Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

Twenty-eight
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,
but with humility of mind let each of you regard
one another as more important than himself.
P H I L I P P I A N S 2:3
Paul came to the Altmans’ Christmas gathering. Angel’s stomach sank at the
sight of him, wondering what barbs he would aim at her this time. She
stayed away from him, determined that nothing would spoil this Christmas.
She had never had a real Christmas, and this family wanted to include her. If
Paul called her a harlot to her face, she would take it and say nothing.
Besides, she knew he wouldn’t do it loudly enough for the others to hear.
To her surprise, he left her alone. He seemed just as determined to stay
away from her. He brought presents for the children, small brown sacks of
candy from the new general store. They were delighted, all except Miriam,
who looked furious when he handed her one. “Thank you, Uncle Paul,” she
said tartly and kissed his cheek. A muscle jerked in his jaw as she turned
away.
Angel waited until after the huge dinner she and Miriam had prepared
before dispensing the gifts from her and Michael. She had worked for two
days on the rag dolls for Leah and Ruthie, and she held her breath as they
unwrapped them. Their squeals made her laugh. The boys were equally
exuberant about the slingshots Michael had made for them. A target was
immediately set up outside.
Miriam opened her package carefully and held up the dried-flower garland
Angel had made. She fingered the satin ribbons streaming from the
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