All language subtitles for A.Christmas.Serenade.2023.WEB

Ladies.

Are there any beautiful ladies
in the house?

Let me hear you scream.

- Hey, Jeremiah.
- Hey, wassup?

Here are your credentials and info

for the hotel at our next stop.

All right. Thanks.

Hey, has Dante heard my new arrangement?

He's not interested in changing
up the show right now.

We've been playing
the same set for months.

We've been all over the country
with that same set.

That's my point.

Look, the fans aren't complaining.

It's what they expect?

Look, music is supposed
to make you feel something.

He needs a new sound.

Him or you?

Look, Jay, you're really talented.

And Dante is lucky to have
a guy like you on his team.

But this is the music he wants to make.

If that's not what you wanna do anymore,

maybe it's time to move on.

And go where?

My contract's not up
for another two years.

I don't know.

But when we get to Pennsylvania,

try talking to him again.

Wait, Pennsylvania?

Yeah. Some small town no one's heard of.

Okay.
We're not doing the majors?

Ticket sales weren't great
in the bigger cities

so the label have to try
in the burbs for a few nights.

And Dante went along with that?

He doesn't have a choice.

Unless he has a tantrum,

we'll be there through Christmas.

You know the name of the town?

Uh, Adventures or something.

Advent... Wait, Adventure?

We're playing Adventura for the holidays?

Yeah, you know it?

It's where I grew up.

Oh.

Could you drop me at my parent's house

instead of the hotel?

Yeah. I'll, uh, talk to driver.

See you in a bit.

Thanks.

Where is Willow?

Willow?

Hmm, okay.

My daughter.

The worship leader.

Oh, she, um...

I'm sure Willow's around here somewhere.

She'd never miss
a choir rehearsal worship.

Mmm-hmm.

All I know is...

Oh, we're doing that one again.

- Hey, Daddy.
- There she is.

Willow, how was your audition?

I think it went okay

but I don't think they love the fact

that I chose a gospel song to audition.

Maybe you should've done
your Toni Braxton voice.

Oh, like,

Oh, no. You should have done Beyoncé.

Oh, baby, you don't know
how much I need this.

I just...

I need something different, you know.

I need some excitement.

What you need is a date.

Is a date gonna take my voice further

than the pews of Trinity?

Well, it depends on who it's with.

No. I don't need a date.

What I need is a chance to sing somewhere

other than Trinity.

Well, um, maybe another
opportunity will come up.

In Adventura?

Nothing exciting ever happens here.

Dante?

Do you think he's actually on the bus?

Home sweet home.

Cute house.

Thanks.

I think that house is missing a gnome.

Our bishop and his daughter live there.

Gnomes are new though.

So, how does it feel to be
back after all these years?

Like I'm back where I belong.

Stan, call 911.

Ma, it's me, Jeremiah.

What's going on?

Child, you almost gave me a heart attack.

Oh, my goodness.

Wassup, Pop?

What are you doing here?

You ain't been here in years.

I know it's been a minute
since I've been back

but, you know, work here has been busy.

Busy.

Same old pop.

Don't mind him.

You're always welcome
to come home, sweetie.

In fact, I know someone

who's gonna be more than
excited to see you.

Who would that be?

Hmm, pretty girl

that was supposed to be my daughter-in-law

until you screwed it up.

- Goes to my church.
- Momma, please.

- Oh...
- Willow does not wanna see me.

It's been almost three years
since we've seen each other.

Well, if it's not Willow,
then who's the lucky lady

who's gonna make me a grandmother?

- Ma...
- Oh, don't momma me.

I told you I do not have time for dating

while I'm on the road.

Music is my girlfriend.

I'd like to see the day

when music keeps you warm at night.

Oh, my God.

Can we please?

- I won't say nothing else.
- Thank you.

- You hungry?
- I am.

I got a chicken pot pie in the fridge

if you want some.

- Yes.
- Okay.

Made it from scratch.
Let's go.

Okay. Well, let me...
Let me get your weapon.

Thank you.

It's good to have you home.

There you go. Okay.
You keep it right there.

And then it's you coming
along the same time

that I come in...

Let's get it started.

Bro, you're, like, an hour late.

I know.
I ain't here for no lecture.

Okay.

- Can we talk about the music?
- What about it?

I've sent several new arrangements to you

that I think will take the show

to the next level musically.

It's not my sound.

Did you listen to them?

Just no. It's not my sound.

Not your...

So, what is your sound?

Whatever I say it's gonna be.

Don't trip, you work for me, all right?

And that means you play what I tell you.

- Okay.
- Now, let's get back to work.

Did you find anything?

No. Not yet.

What's Dante even doing here.

With his entire band.
In a tour bus.

Willow, a tour bus?

There has to be a performance
or maybe he's...

Found it.

Five nights at the Apache Music Hall.

Oh, my gosh.

This could be it.
This could be your big break.

Look, one of his background singers

is going home to be with their
family for the holidays.

Dante's ranting about it on his live.

That's what I was saying.

Folks needs to be professional

and work with integrity.

I can't do two-part harmonies
without two girls.

So look, if there are any singers

in the Pittsburgh or surrounding areas,

meet me at the studio
for an audition as a DT girl.

This is it.

This is your sign from God.

Sign? What's the sign?

Well, Willow has an audition
to be a DT girl.

Grace. Grace.

I'm so sorry, Willow.

But this is a man of God.

Uh, have a blessed day everyone.

Grace and peace.

Judas.

What's a DT girl?

Um, it's just an audition.

I probably won't even make it
in time or even get it.

An audition for what?
You still haven't said.

To sing background for Dante.

Is he a gospel singer?

Because as the worship leader
of this church...

- Okay. That again.
- Yes. That again.

You made a commitment.

When I was nine years old.

So you wanna be removed
from the worship team?

Because members of the worship
team at this church

singing anything other than gospel music

would mean immediate dismissal.

How would that look?

Pastor's daughter

singing in nightclubs
Saturday night

and the pulpit Sunday morning?

Fine, Daddy.
I won't go the audition.

Good.

And tell you about it.

Hello?

Dante?

Hi. I, uh, I'm Willow Terry.

I saw a post looking for
a background singer.

Jeremiah?

Hello, Willow.

Long time.

Not long enough.

So where is he?

Dante is not the type
to stick around this late.

You look good.

You look terrible.

Same old Willow.

What's that supposed to mean?

Just that, it's really good
to see a familiar face.

Well, I wish
I could say the same.

I couldn't believe it.

He had this stupid smirk on his face.

So what did you say?

Well, I didn't even get to sing
for Dante, let alone meet him.

To Jeremiah.

Oh, there was nothing to say.

Hey, you guys are doing so amazing.

Really good. You can go
ahead and take five.

- Really?
- Yeah.

So you're telling lies in church now.

I like to call it positive reinforcement.

Hmm. And what do you mean
there was nothing to say?

You dated that man for five years

and that same man promised
to love you forever

and then broke your heart,
Willow.

He didn't break anything.

He was the one itching
to get out of Adventura

since we were kids.

And... And we both agreed

he was a terrible person

and I was better off by myself.

Right.

And if I never saw him again,

it wouldn't be soon enough.

I just wish I knew how long
he'd be here this time.

Well, they changed venues last-minute.

And they'll be here through Christmas.

Or so I've heard.

So are you going back to the audition?

- No. No thanks.
- Willow.

Bishop doesn't want me
singing secular music.

And now that I know Jeremiah
is gonna be there,

I do not need the headache.

It can't be that bad.

Jeremiah White and I
are like oil and water.

What is it about him that
gets you so turned around?

Have you seen him?

Yes, I have.

And he is beautiful.

Oh, he is the most annoying,

most know-it-all, most my way
or the highway human being

I have ever met in my life.

Girl, have you ever met anyone like that?

You two may have more
in common than you think.

Just saying.

Please tell your parents the jubilee

is only a few days away.

And we have rehearsal
every day until then.

The dress rehearsal
will be the night before.

And you have to be here.

Now, I know it sounds like a lot.

But if you want something,

you can't let anything get in your way.

If you're not here
for the dress rehearsal,

you do not minister on Christmas Eve.

Does everyone understand?

Yes, Minister Terry.

Okay, go ahead.
Get out of here.

Hey, hey.

Hey.

Are you sure

you want those kids
to sing at the jubilee.

What are you talking about?

It's a trinity tradition.

I know, but when we were kids
we could actually sing.

The kids have been singing at
the jubilee for over 30 years.

Don't remind me. I know.

It's the biggest event of the year.

And the one your mother created.

I know, but...

What about if this Christmas jubilee,
we have the kids mime.

Hear me out.

Do you see the vision?

Yeah.

The bible says make a joyful noise.

Uh, they might make a noise, all right.

Bishop Terry.

Maybe we could move it to
Easter because, that way,

I could definitely get them
on key by then.

Oh, no.

Okay. I'll be right there.

Uh, what happened?

Minister Eddie slipped on ice.

He's in the hospital

So we don't have a minister of music?

Nope.

Oh, no, that's so terrible.
Is he okay?

I don't know, baby.
I'm gonna find out.

Okay, well, I'm just gonna
work on some, uh,

song changes and ideas for the jubilee.

Okay.

I gotta go.

Oh, all right.

- I hope he's okay.
- Me too.

Terrible timing.

What a shame.

It's this close to the jubilee.

Jeremiah.

Bishop.

Jeremiah.

Long day for you.

Uh, hospital visit.

One of our members
hurt himself pretty bad.

Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.

You here to visit your folks?

Yes, sir. I've got a gig coming up and I...

- Oh, you're still playing?
- Yes, sir.

For the Lord?

- Well...
- I'm just messin'.

Your momma says you're traveling
the world with your gift.

It's amazing, son.

- You make us proud.
- Thank you.

Listen, I am around
for the next couple of weeks,

so if you need any help with snow
or anything, let me know.

Well, I may not need your help
with the snow...

but there is something
you could help me with.

Thank you, Grace.

Now I'm sure all of you
have heard Minister Eddie

suffered a nasty fall

and he may be out for a while.

I thought he just sprained his wrist?

Silence.

There's a new sheriff in town.

A new general on the front lines,

a new queen up in this castle.

Now, there's a lot of work to
be done in the next few days.

If we're gonna be ready for the jubilee

and we will be ready.

There will be no talking.

All choreography must be approved by me.

So Sister Patterson, girl,
that little dance that you do,

- that little rock.
- Mm-hmm.

It's got to go.

- You know, the one I'm talking about...
- Hello.

Ha, "Praise God,
from whom all blessings flow."

Bishop.

Great news, everyone.

I found our new interim minister of music

until the Christmas jubilee.

Oh, Daddy, you don't need to do a speech.

- I'm kind of...
- A true son of this church.

Huh?

Although he hasn't been here for a while.

He's been traveling the world
with his gifts.

I give you Mr. Jeremiah White.

- Hey.
- Get out.

I see you haven't changed a bit.

Why do you keep saying that?
Why would I change?

- I am amazing.
- Yes, you are.

What are you doing here?

Bishop asked me to come.

And you could say no.

I can't tell bishop no.

- He's known me since I was 10.
- Fine.

You already have a job,
so just go back to it.

Look, if this is about the other night.

We don't talk about that here.

Willow, listen, I...

Why can't you just stay in your lane

and then you just let me stay in mine?

I am in my lane.

No, your a crashed car swerving,
spinning directly into my lane.

- You always...
- Hey, young people.

- Hey, Daddy.
- Bishop.

I believe this is a divine connection.

I'm excited to see what God
is gonna do with his union.

You two have always
had an incredible chemistry

ministering together.

- Jeremiah?
- Yes.

Willow is gonna walk you
through everything

we've been doing and done

for the past few years with the jubilee.

Ain't that right, pumpkin?

Yes. Yes, I am.

But, um, Daddy, you know,

Jeremiah is not a gospel singer.

- He's not a singer?
- No, he's not.

Well, you know what's written,

"When the devil goes to messin',

God goes to blessin'."

Better praise him.

I don't think
that's in the bible, but okay.

Anyway, I'm gonna get outta your way.

The whole church is counting on you
two to pull this thing together,

but I know you won't let me down.

Mm.

See you later, Bishop.

See you later, Bishop.

Really?

Yeah. Really.

Get out of my office.

Why does he do this every year?

Every year it's the same thing.

Because it's his home and that's
what he chooses to do.

Yeah, but we gotta look at it.

It's his expression of holiday cheer.

And it shouldn't affect you
so much, you old Grinch.

You're only saying that
because he's your pastor.

Well, he used to be your pastor too.

And he could be again, if you came down
to the church every once in a while.

I'm not doing this with you, Dolores.

Stop stealing my cookies.

You can eat cookies at church.

Morning, neighbor.

Morning, neighbor.

Could I help you with something?

As a matter of fact,

I was hoping you could be neighborly

and not put as many of your ugly,

creepy-looking gnomes
out this year, neighbor.

Oh, you mean like...

like this gnome?

Yes. Just like that one.

No can do, neighbor.

You put out your holiday decorations
before Thanksgiving.

And I didn't have a lick
to say about it now, did I?

My decorations are tasteful.

Not some creatures from beyond.

You wouldn't happen to be afraid

of gnomes now, would you, Stan?

Afraid?

I think they're an eyesore to the
neighborhood and we can do without them.

They're traditional.

They're ugly.

Isn't it interesting that back in the day,

gnomes were used to protect children

and animals from evil?

Are you calling me evil, Bishop?

No.

Just an interesting fact, neighbor.

But my gnomes are staying
right where they are

and there ain't nothing
you can do about it.

We'll see about that.

Hello everybody.

Um, we...

Hello, everyone.

Can I have everyone's attention?

Hey, does anyone have any gum?

Gum.

If everyone could just,
you know, if everyone...

All right, let's, uh, let's go
ahead and get started.

I know I have some somewhere in here.

I know I packed gum.

I thought we could start

with "Joy to the World."

Oh, I found it.

- Willow. Willow.
- Yeah.

Can you help me get everyone's attention?

Um...

No.

Okay.

Great.

Thanks.

Ow! What was that for?

You saw how hard he was trying to connect.

Okay. Well, maybe
they don't want him to be

the minister of music.
It's not my fault.

You're just jealous that Bishop made him

the minister of music and not you.

No, I am not.

Ow!

Don't lie in God's house.

Fine. My feelings are a little hurt.

Bishop didn't even consider me for the job

and I have been hinting at it for years.

Willow, you're not the minister of music.

Jeremiah is,

and he could use your help.

You're still a member of this worship team

and you should want it to be the best
that it could be at all times.

And if you help him,
maybe he can help you, too.

Isn't there someone
he can talk to for you?

Maybe get you an audition.

That's a good idea.

I know.

So play smarter.

Mmm-hmm.

That's why you're my girl.

- Okay.
- That's right.

Okay.

I guess it's not going
as well as you hoped.

If you don't learn how
to speak up for yourself,

then no one is ever
going to listen to you.

I did.

No, you didn't.

You said, "Hello, I'm Jeremiah.

I'd really love if you listen to me."

Whatever.
I don't sound like that

Well, you did before puberty.

Look, I'm not saying
you have to do it like Eddie,

you definitely don't have
to do it like me.

But you have to speak with confidence.

You gotta talk like
you have something to say.

Why are you helping me now?

Because I need a favor.

Oh, the feeling is mutual, brother.

Look, I'll go in there and help you,

like Bishop wants me to,

but I need you to talk to Dante

and convince him to let me audition

to be one of his background singers.

Now, don't look at me like that.

You know why I was there the other night.

Okay. I thought we couldn't
talk about that here.

You can't.

So do we have a deal?

I can't guarantee that he'll say yes.

I just need you to talk to him.

My voice will do the rest.

Now, come on.
I'll show you how it's done.

Come on.

Next.

Sorry. That was in the lyric, right?

Next.

- You're hired.
- No, no, no.

Just...

That's all this town has to offer?

Um...

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, I guess, I guess.

- Hey.
- Hey.

Hey, did you, uh, get
to talk to Dante about me?

Uh, yeah.

Yeah. He, um...

He said someone like you
wouldn't be a good fit.

Someone like me?

A gospel singer.

- Oh!
- But it's his loss. Really.

I know. I thought my voice would
be heard around the world.

I guess it's not even good enough

for outside of trinity.

I appreciate it, though.

All right. All right.

That was good.
That was really good.

Um, Willow, you want to try a solo

on this one?

Sure.

Great.

Was it flat?

Everybody hang tight please.

Willow, can I talk to you for a second?

This feels serious.

No. I mean, no. Come on.

It's just, um...

It's just...

How do you want the audience
to feel when you perform?

I don't wanna perform.

I wanna minister.

When I open my mouth,
I want people's lives to change.

You know they come in here
with heavy spirits

and stressed,

unsure what to do next.

I just don't think a performance
can change that.

You know, only the presence of God can.

Okay. And do you think we're doing that

with the jubilee, with how
you're singing right now?

No.

But I think we could.

If we involved all the creative ministries

not just the choir.

You know, the step team,

the dancers, sign language ministry.

Wait, we have all that here?

Yeah. And I think this could be

a great time of year
to get everyone involved.

Okay. So why don't we?

Bishop won't let it happen.
He hates change.

Everything in Trinity has to
and will stay the same.

Okay. Well, he said that I was free to do

whatever I wanted this year.

And I think that is a great idea.

- He said that to you?
- Mmm-hmm.

Yeah, so let's do it.

You know, as long as I've been here...

As long as I've pleaded with him

to make some changes,

Bishop has never granted me one inch

of what I wanted to do.

I guess it really is your choir now, huh?

You can do whatever you want

and I'll sing whatever you want me to.

I see how it is now.

Hi.

- What's up, Tre?
- Ms. Tee,

I wanna audition for a solo in jubilee.

Well, there are no solos
in the children's choir, Tre.

I know, but there should be.

And I should do it.

And why you?

'Cause I can really sing.

Well, let's hear what you got.

Who knew you had pipes like that, Tre?

I didn't know you could sing like that?

I never got the chance to show you.

But you said last Sunday,

if you want something,
don't let anyone or anything

stand in your way and go for it.

Hmm.

I guess I did say that, huh?

Well, I don't know.

It looks like you just turned
yourself a solo, Tre.

Oh, yes. Thanks, Ms. Tee.

You're the best!

That's all wrong!

Y'all not keeping up with me, man.

Let's take it from the top.

Dante. Mr. Dante, hi.

My name is Willow, Willow Terry.

And I wanna be one
of your background singers

if you will just give me a chance.

- I...
- Slow down.

- Wait. What?
- Well, Jeremiah said

you didn't think I'd be
a good fit for the band,

but I will not let down,
I promise.

I didn't say that.

Wait, you know her?

Yeah, we grew up together

and I was gonna tell you about...

Whoo! Wow!

What is your name again?

Willow, sir.

Hmm, show's in two days, sweetheart.

Welcome to Dante's world.

Willow.
Wi... Willow.

- Willow. Willow. Will you wait...
- You lied to me.

I didn't mean it like that, okay?

I did it to protect you.

Who are you to protect me?

Who are you to take
an opportunity from me?

I didn't mean it like that.

Well, then, how did you mean it?

Hmm? You either think I'm good enough

to be in the band or you don't?

Oh, what? You think you're
the only talented person

- from Adventura?
- Willow, listen...

Look, you may not see my talent,

but Dante does.

And I'm gonna sing for him.

You're not the only one
with dreams, Jeremiah.

Let me explain.

I don't wanna hear it.

It's just like when we were kids.

You waltz into my town and my church

and you take everything
like it belongs to you.

And then you just bounce when
you've created enough chaos.

Well, look, I said it then,
and I mean it now.

You don't belong here.

So you might as well
just go back on the road

and this time, stay gone.

I caught you.

What? You're crazy.

Give me back my gnomes, Stan,

and all will be forgiven.

You get off my property
before I call the police.

- Bishop, what's going on?
- What's going on?

Your husband's a thief.
That's what is going on!

You ain't gonna stand on my porch

and call me no thief.

I call it as I see it.

- Pa. Pa.
- Now, stop. Stop.

I ain't no thief.

And I never been no thief.

Oh, really?

- Oh, my Lord.
- Dad.

Pa. Pop, you...

I'm sorry about all of this, Bishop.

Okay, I'll find your gnomes
and return them.

So sorry, Bishop.

I can't believe you stole
that man's gnomes.

You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

I did no such thing.

You two have got to stop this foolishness.

And what are you looking at?

What's going on with you, Pop?

I didn't steal his gnomes.

I didn't ask that.

Look.

I know things have been
different between us lately

but you know you can talk to me, right?

Hmm, when you don't even bother to visit

because you're so busy on the road?

Pop, we did two tours, back to back.

So that means forget
about your old man, right?

The phone works both ways.

Look, son,
I know you've moved on.

You've got your own life
and your dreams to go to

but I just wonder,
have you stopped to think

about the people you're leaving behind?

And I'm not the only one
that feels this way.

Hey.

You got a sec?

Won't ever have time for people
who lie to my face.

Look, Willow, I wanna apologize.

- Oh, that's nice.
- No, I mean it.

Look, I know you don't believe it

but the first time
I heard you singing,

I knew you were the best singer

that I'd ever heard in my life.

- You were 10.
- And you are still

the best singer
I have ever heard in my life.

You'll always be.

Look, I couldn't tell
Dante about you

not because you're not talented enough,

but because I just...

Look, Dante, he is one of...
Life on the road is...

I'm not trying to go on the road with you.

- You're not?
- No, I just wanna sing,

somewhere outside of Trinity for a change.

Why is that so important to you?

My mom was happiest when she'd sing.

And it wasn't always in my daddy's pulpit.

Don't you remember she'd sing everywhere?

You know when she got sick,

she told me, I should too,

but, uh...

Bishop doesn't want me
singing secular music.

He says that's what took her from us.

But I wanna find true happiness too.

So I will sing anywhere

even if that means
singing backup for Dante.

I'm sorry I didn't help you
get the gig with Dante

and told you that I did,

but now you know your talent

was enough to get you there

and you didn't need any help from me.

Well, duh.

I'm the bomb.

- You're so...
- You knew that.

Whatever.

Do you accept my apology?

Can I ask you a question?

Sure.

Why did it take you so many
years to come back here?

Because I asked you to come with me

and you said no.

And so, it was just easier
for me to stay away

than to admit
I was still in love with you.

You didn't need a girlfriend
where you were headed.

Yeah.

I did.

And you still didn't answer my question.

Yeah.

I accept your apology, Jeremiah.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

All right.
All right, all right.

Looking good, looking good, Big D.

Can I get that mic packed?

Yeah.

Hey, Willow. You good?

Little nervous.

- You sure?
- Yeah.

All right.

I know you all see the snow outside,

but, baby, I promise,

Imma keep you warm tonight.

Willow.

- It's fine. No, no.
- I asked for the opportunity just to make a fool...

- Where is she?
- It doesn't matter.

Where is she?

- Hey.
- Where is she?

Hey, whoa, whoa.
Give her a second, okay?

- This is her first...
- Look, I'm really sorry.

- You should be.
- Dante...

I know, I shouldn't have hired

some country bumpkin singer wannabe.

You're fired.

Wait. Wait.

Wait, no... Willow.

Who do you think you're talking to?

What did you say to me?

I said, who do you think
you're talking to?

I ain't got time for this drama.

I'm out.

Let's go.

Sorry, Jeremiah.

Whoa. Come here, girl.
It's freezing out here.

Well, it's better out here than in there.

Look, it wasn't that bad, okay?

Are you still lying to me?

Okay. You're right.
It was that bad.

But we've all had those moments.

I doubt that.

Okay. So, one time when I was rushing,

setting up my keyboard stand
for a concert,

I guess I didn't secure it
right or something

and the entire thing came crashing down

right in the middle of our set.

- No.
- Worse, I broke my amp

so no one could hear a single thing

the entire concert.

That's not a real story.

No, but I thought it might cheer you up.

It kind of did.

There you go. Good.

Just...

I never thought
I'd get stage fright

if I wasn't singing gospel music.

I am so, so proud of you
for at least trying.

You wanna get out of here?

And go where?

I know a place that has
great music, and hot cocoa.

- Okay.
- Come on. Let's go.

Jay, what is that?

That is not finished.

I've heard it before.

You were playing that
at the studio when I came in.

You know, it's kind of sad,
but it's beautiful.

It can get lonely on the road,

and sometimes I get a little
depressed about it.

Yeah.
This song came out of that.

Are there lyrics to go with that melody?

Yeah.

And, uh, will you sing it for me?

- No, it's...
- Please?

Ah.

Okay.

Something like that.

That was beautiful.

And why is this not out in the world?

'Cause it's missing something.

I'm sure a lot of people
could relate to it.

I always miss my mom around
this time of year.

And I always miss being home
around this time of year.

Well, you should finish it and record it.

Yeah, well, maybe you're right.

Mmm.

"For I know the plans I have
for you," says the Lord.

Plans to prosper you, not to harm you.

Plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11.

Your favorite scripture.

Yeah.

Hey.
About what you said earlier...

Yeah, well, we don't have
to go back there.

No, we do.

It's important.

Look, um...

I said I wouldn't leave
Adventura with you because...

I couldn't leave Bishop
to deal with my mom's death

all by himself.

You could've told me that.

Yeah, I know, but I didn't
want you to feel guilty

or sorry for me.

Or even worse, stay for the wrong reason.

And I know you came back
to play at her funeral, and...

I just want you to know...

my feelings for you never changed.

What was that?

Well, sometimes

when there's freezing
temperatures and high winds,

- the power goes out.
- Don't worry.

The generator will kick in.

Okay.

And that is probably my dad.

Come on in, Bishop.

What's your dad doing here?

For the past few years,
every time the power goes out,

we come over to your parents'.

Couple hours, couple days.

Doesn't matter.

The generator keeps the lights on

and the fireplace keeps
the house and us warm.

Okay. Okay.

I told you to get that generator.

I got the generator last March.

It just broke down.

Hey, kids.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

- Morning.
- Wait. I have it.

Such a gentleman now.

Of course.

Uh, I made coffee for you.

Thanks.

How'd you sleep?

- Uh, great. Great.
- Okay.

- Yeah.
- Okay.

How did you sleep?

Also great.

Great.

Nice. Sleeping great.

Mmm-hmm.

- Ooh. Thank you.
- Of course.

- Got it.
- All right.

Mmm. Smells good.

Just like you.

Cheers.

Cheers.

I didn't steal your gnome.

Yes, you did.

Is that...

I don't know what you're talking about.

I think so.
Yes, you do. It was you.

No, I don't.

I knew it.

Get that trash out of my face.

How can you still deny it?

I have the video proof and the gnomes.

Anybody could have put those in my closet.

Aha!

How did you know
I got this from your closet?

Only the thief would know
where he hid the evidence.

I let you stay in my house

and you go snooping around my closet?

Stay in your own house next time.

- Okay, Pop. Listen.
- Just admit it.

Fine. I took it.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Yeah.
No, I'm way ahead of you.

Okay. Let's do this.

Why it took you so long to find them?

Move!

Run! Go inside.

Ah. There you are.

I need a favor.

Hello.

Hello. I need a favor.

Okay, what?

I finished the song.

I realized what was missing.

You.

What?

No.

You didn't say who needed to record it.

Obviously, I meant you should record it.

You said it yourself
the world needs to hear it,

and I think the world needs to hear you.

Hey, Willow.

Don't forget to breathe.

You got this.

Whoo, whoo.

I know that.
It's a unicorn.

Ho, ho!

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

Whoa. Wow. Whoo!

So, what are you gonna do with the demo

now that it's done?

I sent it over to our label,

see if they had any artists
they can send it to.

- That's exciting.
- Yeah.

Well, waiting on Dante
to give me permission

to pen something meaningful
is a complete waste of time.

I haven't felt this creative in a while.

I'm shocked you stayed with him this long.

I signed a bad contract,

but Dante wasn't always this guy.

The bigger he got, the bigger his ego got.

He changed.
I didn't.

And that's when the issues started.

Are you gonna stay with him?

Feels like
I'm starting to make the music

that I really wanna make.

Don't know how I'll give that up

to play the same songs every night again.

Why don't we do a duet for the jubilee?

I mean, you said
I have a beautiful voice

and you're not too bad yourself.

I think we can make some
beautiful harmonies.

What would you wanna do?

"Alone at Christmas Time", but together.

That could work.

I know it could work.

That's why I said it.

Okay.

- Hey, Ma.
- Hey.

Oh. Thank God. Y'all are home.

They're moving Minister Eddie
out of the hospital.

And Brenda needs me
to take the kids to see Santa,

and I gotta get these cookies done

and take them down to the church.

Well, I'm sure it'll be okay.

Yeah, Ma. We can do it.

Oh, thank you.

We can?

Unless you're scared

my cookies are gonna look
better than yours.

Didn't you almost burn down
our high school

by starting a fire in Home Ec?

Only after you gave us food poisoning.

Oh, you are so wrong.

- Okay.
- Okay. What do we need to do?

Just don't burn the cookies.

Uh-huh.

I love you, Ma.

All right. Let's do it.

Yeah. Let's go.

Uh, here we go. And...

Bow!

How you like me now?

Ooh, I don't.

- Uh-uh.
- Hater.

- Huh?
- Hater.

How am I a hater?

You know what that looks like?

- What?
- One of my dad's gnomes.

I'm so done with you.

Mmm-hmm.

You know, I've always wondered

what made your dad start putting out

all those gnomes each year.

Those things are scary at nighttime.

Yeah, they are a little scary, huh?

- A lot of scary.
- A lot of scary.

Well, he started right after
my mom passed.

She used to put some out around the house,

you know, just a few.

And he definitely has gone overboard,

and he knows it, but...

I don't know, I guess it helps
with his grief, you know?

He needs somewhere to put it.

That makes sense.

You know, I can always tell

how badly he's missing her

by how many gnomes he puts
out that Christmas.

- Oh. Hey, Pop.
- Hey.

Uh, want a cookie?

I thought you were finished with all
your Christmas wrapping this year.

Oh.

I'm wrapping these for Willow.

Ah.

She could never get her bows to lie right,

so I've taken over.

There.

It calms me.

So, how are things going with you two?

Honestly?

We've been getting along great.

Mmm-hmm.

I mean, we've revamped the show,

gotten some of the other
ministries involved,

which has amplified both of our workloads,

but, overall,

she's a dream to work with.

I've always liked that girl.

I know you mean you've always
liked her more than me.

Oh, hush.

Willow is my daughter.

Now, I may not have birthed her,

but I love her just the same.

Well, I can definitely see

where she gets
some of her mean streak from.

Well, she may be prickly around the edges.

Most people are,

when they have as big a heart as she does.

Speaking of prickly,

Pops seems a little more...

What's the word I'm looking for?

I'll accept prickly.

What's going on with him?

I don't know, Jeremiah.

What do you think is going on with him?

I don't know.

I can't put my finger on it.

He's been so distant since I've been home,

and it's like I can't ever

do anything right

to make him happy.

Have you told him how you feel?

I'll take that as a no.

Now, I would never think
that I could speak

on behalf of your father,

but if I was a gambling woman,

which I am not,

because that would be a sin before God.

But, your father loves you.

And he's very proud
of the man that you've become.

I think that he wishes
that you would've let him

be a part of it, just a little bit more.

Talk to your father.

Why would anyone post these?

I don't know what happened.

Someone commented,

"Why does her face looks like a screw?"

That's just cruel.

Well, I couldn't see out of my eyelashes

because they were massive,
and my heels were dangerous...

But those legs,

- look good, girl.
- They do.

I'm sure Jeremiah thought so, too.

Hey, you.

- Hi.
- Hi.

Um, are you ready?

Dress rehearsal is about to start.

- Yeah. I will be right there.
- Okay.

Bye.

He is so fine.

Well, he is kind of cute.

Mmm-hmm.

Grace.

What is this?

Uh, hmm.

Is that Willow?

Well, sir, I...

When was this taken?

Um, just, uh...

So, this is Dante?

And, Lord, we pray that tomorrow,

our voices glorify your name.
Amen.

- Amen. Amen.
- Amen.

Hey, let me just say you,
worked your ass...

- Church. Church, baby. Church.
- I...

What I meant to say was,

I am so very proud of each of you

- and proud to be a part of...
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Okay, that's great.
But listen,

your call time tomorrow
is 10:00 a.m., okay?

You need to be here, on time.

The doors will open at 3:00,

the show starts at 4:00 on the dot.

We will start without you.

So be here. Okay?
Have a good night.

- Grace and peace, y'all.
- Yeah. Grace and peace.

- Hey.
- Yeah?

We did it. Oh, we did it.

- Okay.
- No, you did good.

The congregation is in
for a treat tomorrow.

Daddy, what's wrong?

Close the door, Willow.

Is everything okay?

I saw Grace looking at pictures of you

performing at Dante's concert.

- Daddy, I can explain.
- Can you?

Because I distinctly remember us

having a conversation
about what would happen

if you started singing
in nightclubs, did we not?

Answer the question, Willow!

I made a mistake.

A mistake!

You gave me your word you wouldn't do it,

and you did it anyway.

- And I am sorry.
- Me, too.

Minister Terry,

you are relieved of your duties

at Trinity Church effective immediately.

Turn in your badge and keys
before you leave tonight.

Daddy, that is not fair.
I didn't even...

Go do whatever music
you wanna go do, Willow.

I can talk to him.

He's not gonna change his mind.

We have to at least try.

He's too stubborn for that.

Where do you think
I get it from?

I did exactly what he asked me
not to do, right?

I deserve to get fired.

Willow, you're a gospel artist.

Performing in that show
only confirmed it even more,

that is where your heart is.

But I still performed in the show,

when I told him
I wouldn't even audition.

What are you all doing here?

Now is not a good time, Dante.

Whatever. Oh.

We got a show tomorrow night
in Atlantic City.

- On Christmas Eve?
- Yup.

Buses roll out at 8:00 a.m.

I'm not leaving this close to Christmas.

Yes, you are.

I guess you didn't read your contract.

The jubilee is tomorrow night

and the entire church will be there.

I know.

And the show must go on,
but the show cannot go on

without me and you.

I know.

- I just...
- I know.

I know, Ma. I know. I know.

Look, I promise

I won't stay away that long ever again.

Well, I packed you a small lunch

just for the bus today
when you get a chance.

- You didn't have to do that.
- Oh, it's nothing,

just some turkey and macaroni cheese,

mashed potatoes, black eyed peas,

collard greens, that's all.

Uh, what, no dessert?

I forgot the dessert.
I'll be right back.

No, wait. Ma. No.
I was just kid...

Um...

Well, I'll see you around, then.

Next time.

Yeah. Next time.

Pop, you think, um...

You think we could ever get things back

to the way they were between us

before I went on the road with...

Without all this awkwardness?

I hope so.

I don't like feeling like
my son is a stranger.

Well, if you would...

I wish I could have been
a better son to you.

And I'm sorry that
I stayed away for so long

and made you feel like we couldn't talk

or that I didn't want talk to you,

because that wasn't the case.

I just...

Sometimes I feel like
you wanted me to fail.

Why would I ever want you to fail?

When I wanted to pursue
music full on, you just...

I just wanted you to be
proud of me. That's all.

You don't think
I'm proud of you?

Huh?

Open it.

Go on. Open it.

Wait.

There's a few more upstairs
just like this.

I made one from when you were a baby and...

When the doctors told us that we may never

be able to have kids

from the time your mama told me

that she was having my baby boy

until they bury me in the ground.

I will always be proud of you.

I packed three pieces of peach cobbler.

I hope it's enough.

This is more than enough.

Don't stay gone for so long
next time, okay?

I won't, Pop.

I thought we said our goodbyes last night.

Well, I wanted to bring you
your Christmas presents

since you won't be around
the open them tomorrow.

Uh, but don't open it yet.

Just wait till you're at least
in Philly or something.

You gotta save the jubilee,
Willow.

Talk to Bishop.

You got to at least try.
Please?

You put in a lot of work
for this performance,

and you...

Ministry.

Don't let it be in vain.

Do it for me?

For you?

Hmm, I don't know about that,
but I might do it for me.

Thank you for the push.

Of course.

Goodbye, Willow.

I'm so sorry, Willow.
Are you okay?

Grace, I'm fine, okay?

I panicked.
I didn't know what to say.

You know I can't lie to a man
of God on holy grounds.

Grace, we're good, okay?

- Just stop.
- I can fix it.

I will just march up
to him right now and...

Oh, gosh. He's still
contemplating my raise.

Uh, what do you want me to say?

Grace, just stop.

Where's my father?

- He's in his office.
- Thank you.

Yes, Brenda.

Yes, I agree.

He would never slip on ice again

if you all move to Georgia.

Yeah.

Uh, Brenda...

Br... Brenda.
Brenda, I gotta go.

My daughter just walked in.

Hey, Daddy.

Willow.

I know I messed up.

I defied you

and went to that audition
behind your back.

But I am not a little girl anymore.

And the way that you see me and treat me

like I'm some puppet that you can control

and dispose of,

it has to stop.

- Willow, I...
- Daddy, hear me out.

All my life,
I have done what you say,

when you say, and how you say it,

and I don't make a fuss
because I love what I do.

I would sing into a tin can in a
parking lot just to make music.

But you're suffocating me.

And, yes, I went to the audition

because I wanted to know
what it would feel like

to be free enough to make my own decisions

without having you in the back of my head

telling me when and where I can sing.

And do you know what I decided?

Did you bothered to ask me?

Is that that's not the kind
of music I wanna sing.

I wanna make music
that lifts up Jesus' name,

that breaks depression of His people,

that gives them hope.

And not because you've chosen that for me,

but because I had a choice, and I chose.

You're right.

Say what?
Tell me more about that.

You're right.

I will always see you as my little girl,

but you get to make your own decisions.

I'm sorry it's taken me
so long to see that.

It's okay.

I forgive you because I know you're old.

Now, about this jubilee.

Willow, you can have your job back.

No, yeah. I knew that.
Of course, I knew that.

But, um, I'm gonna need a favor.

We need to go back
to playing the major venues.

I'm tired of these small towns.

I couldn't even find a decent
restaurant out there.

I hear you loud and clear.

I'm working on it.

This next show is going to help.

- I hope so.
- I'm on it.

- Yes.
- All right.

We get off the bus,

you'd better have my barber on standby.

Don't worry about a thing.

This next show is going to be great

I'll have the barber
standing by as soon as...

Yeah.

Hey. Hey.

I need to get off.

I need to go back home.

What?

In case there was any confusion,

I just quit.

Are you sure about that?

I'm definitely sure.

I have never been more sure about anything

in my entire life.

- Hey, Peter.
- Yeah.

Drop me off at the next town.

Great. No service.

You look beautiful.

Don't forget to breathe.

Okay.

Merry Christmas to you and your families.

I want to welcome you to Trinity Church's

annual Christmas jubilee.

I wanna thank everyone that's had a hand

in tonight's production.

What in the world?

To Minister Eddie.

- Jeremiah White.
- My son worked hard on this.

- My assistant...
- I couldn't miss it.

- Grace.
- And you promised me cookies

if I came to church, so I came to collect.

- Thank you, sweetheart.
- But I'd also like to acknowledge

the contributions and sacrifices

to this house of a special individual,

and to thank her.

I don't always get it right.

And it's come to my attention
that I can be

too suffocating to those I love.

I hold onto them too tight.

But tonight,

I would like you to watch...

my daughter, my baby,

Willow Denise Terry Swords.

Thank you, Daddy.

We put blood, sweat, and tears
into this production.

And we pray that you are blessed,

that your families are blessed,

that your children are blessed
and their children.

Daddy, I could use
a little help on this one,

if you don't mind.

Okay.

Bishop is in a giving mood tonight.

He gave me a seven percent
salary increase.

Okay, well, praise God.

Won't he do it?

Willow.

What in the world are you doing here?

I promised a beautiful woman
I'd sing a song with her.

You got one more in you?

Let's do it.

I'll go first.

Okay.

This is for you.

It won't bite.

That was good.
That was a good one.

I realized those mean a lot to you.

And I'll stop taking them from now on

so you can continue your long tradition.

And I'm sorry.

Come here.

Thank you, neighbor.

You're welcome, neighbor.

- Oh, let's see it again.
- Yeah. I know.

Oh.

That is the ugliest thing
I've ever seen.

Yay.

Oh, sweetheart,
I'm so proud of you.

Okay. All right.

I have...

something for you, Willow.

So, um, I sent your song
to a friend of mine

and this was her response.

Open it.

Ooh.

- Ooh.
- Okay.

"Dear Willow,

Jeremiah was kind enough
to send us your record

and I just wanted to say you blew us away.

God gave you something
special in those pipes,

you truly have a gift.

Please have your lawyer...

look over the attached
contract and follow up

if you have any questions.

We'd love to get started

on recording your gospel album soon.

Merry Christmas."

Is this...
Is this what I think it is?

Yes.

Willow, they're asking you

to be a gospel recording
artist on their label.

Mmm-hmm.

So...

is that a yes?

Uh...

Yes.

- Yes. Yes.
- Yes?

- Yes.
- This is a...

- Yes, yes.
- Okay.

Oh, my gosh. Yes, yes, yes.

Y'all heard me.

Yes, yes, yes.

Willow, you are an official

gospel recording artist.

- Mmm-hmm.
- Thank you.

Come here.

- Thank you.
- Oh.

You're the best. Thank you.

- I know. Tell me again.
- No, no, no.

Just one time. Just one time.

Jeremiah.

We have so much
to celebrate this Christmas.

Willow's making a album

and Jeremiah's...

Is unemployed, but home.
Yes, I am.

Well...

seems my minister of music

has relocated to Georgia

and my daughter is now officially

a gospel music recording artist.

So, she's unavailable,

but I still need a new one.

Job is yours if you want it, son.

I... I'd love to.

I'd be honored, Bishop.

Yes, of course. Thank you.

Thank you.

Oh, oh. But, um,

there is a new artist

who's gonna need your help with her music.

So, uh, he needs to be able to make music

outside of Trinity.

What she said.

That's fair.

Seems fair.

Go make whatever music
you need to make, son.

Thank you.

Seems like I'll be seeing

a lot more of you now,
Minister Jeremiah.

Uh-uh. No, I'll just still go
by Jeremiah, okay?

But it does seem that way.

And, uh, maybe we could,

I don't know, intentionally start

spending some time together.

- Maybe we could.
- Uh-huh.

Yeah.

Maybe we could, uh, a movie?

- The park?
- Ah.

Mmm-hmm.
Yeah, yeah, ice skating?

Yeah. Just nowhere
that involves a tour bus.

Or a church.

Oof.

- Deal.
- Deal.

Oh, just go ahead and kiss
her already, sweetheart.

Could we please, please,

open the presents.
It's Christmas.

Let's do it.
Open the presents.

All right.

Let's do this.

This recording artist.

Oh, my gosh. Okay.

I have something.