D. Ragan Johnson

Twelve Days of Christmas D. Ragan Johnson

Christmas, for the Norris family, used to be a magical time for Jonathan and Gracie, and their four kids. This Christmas, however, will be just another day for Jonathan to endure. He buried his wife, Gracie, six years ago. Six years prior to that, he disowned his favorite daughter, Ruth, when she acknowledged being a lesbian. These days, his relationship with his other three children is stiff and impersonal. Gracie had always been the mortar in the family. Even as she lay on her deathbed, she'd begged him to reconcile with Ruth, and urged him to express his love to their four kids. At seventy-two years old, Jonathan visits his beloved wife's grave regularly. This year he is visiting her resting place on Christmas Eve, when he hears the church bells toll. Believing there is a noon mass, he enters the church to find it practically empty, except for one other person. He sits to pray, and then starts to leave, when he notices an old confessional booth to one side. He enters the booth to find a new priest on duty. At least that 's what he believes. Little does he know, the Christmas gift that "Father Gabe" is about to set in motion! For the next eleven days, Jonathan will awaken to relive 11 Christmas days from his past, all the way back to childhood. Along the way, his eyes and heart are opened to realize the wounds he's caused...and the wounds he can choose to heal. 12 Days is a story of love, remembrance, and renewal that's sure to rekindle your holiday spirit!