon, but it seemed to have worked out really fine.”

“Jim smiled. Oh thank you so much Sir.”

“No problem. I'll start on it tomorrow.”