Chapter 19 Summary

The weather turns cold and rainy, as Grant's Christmas program at the school approaches. As Grant has dedicated the school's Christmas program to Jefferson, it is well attended, despite the poor weather. Grant is assisted in his preparation of the students before the performance by two older students. They work behind a curtain made of sheets in the classroom. Children, dressed as members of the Holy Family or wearing choir robes, perform songs, read a poem and act out the story of the birth of Christ.

At seven o'clock Grant steps from behind the curtain to welcome everyone to the performance. He invites Reverend Ambrose to speak. The Reverend opens with the Lord's Prayer and thanks God for the new day. He also asks God to visit the sick, and those who are in jails, as well as those in the audience. The...