Original subtitles

It's December 2nd, the snow begins to fall.

Babe, I'm getting ready, we're gonna have a ball.

So babe, let's hang our stockings and put those presents beneath the

tree. Cause baby, it's that time of year again, Christmas is here now.

It's time for celebrations.

The holidays are coming up. I'm going to grab another drink if that guy is

drinking. You know it's time to have some fun.

We'll get the champagne flowing and toast away another year.

Cause baby, it's time over here again.

Christmas is near.

It's only an hour and a half drive.

Look, yes, I checked the forecast.

I got to go, Mom.

Bye.

I love you, too.

we'll go again welcoming a happy new year for now we'll keep

on singing with the ones that we hold it baby it's that

time of year again christmas is here

Come on, baby, let's raise our glasses.

Because Christmas time is here.

It's time for us to sing and dance.

Baby, let's grab a little Christmas cheer.

Do not be afraid, Gabriel.

How you know my name?

Oh, I know a lot about you.

Son of Frank and Mary Webber.

Older brother to Mia Webber.

Attended a full scholarship at the State University.

Pretty impressive.

Died of an automobile accident.

What, what, what?

Died?

How can I be dead when I'm standing right here in front of you?

Well, you're no longer in your physical form.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

Wait.

I was on the way home.

Time to prepare for your new one. New home where?

Gabriel, are you ready for your mission to solidify your righteous seat on the

throne with our Father?

Who are you?

Oh, I'm Micah.

I'm an angel.

Oh, God. No, no, no, no.

Just an angel.

Come with me.

Let me show you something.

I want you to know.

Yes, baby.

Come on now.

Here, take this. Absolutely not.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh. Come on now, sing

with me, girl.

Listen, you know we have fun when we do our little jingle bells. Did you forget?

Please, baby, take this ball. This is going to help you get into the Christmas

spirit. Yes.

Now we get ready to have a good time.

Why are we here? You said we were going straight home. I know, I know.

I know, baby. I feel like I left something at the office.

Oh, my gosh.

You want to come in?

I'm good.

You sure?

No, thanks. I'm good.

All right.

Well, I'm going to go ahead and go in.

You sure you're not coming?

Mhm. Okay.

Baby girl, I am so proud of you.

Hitting off to college.

Oh my goodness.

I'm going to miss you so much. I'm going to miss you guys.

You'll be a phone call away.

Me and my checkbook.

But you go there and you enjoy your college experience.

Don't worry about us.

You're going to have so much fun.

College experience.

Not too much fun. Just get an education.

Maybe a little too much. No, no, no.

But, wow,

it's hard to believe.

Well, I got some cleaning up to do, so you go on. You do what you got to do.

I'll take care of everything.

Okay. All right?

Love you. Love you, too.

Hello. Deborah.

Yes, just the soul I needed to speak to.

Hello, Ernie.

No, no, that's Pastor Ernie. Yes, yes, ma'am.

Well, that's up for debate.

So, I was calling in the matters of the refuge.

What about it?

Well, you see, I've been running the refuge since your husband's untimely

death. God bless his soul.

And me and the board were talking and we were thinking, since it's only two days

until Faith has to sign and take over the camp, let's not burden her with such

a humongous task.

Why don't you sign the refuge over to me?

You and some of the board members?

Well, Pastor, me, God, and Santa Claus will wait all the time. Not

one second before December the 25th.

Well, you can't.

Delayed inevitable, right?

Nothing is inevitable with him. The Christmas spirit can come over anyone.

Hmm.

Well, if you change your mind, I'll be here at the refuge camp.

Goodbye, Ernie.

Yeah. Thank you. You have a blessed day also.

What in the world is going on with him always bugging me about stuff?

I'm telling you, I get so sick and tired of that pastor getting on my nerves so

badly.

Oh, boy.

Who was that?

Nobody, baby.

You should have come inside.

You know what? You should take some time to catch up with some of the people at

the church. They're always asking about you.

Yeah, I'm sure they are.

Guess what?

I was thinking that maybe you can sing for the Christmas toy drive.

Or maybe that one song you and your father used to... Yeah, so that's not

going to happen.

Well, I do know this one thing.

If you don't stop smoking those death sticks, the one time that you're one of

going to be able to sing, you will not be able to, Faith. They're so bad for

you. Do you not think I know that?

Baby, I miss him too.

I love him so much.

I miss him.

But it's just me and you now.

Please don't make me feel like I'm all alone.

I love you, Faith.

I love you, baby.

I love you too, Mom.

There she is.

Your mission.

I'm missing as a girl.

Christmas has become dark for her now.

Your father passed away earlier this year.

He loved Christmas.

Your task is to help her find that Christmas spirit again.

How can I do that when I'm not even alive?

Death is only the beginning, Gabriel.

So I'm like a guardian angel?

No, a spirit, but a good one.

See, people will... still be able to see you and experience your presence.

So I'll be back alive again?

No, no, no, no, no, no. See, you're no longer of this physical world.

But with God's power, you'll still be present.

Okay, so let me get this straight. I'm supposed to meet this faith girl and

convince her to not feel so depressed about her daddy passing away?

Yep.

How?

That can only be revealed once her heart has made its choice.

Help guide her heart, Gabriel.

Oh, one more thing.

You have until the 25th at noon.

The 20th?

What's today?

23rd.

So you want me to talk to somebody who I've never met and helped change her

entire life and fall in love with Christmas in two days? You've got this.

He's been watching you for many years now Believe in yourself

Believe

in yourself Where are you?

What am I supposed to do?

So, what are we doing back here at the church, man? Faith didn't even want to

be here last time.

Oh, we're not here to meet Faith.

So, who are we running into?

Micah. No.

No, it's Deborah.

Deborah Johnson.

You can see me?

Honey, of course I can see you. You high or something?

No, ma'am. No, I'm just really, really happy that you can see me.

Remember your mission, Gabriel.

Where are you?

At church.

Maybe you need to come in the church.

Maybe them drugs gonna have you out of this world.

Too late for that.

Pardon me?

Nothing. Nothing. Sorry.

I'm sorry.

My name is Gabriel.

Gabriel, how can I help you?

Yeah, I, um... I was looking to apply for the job.

Heard you were hiring.

I didn't know they were still looking for people.

Well, well, well, come on and help me get these decorations together and I'll

run you on up there. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.

Oh, my goodness. Here, get this.

It feels so good to have some help.

Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. But you were doing this all by yourself?

Yes, it's just been me and my daughter since my husband passed away. But, you

know, Christmas was a very special time of the year for my husband. And

everything was so easy.

Everything was so easy. But you know what? We move on. And I just want to

thank you so much. It's no problem. Yes, ma'am. I'm so humbly grateful. Thank

you. Yes, ma'am.

Mom, how much longer are you going to take?

Come here.

Come with me.

Faith,

this is Gabriel.

Nice to meet you, Faith.

Yeah, same here.

I was thinking maybe you could take him to the campsite.

He wants a job.

No, I'm not going there.

Why not? You love that place.

And Darren, you know Darren probably still works there.

Please stop talking.

I will take him.

But he was helping you.

That's okay. He can take the box and you all can go. Is that alright with you,

Gabriel? Yeah.

Alright,

let's go.

Alright, thank you.

I asked for those papers two weeks ago.

I need them ASAP.

Matter of fact, I needed them yesterday.

You promised them to me.

Hold on. I had to call you back.

This idiot just walked up.

Yeah. All right.

So your presence here, I guess it means that you have the deed.

Not yet.

Then why are you here?

I came here to tell you.

Oh, well, here it is. I'm working on it.

That's what I'm doing. I'm working on it. You're working on it? Yes. You're

always working on it.

But look, I got everything under control, and they go sign it, and I

wanted to let you know that I'm working on it. Listen, rumor has it that you

might not get it.

Hold on, who told you that? I have my resources.

Besides, when I invest in properties, I make sure I know everything about them,

little brother.

Well, look.

I got this. I'm gonna get... Well, I'm gonna get it done, I guess.

Let me tell you something.

I want you to make sure that you got it. Because if you don't, I'm gonna have to

sue you for every little penny that I gave you as a down payment.

I gotta pay that back? Of course you gotta pay it back.

But hold up, I thought it was a loan.

No, it ain't no loan.

Or a grant?

Hey, money before family.

Get that back.

All right.

What about before Christmas?

You get that deed before Christmas, I'll double it.

Double? Double.

Hold up, bud.

I gotta pay it back.

I said what I said.

But double, though. Mom.

Yeah. Double, right? I need those papers.

Yeah, Mom.

I'm trying to make that pineapple upside down.

Double.

Double.

This is it.

So... Oh, I'm not going in there. I was literally just dropping

you off.

Who am I supposed to talk to?

Oh my gosh, come on.

So where would you like me to put this?

I don't know. Put it over there, I guess.

Wow.

How long has this place been here?

My dad opened it up before I was even born, so a minute.

But this is it.

Wow.

Sister Faith Johnson.

Hey, Darlene. I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays.

Yeah, it's been a while.

And I know it's been some time, but I want to extend my deepest condolences to

you about Pastor Johnson.

My heart was broken.

He was the glue that kept this camp together.

We sure do miss him. Yeah, we all do.

But... We've missed you as well.

How are you? How long are you here?

Oh, I'm not going to be here long.

I have to get back so I can graduate, finish my classes.

Of course.

Well, who is this fine young gentleman here? Your boyfriend?

Absolutely not. This is Gabriel.

My mom told me to bring him over here so he could help you out with, I guess,

anything.

Yes. Well, I could... definitely use help with this fundraiser for the

shelter children we it's a big christmas toy drive i could use both of your help

to be honest oh i would but i really have so much to do and i'm only going to

be in town for a little bit with my classes and then graduating you know so

it's hey

darren hey

oh my god hey hey how are you doing Good. It's good to see you.

Gabriel,

why don't I show you to our printing office?

Uh, okay, but I thought I was gonna... Oh, here, here, take that.

But I thought you were going... Yeah.

So, wow, look at your hair, man. Oh, thanks. No, it's amazing.

I'd love to change.

How have you been?

I've been...

I'm amazing right now.

No, I've been good.

How about yourself?

School. School.

Yeah, yeah. How's school going?

It's just, it's a lot.

Yeah, you should be running the world by now, right? Yeah, thanks.

Well, no, it won't be long now. You've always had the heart for it. Thanks.

And the mind, so.

It's good seeing you. Yeah, yeah.

Yo, bro, I'm so happy.

Now, Gabriel, in here is where we get copies of our flyers made.

Oh, I just love this copying machine.

It's just, it's been a good copying machine to me.

We're going to need about 100 more of these to pass out in town later on.

So, do you think you can help me with this?

Yeah, I think I got it. Okay, let's see you open the copier.

Oh, no.

This is a delicate creature.

You gotta be real careful with it. This is how you open it. And close it.

And then you press 1-0-0 for 100.

You got that?

I got it. Give me a shout if you need anything.

Thought I was supposed to be dead.

What are you doing?

I'm making flyer copies for the toy drive.

You do know you don't have to do that, right?

I thought this is what I needed to do to talk to Faith.

No.

No, Gabriel.

You don't have to do all of that.

Just talk to her.

Tell her exactly who you are.

What, that I'm the ghost of Christmas past?

No.

Trust in yourself, man.

Tell her who you are. Who you truly are.

Maybe she'll understand and see if you just be honest.

Sorry, you were supposed to catch that.

You know, I really missed you.

Sorry I ain't really get a chance to say after Pastor died.

He took off. I ain't really get to say it.

Bye.

Yeah.

Well...

I have missed you, too.

And I'm really sorry. I know you're probably tired of hearing this.

But I am sorry.

It's okay.

Believe it or not, it's gotten easier to hear.

You wouldn't think it, but...

Yeah. So you think you're going to help out with the children's drive this year?

Oh, come on. The kids love you.

I can't. Seriously, I loved it, and the kids used to love when you would sing

with Pat.

I really can't, and especially not today. I have to get going soon.

I've got to get the car back to my mom.

Yeah, so.

Maybe we can catch one. Hey.

Sorry. Excuse me. Can I talk to you?

For a second. I'm sorry. No, no, no. Actually, I'm getting out of here.

Would you be able to help out with those flyers still?

I got you when I get back. Hey, I'm going to hold you to that.

All right. Yo, man, it's a pleasure.

Yeah.

See you soon, all right?

Bye, Darren.

I was actually about to go myself, so... I forgot something at the church anyway,

so... Ugh,

let's go.

So, what exactly did you leave back at the church?

Nothing. I just, uh, I needed to talk to you and tell you who I am and why I'm

here.

Okay. So, who are you and why are you here?

Well, Faith, the thing is, I'm a spirit. A special day it is.

My God.

To be in the presence of the late Pastor Johnson's beautiful daughter, Faith.

How you doing today, sister?

I'm doing okay.

My apologies. I didn't introduce myself to you earlier.

I am Pastor Ernie Johnson.

I am the director here of My Father's Refuge, and also the head pastor here.

I'm sorry.

What did you just say? I'm the director here at the refuge, and I am also the

head pastor.

Yeah, I heard what you said, but how are you the head pastor if that was my dad's

job? I'm sorry?

Oh, well, uh...

Deborah, I'm a good friend of your father, Pastor Johnson.

I wouldn't be the pastor I am today without your father's influence.

It's funny how God moves through us all, right?

Deborah brought me on permanently.

Wait, so my mother gave you this position?

Yes, she called me and asked me to work with the summer camp.

She enjoyed my interactions with everyone so much that she gave me a

permanent position.

My God, how he moves through us all, right?

Matter of fact, I would love it if you would come and work with the children

for the Christmas program.

The kids will love it.

It's been nice meeting you, but I really should get going.

All right.

Remember my offer.

Okay? I'll think about it.

Y'all have a good day. Be blessed.

Have a blessed day.

He's interesting.

So, he was nice.

The Darren guy.

Seemed like he was really trying to help back there, you know?

Please just stop talking.

Look, Faith, I really need to talk to you about something. I meant to tell you

back there.

What, Gabriel?

I am a Christmas spirit

here to guide your heart.

You're a Christmas spirit.

Yeah.

Are you high?

What? Yeah, you sound like you're high.

What? No, no, I'm not high. Look, I don't understand this whole thing

either, but I just know that I'm supposed to be here to help guide your

heart and make sure you make the right choice.

Oh, you are high.

Faith Alexandria Johnson, born February 7, 1999, as the only child to Pastor

Robert Johnson and Deborah Johnson.

What, you think knowing my birthday is supposed to make me believe that you're

a Christmas spirit?

No, but December 22nd, 2008, you ran home from school on your Christmas break

on that last day because Melissa Cater was making fun of you. You went to your

room crying and your dad went in there to comfort you. You didn't think you

would ever be happy again, but then he gave you an ornament. It was blank, but

y'all painted it red and it had candy can spirals around it with a little bit

of glitter. It's been chipping over the years, but you still keep it in a safe

spot so you can bring it out for the tree.

How do you know about that?

I've literally never told anyone that story.

I told you.

Spirit.

Stop.

Get out of my car.

Isn't this your mom's car? Get out of the car, Gabriel.

Look, Faith, I'm not sure why I'm here. I just know I'm supposed to help you.

And I just think you should let me help you.

Well, the best way for you to help me is by just not following me and leaving me

alone.

Very well.

Drive safe.

Don't speed.

Smooth.

Man, I did what you said.

What exactly did I say?

Tell her who I am.

Did I say that or did I say tell her who you are?

Who you truly are.

I don't know what that means.

We all have greatness in us, Gabriel.

Some of us are born with it.

Some of us have greatness thrust upon us.

Some of us have to achieve greatness.

You're one of those.

And it's up to you to decide which one you are.

What if I'm not that great?

Oh, you're just going to disappear again on me?

Great.

Just great.

Baby, you know why I named you Faith?

Why? Because the minute you were born, and I held you right in my arms, I

looked at these beautiful little eyes.

And right then and there, I knew God was telling me that anything is possible.

Faith, you are possible to do wonders.

Let's bake Christmas cake and ice cake on a

frozen lake.

Favorite day.

Me free, just me.

It's me again, Lord.

I just need to talk to you for a minute.

You know, it's been four days

since Gabriel been gone.

I just need to know if he's okay.

See, I can rest.

If I know it's with you, Lord.

I

needed to

see her.

It's very difficult.

I know.

You don't know to have.

Oh, no.

I do.

I've been watching.

Sure you have.

You know, anytime I had a problem or I just

was wondering about the meaning of life,

my mother was always there to just guide me to make the right decision.

I used to get so mad at her because she would give me this advice that I thought

was just so vague.

Now it all makes sense.

like an explosion in my brain.

I just wish I could ask her what to do now.

Gabriel, what I would say to that is you're already prepared.

She prepared you for this moment.

She gave you the wisdom. It's in you right here.

You just have to believe in yourself.

I just want to let her know that I'm okay.

You will when the time is right.

Well, when is that?

Of course.

Holy night.

Hey, Faith.

How's everything going at the camp?

Why didn't you tell me about Pastor Ernie?

Faith, I had no choice.

Time was running out.

I needed someone to help with the church, keep things going, money coming

in. So you were just going to replace my dad?

Now you wait a minute.

I did what I felt was right for the church and the community.

This is what your father would have wanted.

And we must continue to do God's work. Faith.

Why?

Faith.

This was your father's life work.

He loved you, and he loved this church.

And maybe, maybe you could see this if you just opened your heart.

So then, so then why is he not here with us?

Why is he not here with us right now?

Because honestly, honestly, Mom, that's the only thing I want from

God, from Santa, from whoever.

I'm sorry.

That can't happen.

So then how am I supposed to open my heart to Christmas?

Baby, I'm thinking of Romans 8, 28.

And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love

the Lord, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Baby, your father knew just as much as I did that life is short.

And we cannot change these things that automatically happen naturally.

I can't.

I'm sorry, Mom, but I can't. Faith, you have

to make a decision.

The church needs you and the camp needs you.

I don't want it.

Faith.

Faith!

Faith!

First of all, he didn't even know how to open the copier.

And then he turned the paper upside down and he printed flyers, blank flyers, 100

pieces of blank paper.

Lord. He didn't even notice. Hello, Pastor.

Hey, Ms. Johnson, how are you?

Could you excuse us for a second? Thank you.

Have a seat, ma'am. Have a seat. All right.

How can I help you today?

There's nothing necessarily that you can help me with, but there's something

difficult for me to say.

Difficult?

Yeah.

My daughter is really, really missing her father.

And I just don't believe that she'll be able to handle the day-to-day duties of

this amazing...

Yeah,

I talked about that with her.

Well, did you tell her that she could be the leader if she accepted the offer?

This was her father's last wishes.

Yeah, I talked to her about it, but I don't think I got through to her.

Yeah, I know. We have not always seen eye to eye.

But her father loved Christmas.

My husband loved this place. He loved the children.

It meant so much to him and our family.

You know, I truly believe in my heart that this is faith's calling.

My husband, he trusted you.

He respected you.

I guess I should too.

Well, I will talk to Faith and present it as a great opportunity

for her to follow in her father's footsteps and take a leadership role

here at our father's refuge.

Well, if you can't convince her, I guess I don't have to prolong signing the camp

over to you.

Yes, yes.

Well...

Thank you for your time, and we shall go talk to Sister Faith.

Thank you, Pastor.

You're welcome. Let's go.

Dad, what is it you want from me?

You just left me with such a burden. I don't know if I can do this. I just...

I need a sign.

You know, the funny thing about signs is when you ask for them, they never seem

to come quite when we envision them.

Gabriel, what are you doing here?

How did you find me?

I told you.

You're my mission.

And anyone can find me. We just gotta follow the smoke trails, little Miss

Chimney.

I don't need your help.

No, maybe you don't, since you've got it all figured out.

Why do people die?

Someone once told me that death is only the beginning.

That's very stupid.

Listen, I don't know.

Whatever life God has in store for you, I believe it probably starts with what

your father wished for you.

You don't know anything.

You don't know my father. You don't know me. He would have never put me through

something like this.

You know what?

I don't know.

And neither do you.

But for either of us to understand this, it has to start with what your father

wanted for you.

Well, I don't know if that's what I want.

But I do know I want you to stop following me. That's all I want for

Christmas. Will I get it?

Probably not.

But I don't need you any longer.

So you can just go.

Why are you dressed up in that?

So nobody recognizes me.

So no one recognizes you? Ernie Fultz, this is your church!

Shh! Spy's about.

It's fine. You're doing something illegal.

Ernie, you're an idiot.

Hey, man.

Can we get down to business?

Have you got the deed signed yet?

No, but I think I can get her to sign it.

Look, I don't think she wants to be at that camp.

Okay, all we got to do is convince everybody around her that poor little

Faith is not up to the task. She's too fragile.

Ernie. If she doesn't sign for the deed, the state will get the property.

Yeah, but see, me and old Deborah won't let that happen. All right?

So this is it.

She's going to see that Faith doesn't want to be there at the camp, okay?

Mm-hmm.

And if the state gets a hold of it and she doesn't sign the deed, then

everything that poor Pastor Johnson worked for is going to be up in the

smoke.

All right. That's genius.

Genius. Hey.

Wait a minute.

You sure you thought about this?

Yeah.

Well, it better work.

Oh, it's foolproof.

Listen.

Dream about it.

Can't you see? We live in the most fastest developing city in America.

And right there in the smack of the middle of it, I'm going to have 100

acres of land.

Oh, condos, mini malls, movie theaters, getting money.

Lots and lots of money.

Double.

Hey, give me that D.

I'm on it.

Double, right?

Double. But I ain't got to pay you back.

Double, right?

Hey, bae.

Hey. Have the kids been fed yet?

Yes, they have.

Can we talk about the camp?

Mom.

You wanted me to be at the camp.

I'm at the camp.

Can you... I mean, what do you want from me?

Flyers are done.

Can I speak to you for a minute?

Outside?

Of course.

Hello. No, not yet.

I'm about to get her to cane.

She's doing a sign, all right?

Hey, hey, hey, ain't no need for them threats now, all right?

I'm on it.

Yes, sir, I'm on it.

I'm on it.

Tell mama I said Merry Christmas.

You said double though, right?

All right.

What are you still doing here, Gabriel?

I told you. I'm trying to do my job.

Oh, that's right.

You're my guardian angel.

Well, thank you so much for the talk.

But I think I have everything from here.

That's not how this works.

You forgot who we're dealing with, right?

So what? Are you going to show me my past, present, and future?

Or are you my friendly ghost?

Now, you know this ain't a Christmas carol. I'm definitely not Casper.

So you have to be here until I've learned my lesson.

Yeah, until the task is done.

Okay. Great.

Great. I've learned everything I need to know. So, God?

Santa, whoever sent you, they can take you back now because I don't need you.

What are you doing? I'm trying to return to Cinder.

Hey, is everything all right?

Hey, yeah.

Everything's great here. I was just talking to Gabriel, and he was telling

me that he understands, but he thinks he could use a little bit more help.

Oh, well, actually, we can use plenty of help here. So, yeah, actually,

Darlene! Oh,

okay. Yeah, hey.

Did you ring?

Yes, I did.

Actually, my friend Gabriel here wants to help us out, but he has no idea how,

so I figured you'd be the perfect person.

Well, I know the perfect thing you can help with.

If you would like to come with me, some of the children are in need of

entertaining. Oh, joy.

It's so funny that you would say that.

That's one of the children's names.

Come on, let's go.

Come on. It's going to be fun. I promise. Come on.

Thank you so much for that. No problem.

It looks like we both need to escape.

You have no idea.

So how about that lunch we promised each other?

Yeah. Yeah, that sounds good.

Oh,

okay. We'll see.

Joy!

Sweetie! This is Gabriel.

Gabriel, this is Joy.

All of the children here are looking for homes to go to.

The holidays can be real iffy, so we try to make it as fun and loving as it can

be. That's why we host this annual toy drive.

It helps bring the community together and it helps raise awareness for all the

little ones in need of a family and love.

I'll be back in a bit. You two get better acquainted.

Hi.

Hi. How are you?

Fine.

How old are you?

Nine.

How long have you been here?

I don't know. It's been a while.

What are you doing? Oh, man.

Man, you gotta stop scaring me like that. What are you doing?

I'm talking to Joy.

I mean, I see that. And while she's a cute child...

What are you really supposed to be doing, Gabriel?

Every time I keep talking to Faith, she just keeps rejecting me.

I told her I'm a spirit, but I think she just sees me as a joke.

Do you really want to do this?

Yes.

It doesn't seem like it. What if I'm unable to make her heart make the right

choice? I don't know.

What? I don't know, seriously.

Every spirit I know has completed their mission.

So I don't know what will happen to you when you don't.

That means you need to get to work.

Who are you talking to?

Huh? Who are you talking to?

I'm talking to Micah.

I don't see anyone.

She can't see me. I'm an angel, remember?

Oh.

Are you high?

What? No, I'm not high. Why does everybody keep saying that?

Drugs are bad.

I know drugs are bad. I'm an adult here.

So who are you talking to?

Just talking to a friend.

Is your friend an angel?

What makes you think he's an angel?

Because I believe we all have guardian angels. So if you're not high, you're

talking to an angel.

They're always there for you.

You know what, Joy?

They are.

Duh.

Let me show you my superpower.

Your superpower? My superpower, girl. Stop playing. Oh, my gosh.

Okay. Your superpower. When they put me on this court and put this ball in my

hand, it was like I could fly.

Your dad was the first one to get me started. Really?

Matter of fact, I'll tell you a little known secret.

All right. So it's game three of the finals championship.

I am about to go out to the game and rip the soles out of my shoes.

Yeah, long story, I was trying to jump off the... Anyway, look, your dad drives

two hours.

Brings me fresh shoes right before the game.

Right? Stay to watch me and everything.

That sounds like him.

Yeah, that's the kind of man he was.

But I'm guessing he didn't have to bring you a new jersey then?

Well, you know, no.

You were a little less messy. Yeah, and I didn't have to be that cute, you know?

You could be nasty and stuff like that.

Yeah.

So...

You've had a pretty hectic year.

Yeah.

I don't know. My mom, she just keeps trying to act like everything's okay,

but things are never going to be the same again, so...

I understand that.

But different doesn't have to mean bad.

Yeah.

But it also doesn't mean good either.

Yeah.

You know, Pastor Johnson,

Your dad He's like one of the only male figures in my life

He He filled a

void You mean look around he filled a void for everybody And

I know you lost something that's special Something that none of us can ever give

you back But we hurt too

I just... I don't think I can ever do

what he did.

I've never, ever met a man like my father.

I've never met a man like your father.

No one's ever met a man like your father. There's never been a man like

your father.

But I'm looking at the closest thing to him.

Like, who has his love?

Who has his compassion?

I mean... I know school is, like, busy and crazy and you gotta get things

together. I dropped out.

You did what?

I... I just couldn't do it.

And don't tell anyone.

Especially don't tell my mom. Oh!

I was there.

In all my classes, I was either almost failing or definitely failing.

So when I left, Darren, I just called it quits.

Don't you think you should at least tell her?

It's my life.

Maybe so, big facts, but let's be honest.

With all she's been through, the least you could do is tell her.

I mean...

She loves you with everything in her.

Tell you what, you always have me, right?

I'm nice, though.

Oh, excuse me. Excuse me, sorry.

Um, Brother Gabriel?

Yes? You wouldn't by any chance be going to see Sister Faith now, would you?

Actually, that's exactly what I'm doing.

Um, could you?

No, never mind.

No, no. What is it?

See, Mrs. Johnson was telling me that Faith has been losing, I don't know,

interest in the refuge camp after her father's passing and all.

You see, Pastor Johnson left the refuge camp to Faith, you know, only if she

wanted to dedicate her life to it.

Yeah, I mean, but she's got school. I mean, well...

She doesn't have much time left until she graduates.

Yes, yes, yes. International business, right?

And see, she will be missing out on opportunities to help thousands, if not

millions of people in other countries.

You say millions?

Yes.

That's it?

That's the hardest choice.

I mean, that's what her father would have wanted for her.

Exactly. Absolutely.

See, Ms. Johnson wants me to convince her to take over the refuge camp.

But she wouldn't listen to me.

I'm too busy anyway with the toy drive and all these things.

She needs to hear it from a friend.

Someone like you.

Yeah, I can do that.

Excellent, excellent.

You know what else?

I need a soloist for the opening act.

Do you think you could have convinced her for me?

Yeah, it's not a problem. You know what? Go ahead and sign her up. I mean, she'd

probably be thrilled to do it.

I mean... This is her calling, right?

Yeah, exactly.

Thank you so much. Oh, man.

Brother Gabriel, you have a good day, okay? Yeah, you too. Thanks.

That's right.

Hello?

Hey, Pastor Ernie.

How are things?

Well, they could be better. They could be worse. I really wish we had more

volunteers. And I really wish that Gabriel was a better help.

I thought he was going to be able to help around here. That boy can't even

use a copying machine.

Hello, Darlene. Could you excuse us?

Hello, Pastor.

Hello, Ms. Johnson. How are you?

I just came for an update. Did you get a chance to speak with Faith?

Yes, I did. I think she wants to go back to school.

And a matter of fact, I think she's leaving tomorrow.

You know, it's a shame because I really wanted her to sing solo at the Christmas

store drive tomorrow.

Yes, ashamed. Did you explain that to her?

Yes, I did. And I told her that the state would take the church and the camp

if left unclaimed.

I see.

So she understood that?

Oh, absolutely.

She's a very smart girl.

with a bright future.

I just don't think that she wants to be bogged down by the weight of this place.

I really think you should sign it over to me.

Yes, I know that my husband wanted you to have it.

It was in his will, based upon the fact that our daughter did not want it.

And I'll have the papers on standby, but I just need a little bit more time to

make my choice.

Well. Time is ticking and we don't want to wait till last minute. Pastor, I can

assure you that there's plenty of time.

Merry Christmas.

Santa, I've been good this year.

Make your list and check it twice. Yeah, so I'm glad you came back.

Yeah, well, at first I thought I kind of knew his fate.

And how do you feel now?

Now... I think I made a good decision.

Good.

It's just sometimes... Go on.

It's stupid.

Well, seriously, I want to hear.

Sometimes... I feel like I don't belong here anymore.

And I just... I can't shake the feeling.

I know I grew up here and everything, but sometimes I just...

i feel like it's my father's legacy not mine about his legacy you mean

the church the camp literally everything i just i can't live up

to it so what would you want your legacy to be i

don't know what about you well in

my humble opinion

I feel like legacy, legacy is about people that you

affect, you know?

About people that affect you the most.

You know?

Like, like take Santa.

No, no, no, no. Wait, wait, wait.

Okay. Santa.

Think about Santa. Okay.

Thousands of years.

Kids all over the world can say he brought them joy.

You know?

Thousands.

Young and old.

Adults or children can say.

He made them happy.

So maybe that's what it's about.

So you can bring joy, right?

Well, certainly not to millions.

Okay, okay. So maybe it's a bad example.

But...

You definitely get what I'm saying.

Maybe it's not about aliens.

Maybe it's just about one person.

One person that inspires you.

One person that admires you.

One person that loves you.

We have a very big day tomorrow.

I think we should probably get going. Yeah, we do.

Darren,

you inspire me too.

And thank you for making my decision that much easier.

All in a day's work.

Fall in love this Christmas.

Hi. Hi.

Absolutely.

Come get under the cover with me.

Mom.

Yes? I just wanted to say, you've been doing a really good job keeping up the

camp. Well, I can't say it's just been all me. It's been all of us.

yeah i've been thinking and the best way to honor dad's work

is to really honor what he did and show our appreciation

for it and so you know what what baby i think i'm going to sing

today are you serious

I was thinking this place could use a little Christmas acapella.

I couldn't agree anymore. It seems like someone has found the Christmas spirit.

Yeah. And you know what? What?

Gabriel's actually had a lot to do with it.

Oh, did he?

You know, his spirit always seems to just light up the room.

Good morning.

Good morning.

We're actually just chatting about you.

All good things. All good things, young man.

That's a relief.

Can I talk to you for a second, please?

Yeah. I mean, I don't see why not.

Are you okay?

I'm perfectly fine.

It won't take long, I promise. Do not. I do not want her high chocolate to get

cold.

Okay.

Look, Gabriel, before you start talking all this craziness, I just wanted you to

know I've actually decided to stay.

Wait, what?

You can't do that.

Um, why not?

Well, look, I can't believe I didn't think about this sooner. And it's

obvious from the moment I met you.

Look, you always talk about your dad and how much he supported you.

And he's your heart.

And you want to do the things that you think will make him proud.

It's finishing school.

Oh, Gabriel, I can't do that.

Why not?

Don't you want to leave here?

Not anymore.

Well, why?

Gabriel, I can't go back to school. I dropped out.

Why?

Because I was failing my classes. You did what?

Oh.

You did what?

you're going to tell me? I was going to tell you today, actually, but now the

cat's out of the bag.

Thank you, Gabriel.

Well, if you're not going to finish school, then what are you about to do?

Um, I don't know. I was thinking I could travel for a while, go somewhere.

Go where?

I got this.

Yes, ma'am.

Faith Alexandria Johnson.

I've dealt with the rebelliousness from you.

I've dealt with cigarettes from you.

I've dealt with your attitude. Now tell me, what do you think your father is

going to think of this?

He's not here, though, is he, Mom?

He's not here.

And I have tried.

I really have.

To live with the life that everyone has obligated me to, but no one's ever asked

me what I want.

What do you want, Faith?

I want to be heard.

I want for someone to listen to me like my dad did.

Just have... Just have one more moment with him.

I'm sorry.

I didn't know.

Faith, I was... I didn't notice how you felt. I was just trying to... That's the

thing, Gabriel.

You don't listen.

You're just, you're really bad at your job.

I think that you should, I don't know, get a new career, but

I really just want you to leave me alone.

Pastor Ernie told me about a deal, and he came to me about it, and he

told me.

talking to you about my daughter's decisions.

Well, he said he said she needed someone like a like a friend to come out.

OK.

Joy to the world, the Lord is.

I'm done, Micah.

I don't know what to do anymore.

Oh, ye of a little faith.

Wait.

That's kind of a play on words because her name is... Ah, her name is Faith.

Hey, look.

There's still time, alright? It's not over yet.

Of course.

There's plenty of time.

Someone is still alive.

You know, these last few days really opened me up to something.

Once I help her, this is it.

I'm no longer needed and I just go away.

You'll be in the kingdom of heaven, Gabriel.

I want that.

I truly do.

It's just... You don't understand why you had to die. Why like this?

Why so soon?

I didn't fulfill my life's purpose.

I didn't finish college.

I didn't get married.

I didn't have children.

I just met a girl last week and we were going to go to the Christmas parade

together. No one knows why God chooses who he does.

But what we do know is that he chooses his strongest and most enduring.

Why me? Why me?

I'm not strong.

And I don't remember the last time I prayed.

You say we have free will and choice, right, Micah?

Well, I choose to live. It's too late for that.

All you can do is help God in the overall plan, and that's to help save

this precious soul right here, right now.

So if I don't help faith, I'm going to hell? I never said that.

Something's supposed to happen, right?

Guess we'll find out sooner than later.

It's still not too late, Gabriel.

He'll learn.

He'll learn.

I'm just gonna come straight out with it.

Have you been talking to Gabriel and discussing my daughter's business about

this refuge camp?

Now, Ms. Johnson, let me explain.

Let me explain something to you.

I own this camp.

Until my daughter decides to do what she wants to do with it, I own it.

That's not completely true. What do you mean?

You see, if Faith doesn't sign the paperwork over, the state gets the

property and the church.

What are you trying to get here?

Sister, Sister Debra, what I need you to do is keep your word, okay?

Sign the refuge over to someone...

Who has experience running it. Someone who cares about it. Who wants to be

here. Someone who the children love.

Isn't that not your husband's will?

Yes, it was.

Well, it'll be a Merry Christmas for everybody involved.

Look, think about it.

Our refuge will get a leadership for years to come, okay?

You can relax.

Focus on faith. And faith can do what?

Finish your education.

It is a win-win for everyone involved.

Pastor Ernie, I've never respected someone less than you.

But I guess I'll just sign the paperwork.

Great.

Great. Look, I'll have Darlene notarize it.

Yep, it's Ernie.

I got her to sign it.

Yeah, that's right, boy.

Who the smarter brother now?

Hello?

Hello?

Yeah.

Tahiti.

Yeah. Here I come.

Job well done, Pastor Ernie. Job well done.

Gabriel. Hey.

Gabriel. Hey. Hey, Jordan.

You wear the outfit yesterday.

It's my favorite Christmas outfit. What's your excuse?

Same.

Did you talk to your friend today?

Yeah, not much help this time.

I'm sure he will be next time.

Not sure there's going to be a next time.

Just trying to do a good job, you know. From what I've seen, you have.

Thanks, kid.

I really hope you get home soon.

Yeah, me too. We can't give up when that's all that's left for us.

Let us not become weary in doing good.

For at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

That's Galatians 6-9. We learned that in Sunday school.

I am impressed.

I know.

Don't be like the parents that just give up. That's why there's so many kids

here. Parents just give up.

I won't.

Merry Christmas.

See you at the toy shop.

Merry Christmas, Julie.

Until the sun...

Believe me.

I miss you.

So much.

Every day.

I miss you too.

But honestly, I'm always here with you.

And they just, they want me to make this decision, but I don't know what to do.

I don't think I can do it either.

Baby, whatever decision you make, it's going to be the right one.

I wish you were still here.

You know?

Dad.

Dad.

Thought I'd find you here.

Of course.

I just can't seem to get rid of you.

Figured you'd be all the way back to school by now.

Can't find my keys.

Oh.

You know, this used to be my favorite spot.

My favorite time of year.

Sundays I would just sit, watch my dad teach as a kid.

It was like he was 100 feet tall, you know?

He was my hero.

Felt indestructible.

I really never thought that I would be without him.

What makes you think you're without him?

Look around.

Or do I have to point out the obvious?

The obvious is that he lives through everyone around you.

He lives through every memory.

Every smile.

Every sermon that he's preached.

Every family that's been blessed with a child. I mean, these moments are your

father. He lives through you.

And you just have to open your heart and accept the love he has for you.

It's easy to be mad at God when you just.

No, he wondered why he only took the thing that mattered most to you.

Truth is, the strongest are chosen to carry the weight of others.

I don't know what to do.

I have an idea.

Let's go.

Go? Where? I don't have my keys.

Keys? How did you do that? You gotta have faith. Let's roll.

I have the papers.

Great!

Let's get started.

Hello!

It's not for another hour.

Yeah, you excited?

Yeah? Here.

Do you guys want to play?

Go, go, chase her. Go!

Come on.

Gabriel, what are you doing here?

Hi.

Why?

Sister Deborah?

Yes.

Time is wasting.

We don't have all day. We're on time restraints.

Please.

Everyone, can I have your attention, please?

Please gather around.

Gabriel, what are you doing?

I'm showing faith.

I don't... You got this.

Sister Debra?

Debra?

Debra?

Debra?

We're on time restraints, please. Please.

We need this signed.

Hi, everyone.

I know you haven't seen a lot of me in a while. I

guess... I guess I started thinking that the only thing that mattered in this

world were physical.

When my dad died, when my dad died, I didn't think I could

go on.

I couldn't go on.

But a friend, a friend taught me that it's in our darkest moments that light

shines through the brightest.

I really,

Really miss my dad.

But you all being here today, it means so much because it reminds me that he's

still here with me.

And your smiles and your happiness and your Christmas spirit.

So thank you.

Thank you so much for helping me find my own Christmas spirit.

If you knew my dad.

then you knew that this was his favorite time of year.

And so, I guess in memory of him, I just want to sing a song we'd always

sing together this time of year.

Do you think you could help me out?

Thanks.

Could you just sign it, please? What are you doing?

Miss Debra, what are you doing?

No, no, no, no, no. Miss Debra. No deal.

Miss Debra?

Miss Debra?

Help me.

Miss Debra?

By me always.

Well, what do we have here?

Well,

well.

Look at you.

You did it.

Yeah.

Guess I did.

So now what?

Well, everyone will go on with their lives and not even notice that you

existed or helped them.

Wait, so after all of that, I don't get acknowledged for this work again?

That's not the way it works, Gabriel.

So what, am I gonna...

Get some wings and float up to the sky.

Well, I might actually have a proposition for you.

You see, Gabriel, everybody needs a guardian angel.

As if you're up for it.

Do you know the stress balls?

Oh, I love the stress balls and the puppets. They kind of remind me of...

Can you stop talking to me? You are weird.

Come on, JT.

Hey.

Hey.

What you doing?

Just swinging.

Are you still thinking about leaving, Gabriel?

No, I think I'm going to stick around a little bit longer.

Joy, sweetie, what are you doing out here all by yourself?

I'm not by myself. I'm talking with Gabriel.

Gabriel?

Joy, who's that?

The one who's helping save the camp.

Save the camp?

I think I would know if he helped save the camp. I don't... Yeah, I like the

name, though.

Come on.

We have some people that want to meet you.

They're interested in you maybe being a part of their family.

Let's go, champ. Where are your shoes?

It's such a wild show.

Where there once was pain, he is making all things

new.

Where there once was fear, where there once was shame,

let a flood of joy break through. Let it overflow.

in the valley that is dried up let the

living waters rise up rise up in the

valley that is dried up let the

living waters rise up rise

Where there once was death, where there once was pain,

he is making all things new.

Where there once was fear, where there once was shame,

let a flood of joy break through, let it overflow.

let the living waters rise up rise up

in the valley that is