All language subtitles for Kirkranklins.The.Night.Before.Christmas.2022.720p.WEB.h264-BAE

["christmas melody"
by loren lott playing]

♪ when you think of me,
it's christmas ♪

Announcer: 'twas the night
before christmas,

And all through god's house,
all the creatures

Were stirring, but y'all,
there weren't even one mouse.

No stockings were hung,

But there was this mother
and daughter.

Ooh, this is my part,
right here.

[over radio]
♪ I'm singing ♪

[journee singing along]
♪ la, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪

♪ let me be your christmas
melody, yeah, yeah ♪

♪ I'm singing la, la, la,
la, la, la, la, la, la ♪

♪ let me be
your christmas melody ♪

Journee: Come on,
let's go old school.

♪ I'm singing la ♪

♪ la, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la ♪

♪ la, la, la, la, la ♪

♪ la, la, la, la ♪

♪ let me be ♪

♪ your christmas melody ♪

Nia: Just stop.

[sighs] mom.

Can you tone it down,
please?

Journee: Oh, come on, nia.

You love this song.
And it's simone.

And I miss hearing you sing.

Radio dj:
That was the latest

From gospel sensation,
simone adams.

Quick update
on the storm front moving in.

A blizzard warning
has just been issued.

Road closures are already
being reported.

Stay home if you can, folks.

Are you going to be
this way, all night?

Look, I know
you didn't want to go,

But we left early.

It was the last
work obligation I had.

Now we can just hang out.

Right.

Journee: I mean,
I thought you were down

For a little christmas
movie marathon.

I got the flicks
all lined up.

Mom, it's just,
you promised we'd go visit

Nana and pop pop's.

It's not like philly's
that far away from jersey.

I know. I know.
And I'm sorry.

Nia: I told everyone
that we were coming home,

And now they're disappointed.

Look-- okay, I get it.

But you can see
some of your old friends

Over spring break.

Mom, they're not
old friends.

They're current.
And we made plans.

Journee: Look, I said
I was sorry, nia, okay?

Nia: If you say so.

[wind howling loudly]

Mom, should we pull over?

Nia, I thought
we could make it home,

But I think you're right.

We need
to get off the street.

Help me look
for a good spot.

-Oh, mom, over there.
-Journee: Okay.

[christmas
instrumental playing]

Journee: Oh, it's crazy.

-Be careful.
-[car doors shut]

Okay.

Oh, my gosh.

Please, somebody.

[knocking on door]

-[door clicks open]
-[wind howling]

Okay.

Adam: My god! Whoo!

-You guys okay?
-Yes, just cold.

I mean,
it is freezing out there.

Thanks so much
for letting us in.

No worries,
you're not the only ones

Waiting out the storm.

I'm adam.

I'm one
of the youth pastors here.

Okay, I'm journee,
and this is my daughter, nia.

That's right. [chuckles]

I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.

Have we met before?

Maybe not.
It doesn't matter.

Follow me. Yeah.

Journee:
All right. Come on.

Adam: It is a blizzard
out there, yeah?

-Journee: Yes.
-Adam: Oh, my gosh.

So, welcome
to central church of zion.

[upbeat festive
instrumental playing]

You've--
can I grab your coats?

Journee: Yes, please.

-All right.
-[adam chuckles]

-All right.
-[adam chuckles]

Journee: Oh, my god. No.

This is
'cause we just came

-From an ugly sweater party.
-Uh-huh.

Journee: I thought
it would be funny.

It is. [chuckles]

Oh, I don't do ugly.

Got it.

Would you like
something warm to drink?

We have
hot chocolate, tea, coffee.

-Hot chocolate.
-We're fine.

I would like
something to drink, please.

Of course.
I didn't mean to speak for you.

Nia: No, it's okay, mom.

I know you're used to
making decisions for me.

Nia, right?

-Yes. Pastor...?
-Adam.

Nia: Pastor adam.

A few of my youth group members
are here.

If you want,
I can introduce you,

If you want to hang out
while your mom and I

-Grab those drinks.
-Okay.

Adam: Okay.
We'll be right back.

-Yes, please.
-Mm-hmm.

Adam: Thank you, sister.

-Nia, this is joshua...
-What's up?

Adam: ...Tory, grace,

-And trystan.
-Hey!

Adam: Guys, this is nia.

She's stuck here
waiting out the storm

Like the rest of us.

Could y'all do me a favor
and keep her company?

Of course. [chuckles]

That's a cool ring.

Thanks, my mom,
she got it for me

For my 13th birthday.

She has the same one.

I know,
it's kind of corny.

Nah, that's cool that you're
close with your mom.

I'm tight with mines, too.

Grace: Welcome to zion.
[chuckles]

Adam: I think
she'll be all right.

Oh, yeah.
She'll be good.

So, journee,
that's an interesting name.

You don't hear
that one often.

Yeah, it's a nickname
for sojourner.

As in, sojourner truth.

Ah, and that she was,
the truth.

Yeah, my mother
wanted me to have

A strong namesake,

So every time
I wrote it down or said it,

It had to really
mean something, you know?

Quite a legacy
to live up to.

Sojourner was an abolitionist,

Evangelist,
women's rights activist.

And I think
she was an author, too, right?

-Okay.
-Adam: I think.

Yes, she was all
of those things.

I'd like to think
I do the name justice, though.

I'm sure. You know,
nia is a powerful name, too.

-It means "purpose."
-oh, I'm aware.

-I named my baby that.
-[both chuckle]

But that girl will surely have

You questioning
yours sometimes.

[adam chuckling]

So, are you a teacher

At the high school
as well, pastor?

I work there
as a guidance counselor.

And you can call me adam.

[soft instrumental playing]

When I was younger,
I used to go to a high school

Kind of like this one.

You know, affiliated
with a church.

Hmm. Me, too.

[man singing] ♪ all the little
things that mean much more ♪

♪ as years go by ♪

Who is that?

Well, that's a very talented
deacon and deaconess.

Well, follow the voices.

-Insane.
-Yeah.

Gosh.

♪ I'll be loving you now ♪

♪ baby, it's you and me ♪

♪ and all the little things ♪

♪ that mean much more
as years go by ♪

♪ that makes
the season bright ♪

♪ stay close to me ♪

♪ 'til winter
turns to spring ♪

♪ and as each season
passes by ♪

♪ I'll be loving you
like christmas in my mind ♪

♪ ooh, baby, you're like
christmas in my mind ♪

♪ ooh, baby, baby ♪

♪ you're christmas
in my mind ♪

♪ ooh, baby, baby, you're ♪

♪ baby, baby,
you're christmas in my mind ♪

♪ my mind ♪

♪ christmas in my mind ♪

[laughing]
boy, you still got it.

Go on, girl.

[all applauding]

Noelle: Look
who's sneaking up on us.

-Booker: Hey, pastor.
-What's up?

I brought you someone.

Oh, ugly sweater party.

-Noelle: Mission accomplished.
-I tell you.

Journee, meet sister reynolds

-And brother booker.
-Journee: Hi.

But you can call me noelle.

They call me book.

Journee and her daughter
got caught in the storm.

Look, I gotta
get back in there.

Could you all help her out
with something--

-We got it, man.
-Adam: Okay.

Booker: As you can see,
there's plenty to go around.

Thought I was gon' have
to feed a lot of people

After the concert, but of course
it got canceled, so.

Well, everything
looks delicious.

And it smells
amazing in here.

Well, it tastes even better.

Both: Let me get you a plate.

Oh, it's okay.
I'm not hungry.

-You sure?
-Yeah.

I mean, it's just
you and your daughter, right?

-Journee: Yeah.
-Your husband

Had to work tonight?

I'm a widow, actually.

So sorry.

Thank you,
but it's fine, really.

It's been a few years,
and I'm getting better.

Good for you.

I'mma get you
that plate after all.

Seriously, I--
really, I am not hungry.

[chuckles] that's 'cause
you ain't had

My award-winning pound cake.

And I make
a mean pot of greens, baby.

Ask anybody.

Word of warning.

If you're going to
get a to-go plate,

Stay away from the sweet
potatoes. [chuckling]

Yeah, sister yolanda
made those,

You don't want no part of it.

Noelle: And she
can't cook a lick.

Booker: But she's so sweet.

Noelle: And her skin's
so clear.

She just need to stick
to the banana pudding.

-Oh.
-For the road.

-Oh, thanks.
-Booker: You're welcome.

Trystan: We should
be able to see everything.

-Joshua: That's dope.
-Tory: I like that.

That's good.

Wow, you guys
really went all out.

Yeah, but thanks to the storm,
the show got canceled.

All that practice
for nothing.

So, do you guys
sing in the choir?

We sing,
but we dance too.

Oh, nice,

I used to praise dance
at my old church.

Oh, where do you go
to church now?

I actually still stream
my old church service online.

We just moved here from philly,
but I'm moving back soon.

That sucks.

It would have been nice
if you were near.

'cause-- 'cause
your dancing stuff.

'cause-- 'cause you dance.

Right.

You-- you sing, too?

I used to,
but not anymore.

But it's a shame that you guys
might not get to perform.

We could show you
a little somethin', somethin',

If you're down for it.

-What y'all think?
-Grace: Shoot, I'm down.

What song
do you guys wanna do?

What? Hey, y'all.

Stop acting
like you're not dying

To show off
your choreography.

He got to create a number
for the first time this year.

Whatever, let's do this
if we're gonna do it. Come on.

-All right.
-Okay.

Bet you wanna shout, though.

Joshua: What you--

Okay, we're gonna
go the other way.

Five, six, seven.

♪ tell me, have you heard
there's a gift from zion? ♪

♪ lamb of god has come
from the holy mountain ♪

♪ fall down on your knees ♪

♪ those who search
shall find him ♪

♪ everyone sing,
"joy to the world" ♪

Nia: Love this. Yeah.

[chuckling] wow.

Man, that was so dope.
You guys have to perform.

Tell that to the blizzard.

[soft instrumental music]

Adam: I don't know.

-If the storm doesn't clear--
-[knocking on door]

-Who could that be?
-Be right back.

[knocking on door]

-[wind howling]
-whoo!

Marcus, come in, come in.

Boy, I was hoping
to see you, man.

I was worried about you.
You all right?

Yeah, thanks, pastor,
I'm good.

Adam: Come on, come on.

And there should be
some clothes

In the donations closet
that should fit you.

Thanks.
That'd be great.

-Adam: Yeah.
-Oh.

Oh.

[sentimental
instrumental playing]

-Thanks.
-You're welcome.

Hungry?

I'm fine, miss.

I know the way.

Church has
an adjoining shelter,

In case of emergency.

You know,
just a few rooms.

For the homeless,
domestic violence.

Well, I'm glad
he had some place to come to.

You know, I used to volunteer
at a homeless shelter.

Yeah?

Yeah, but my work keeps me
pretty busy these days, though.

What do you do?

I'm a civil rights lawyer.

Oh, so you are
living up to your name.

Sounds like you doubted me.

I was reserving judgement.

Uh-huh, uh-huh.
Nice save, pastor.

Please, call me adam.

-[nia laughing]
-oh, there's nia.

Excuse me a second.

I was looking for you.

Is this supposed
to be dinner?

It's just something
to tide you over, okay?

When the snow lets up,
then we can get outta here.

[all phones beeping]

Are we seriously
stuck here, all night?

I mean, there's nothing I can
do about the weather, nia.

This sucks.
Great christmas break.

Thanks, mom.

Ooh, it's gonna be
a long night.

[suspenseful
instrumental playing]

Noelle: Everyone!

Can I please
get your atten--

Can I please
get your attention, please?

♪♪

I know
we all have plans tonight.

But guess what? We get to spend
christmas eve together.

[all groaning
in disappointment]

[sighs]

Okay, so,
on a positive note,

So the congregation
was especially generous,

And we have the most donations
we've ever had

For the bundle of joy campaign.

[adam clapping]

Woman: Oh, my gosh.

So, obviously, the storm kept
all of our volunteers at home.

I was just wondering,
could you guys help me

Put things together, please?

Pretty please.

Thank you, pastor.
You always got my back.

Okay, I need some more people,
who gon' help me?

Yes, I got some more.
Come on, we can do this.

What's a bundle of joy?

Hey, journee.

Yes.

Not that I'm not loving
what your sweater is giving--

-Oh.
-Okay.

But, if you wanted to change,

We do have
a donations closet.

-Might find something you like.
-Yes.

Please,
let me at that closet,

'cause I think
I'm gonna need it.

["here's to christmas"
by andy powell playing]

♪ bells are ringing,
there's magic in the air ♪

♪ choirs are singing,
full of joy and happiness ♪

♪ stars are bright ♪

♪ as we share
a winter's night ♪

♪ here's to christmas ♪

♪ kids are smiling,
making snowmen in the street ♪

♪ people driving... ♪

Nia.

Oh, wow.

-You like it?
-Nia: Mmm-hmm.

Oh, my goodness,
the church donation closet

Has some killer fits.

This congregation
has taste, okay?

Check this out.

This church
really is something.

Yeah, they seem
to genuinely care

About the community.

Woman: Hi,
how's it going, ladies?

Shall we?

Come on.

[christmas
instrumental playing]

This reminds me of that time
when dad dressed up as santa,

And we visited
a kid's hospital.

[chuckles] oh, my goodness,
I remember that.

You might have been
more excited than those kids.

Oh, wow, that was
actually the first winter

We took you skiing,
you remember that?

-That was so much fun.
-Journee: I know.

And it was also
very fun to watch you

Take them "l"s
on the slopes.

Hilarious.

-I got it eventually.
-Yes, you did, you did.

We should take
another trip sometime.

Like, a girls' trip.

Okay, that sounds good.

I mean, once things
slows down at work,

I could probably
take some time--

You know what,
never mind.

I forgot
your cases take precedence,

Did I use that word right?

Nia, now,
that's not fair, okay?

-I work for the both of us.
-Nia: Do you?

We wouldn't even be
stuck here right now,

If you didn't take us
with you to a work party

That wasn't even mandatory.

Yeah, that's right.

The boss's daughter
told me that.

We could have went home

But, I guess
you didn't want to.

Okay, look, I can explain.

It's not even about the party.

And I'm over it.

Nia.

[melancholic
instrumental playing]

-[chuckles nervously] thanks.
-No problem.

So, I wasn't trying
to overhear, but I heard.

It seems like work
is keeping you pretty busy.

Yeah, I mean,
the hectic schedule

Was a coping mechanism.

And then my work just
became a perfect distraction.

Your husband.

Yeah,
it was four years ago, and...

Suddenly,
I became a sole provider.

And, I didn't want

Nia's quality of life
to change,

So I really
pushed myself, you know?

And now, it's just habit.

Then, break it.

I know, I know
it's easier said than done.

But journee,
your daughter needs you.

She is a gift.

One that I know
you cherish enough

-To put first.
-I do, I do.

Noelle: So, do it.

[sentimental
instrumental playing]

Have you guys ever delivered
a bundle for christmas?

Yeah, we all have, actually.

We pack a few weeks'
worth of food in advance.

Yes, some of our recipients

Are signed up
by other people

So, they have
no idea what's coming

When we knock on their door.

-This is true.
-Surprised look on their faces,

Priceless.

So, you get to be
someone's christmas miracle.

Yeah, I never really thought
about it like that before.

-What?
-Nothing.

It just feels so good

To be a part
of something like this.

Yeah, it's nice.

[booker sighs]

So, you see something
you like over there, huh?

No. No.

It's a beautiful
woman over there.

Yes. She is.

It's a shame
what happened to her husband.

What you mean?

He passed away
a couple of years ago.

I didn't know that.

Honestly, she seems
to be doing very well.

Time is a great healer.

Yeah, it is.
That, it is.

I'm so glad
to hear you say that,

'cause you had all of us
worried with that last breakup.

Book, please--

Look, there ain't
nothing wrong

With liking
a beautiful woman.

But, you acted
a little bit weird.

-I'm not.
-A little cagey.

I'm not, she just reminds me
of someone I used to know,

That's all.

Ex-girlfriend?

♪♪

A high school crush.

Okay, unrequited love.

No, no,
don't start, book.

'cause, as soon as
the storm clears,

They'll be gone,
and that'll be that.

If you say so.

Man, where is
that portable radio

'cause santa's factory needs
some music, it's too quiet.

I'm on it.

All that quiet
make me nervous.

[music player beeps]

-[vocal music starts]
-[crowd applauding]

All right.

♪ the first noel ♪

♪ the angel did say ♪

♪ was to certain
poor shepherds ♪

[chuckling]

♪ in fields as they lay ♪

♪ in fields
as they lay ♪

♪ keeping their sheep ♪

♪ on a cold winter's night ♪

♪ that was so deep ♪

♪ noel, noel ♪

♪ noel, noel... ♪

♪ born is the king ♪

♪ of israel ♪

-♪ 'cause you are ♪
-♪ you are ♪

-♪ the light of my life ♪
-♪ the light of my life ♪

♪ you're my shining star,
every day of my life ♪

-♪ every day of my life ♪
-♪ you are ♪

-♪ the light of my life ♪
-♪ light of my life ♪

♪ you're my shining star,
every day of my life ♪

♪ noel, noel ♪

♪ noel ♪

♪ noel... ♪

♪ born is the king ♪

♪ of israel ♪

♪ noel ♪

My baby, I taught her well.

I taught her that.
I taught her well.

[crosstalk]

So, do you guys
all go to school here?

Only two of us.
But the church is really nice.

It seems like it.

Yeah, it sucks
that you both

Are moving
back to philly so soon.

Moving?
Who's moving?

[intriguing
instrumental playing]

Y'all said--

[wind howling]

Journee: Moving?
Who's moving?

Nia, we're moving?

Nia: We talked
about this, mom.

Nana and pop pop said
I can move in with them.

Okay, but I thought
we were still discussing it.

Nothing was decided.

Yeah, and I'm pretty sure
we did.

You were like,
"if that's what you want..."

And it is.

Okay, let's just
talk about it later, okay?

Okay.

[adam chuckling]

Oh, my god.

[whimsical instrumental
playing]

[booker clears throat]

-What happened? What's wrong?
-You tell us.

It seems like you got a little
somethin', somethin' brewing

-With one of our guests.
-Journee.

I'm fine,
I don't need you all

To talk to her for me.

And besides,
we literally just reconnected--

Reconnected?
I thought you just met.

Booker: Wait,
wait, wait, wait.

High school crush,
that's her?

[sighs] have you guys
called your parents?

I'm sure they're upset
with you guys

Being away
from home, tonight.

At least we're at church,
and they know we're safe.

Joshua: Pastor adam
tried to take us home.

But the snow's
coming down too hard.

You and the pastor seem to be
getting along pretty well.

What? [chuckles] no.
I mean, he's nice.

I mean, he's fine.

All right.

-Noelle: High school?
-She doesn't even remember me.

Then remind her.

Noelle: Pastor,
do you want to be alone?

Listen,
I'm not trying to be rude,

But you ain't
getting no younger.

Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you.

[whispering] all right,
so we gotta make sure that--

You know, he reminds me
of my old english teacher.

I'm pretty sure
he had a crush on you.

[laughs] pastor
does not have a crush on me.

I'm talking
about my old english teacher.

Right.

Pastor adam
needs a girlfriend.

He practically lives here.

It's pretty sad. [laughing]

Oh, so, he's single?

Y'all be the first
to call somebody thirsty.

Can't a man
just want some alone time?

[all laughing]

Funny.

Booker: What happened
back then, anyway?

-Just tell her who you are.
-Nothing happened.

We just
hang in different circles.

I mean, I never--

I just
wasn't her type, and she--

I don't know.
I don't know.

-You punked out.
-That's it.

You missed out
on the opportunity,

And now you're about
to do that again.

Noelle: Pastor,
trust my intuition.

I got a good feeling
about this girl.

-Here she comes. Straighten up.
-No, stop!

[all exclaiming]

Noelle: Are you okay?

[intriguing instrumental
playing]

You all right?

Perfect, man.

-[booker stuttering]
-not a word.

Booker: Yes, sir.

I got a spare in the office.

[melancholic
instrumental playing]

[chuckles]
he's usually not this clumsy.

I mean, he's dependable.
He's sturdy.

And he-- he's a man of god.

I don't doubt it. I'm gonna run
to the bathroom, excuse me.

Noelle: Bookie, all right?

[chuckles]

-Go ahead.
-Grace: Okay.

-Thanks.
-Here you go. Welcome.

So, about your mom...

Nia: It's complicated.

But do you think
she's gonna let you leave?

I hope so.

Didn't really seem like
she wanted you to go.

She's worried
about how it looks.

Look, I'm not trying
to embarrass her.

I just want to go home.

I get that,
but you haven't really

Been here that long, right?

Yeah, I mean,
you haven't met us yet.

Nia: Y'all
seem pretty cool, too,

It's just,
I have more family there

And here
has never felt like home.

-I get that.
-Nia: Yeah.

-Give us a chance.
-Right.

Well, when I get my elves,

I'mma take y'all to philly.

Grace: Okay.

I never been to philly, okay.

[crosstalk]

Trystan: Here.

You saved her,
so you get to make a wish,

And put her on top.

This is an angel,
not a star.

Then say a prayer.

What do you really want?

[sentimental
instrumental playing]

We got you.

[chuckles]

-Trystan: It has a great view.
-Grace: All right.

-Joshua: Yeah, looks good.
-Trystan: Absolutely.

-Nia: Looks so good.
-Joshua: There you go.

Nice, very nice.

Thank you.

It looks nice.

Nia: It's a masterpiece.

Trystan:
It's like the ancestors

Are watching over us.

Yeah.

Oh, god.

Nia's voice: Nana and pop pop
said I can move in with them.

You need to fix this.

["be your holy water"
by sam clines playing]

[adam sighs]

Sweet jesus.

Ooh, jesus.

Oh!

Okay.

Nia: Mom?
What are you doing?

Journee: Oh, um, I--
I was coming to find you.

-Are you okay?
-Journee: Yes. Yes, I am fine.

But listen,
we really need to talk

About you moving in
with your grandparents.

-You don't want me to go.
-No, I just feel

A little bit disrespected.

I mean, you blindsided me

With this whole moving thing.

Listen, nia.

It seems like all
you want to do is go there,

-And never come back.
-I wanted to spend christmas

This year surrounded
by family and friends.

Just admit it.
I come second to your job.

You are not second, nia.

-Listen, I--
-[banging on door]

[suspenseful
instrumental playing]

[woman grunting]

Adam: My god.

Are you okay?

Let me get her.

-[woman grunts]
-adam: I got you.

Open the door,
open the door.

Let's go.

[woman grunts]

Journee: Oh, my god,
it's simone adams!

[crowd murmuring]

Man: It's really her.

Yes, it's me, simone.

[laughing and chattering]

Girl, get yourself together.
What's wrong with you?

It happens.

Adam: All right,
all right, all right.

Hey, come on now,
let's give her

Some space and privacy.

I get it,
she's a celebrity, but--

Family! Hey, hey, hey.
Y'all back up, back up.

Hey, book,
get in there, man.

What are you doing?

-[simone yelping]
-booker: I'm sorry.

-I think it's broken.
-Booker: It's not broken.

Definitely,
a little swollen, though.

-Are you a doctor?
-Nurse.

Now, it will bruise,
but you'll be okay.

Trystan, grab me
that ice pack at the back.

-Painkillers.
-Ibuprofen, too.

I spun it on the ice.

Barely missed a light pole.
My life flashed before my eyes.

-It was terrifying.
-Grace: Oh, my goodness.

Man: Oh, my god,
let's pray.

And you are?

I'm pastor adam.

-Pastor?
-Adam: Yes.

[suspenseful
instrumental playing]

May I ask,
what were you doing

Out in the middle
of a blizzard?

Oh, well,
they canceled my concert.

They told me
to stay at the hotel,

But I wanted to go home.

It's christmas eve,
I wanted to be with family.

Oh, imagine that.

Wanting to spend
christmas with family.

How long do you think
it'll take to heal?

If you stay off it
for a while,

-You'll be just fine.
-A while? How long is a while?

It could be worse.

Not for me, you know
how many things I have planned?

Yeah, mom, she's doing
a new year's eve special.

That's right.
And you are?

Oh, I'm nia.
I am such a huge fan.

[chuckling]
nice to meet you.

You're adorable.

-She's my daughter.

-Now, all right, all done.
-Thank you.

Can I help you
with your coat?

Yes, please.

She'll put this
out in the hallway.

I love-- I love
your christmas album.

It's so good.
I play it on repeat.

[chuckles]
thank you, sweetie.

-Grace...
-Mm?

-Closet.
-Right.

[adam chuckling]

I cannot believe
this happened.

You're safe,
and that's all that matters.

You'll look after me,
pastor?

We'll all look after you.

[laughing]

You need a warm blanket
or something to drink?

Oh, my god. Yes.

Half sweet non-fat
caramel macchiato, please.

-[adam chuckles]
-baby, we got coffee.

You can get it black.

You can get it
with cream or sugar.

Oh, the hot chocolate
is really, really good.

Noelle: And that comes
with milk or marshmallows.

Soy order only.

Joshua: Come again? Soy?

-Man: Soy?
-The milk?

[all exclaiming, laughing]

-Two percent.
-Simone: Oh.

-Where are we going?
-To finish our conversation.

What, right now?
Mom, simone is here.

You know she's one
of my favorite singers.

She is not going anymore.

Can you think
about what I want

Just for once, please?

I didn't even get
a picture with her.

Fine, we'll talk later.

O... Kay. All right.

Looks like my concert's
not the only one

-That got canceled.
-Oh, yeah.

We're still hoping
tomorrow's show is a go, so...

Yes, you should
see the stage, it's amazing.

The proceeds for this show
help fund our outreach program,

So we go big.

Then I'd like to donate.

Charity
is one of my many passions.

That's so kind of you.
Thank you.

Oh, I'll donate, too.
[giggles]

-Great.
-Yeah.

Simone: I'm also intrigued.

-Take me to the stage.
-Okay.

Well, it's like the nurse said,
I need to stay off my foot.

Uh, yeah, of course.

Unless you think
I'm too much to handle.

Girl.

Oh.
[clears throat] sorry.

[wind howling]

[glass shattering,
all screaming]

[suspenseful
instrumental playing]

I'm sorry,
I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.

-Are you okay?
-What do you think?

Pastor, we got to
board up this window now.

I think we have some supplies
down in the basement.

Fellas,
let's get that boarded up.

I think we need to exit
the sanctuary.

We need to stay
away from the windows.

-Trystan: Yes, ma'am.
-Trystan, can you help me

-Get her out of here, please?
-Trystan: Of course, of course.

Okay, I'm gonna see
if anybody needs help.

-[simone yelps]
-trystan: Take your time.

-Simone: Please carry me.
-Absolutely.

Nia: I'm carrying simone.

[wind howling]

Noel, grab the shark
hydrovac out the storage!

It'll get the snow
and debris right out.

-Okay, I got you.
-Adam: Okay.

[vacuum whirring]

Adam: Watch out
for the glass, please.

Well, be careful, everyone,
don't slip on that ice.

♪♪

Adam: Yeah,
that's... That's good.

-Ow!
-What happened?

The glass.

Booker: Let me
take a look at that.

It's not too bad.

It just needs to be
cleaned up and bandaged.

Okay, I got it.
Come with me.

-I'll finish up, pastor.
-Journee: Okay.

[simone grunting and groaning]

What y'all doing?

[whispering] simone
is checking out the stage.

Okay, I'll do it. [grunts]

Trystan: Yes, oh, my god.
Yes, yes!

I'll help zhuzh up
your show for tomorrow.

-Give you some pointers.
-[crowd cheers]

[laughs] that's kind,
but we didn't ask--

No need to thank me.

Blame the christmas spirit.

I'm in the mood...
To give.

Okay, let's go.

Show me what you got.

Hold up, slow down, slow down.

Come help me, boys.

No one's passing out
record deals.

-Pick me up.
-Yes, ma'am.

[all giggling]

♪♪

-Sorry, you okay?
-Yes.

-Thank you.
-Joshua: You good? Thank you.

-Thank you.
-Mm-hmm, you're welcome.

A mother-daughter
infinity knot!

I have one, too.

Mine's from tiffany's,
but yours is also cute.

Seeing yours is what
made me wanna get them.

Aw, that was your mom
in the sanctuary, right?

Yeah.

Oh, I know that face.

You know, there's no end
to infinity, nia.

Just like my mom,
yours is gonna make mistakes,

Make you angry,
disappoint you, even.

She's just not who she was
when we got these rings.

Well, life forces us
to change sometimes.

Sadly, it's not always
for the better.

But don't give up on her.

If she's still
wearing that ring,

She still believes
in what it stands for.

You should, too.

All right.

Dance for me!

Five, six, seven, eight...

Adam: Let me see.

-[journee hissing in pain]
-I know, I know, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. Oh, I got you.

Now, this is gon' burn.

Let me see.

[blowing]

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

-Journee: It's okay.
-[blowing]

[tender
instrumental playing]

Is it better? [blowing]

Yes. Thank you.

-Adam: Okay.
-[journee clears throat]

[adam sighs]

I still can't believe
I dropped simone adams.

[journee laughs]
and the worst part is,

No one recorded it.

Ha, ha, ha, ha,
yeah, great.

My daughter loves her.

So, I guess she can't stay
mad at me now.

Mad at you?
What did you do?

I--

I broke a promise.

Nia wanted to go
to her grandparent's

For christmas, and I didn't.

So, I told a little lie.

That we had to go
to work and stay,

And she found out.

You're beefing
with your parents.

They can just be
a bit overwhelming,

-If you know what I mean.
-Adam: Yeah.

I mean, their latest
obsession is matchmaking.

So, if I had gone,
there would have been

A parade of eligible
bachelors there waiting for me.

They can just
be a bit too eager.

Hmm.

But are you ready for that?

I mean, are you ready
for a relationship?

I am.

[footsteps approaching]

Mom, they said
that you got hurt.

Oh, um--

-I'm interrupting--
-no, no, no, no,

He was just
helping me with my hand---

Looks like you're good, so...

Journee: Nia, no.

Nia, come-- baby--

Nia!

-Nia, will you wait a minute?
-Nia: What?

I know what it looked like,
but he was really just

-Helping bandage my hand.
-Mom, I am 16, not six.

I don't expect
for you to be alone forever.

Then why are you so angry?

Because I know
you'll put him before me, too.

You know, I used to think
that you wanted to be alone.

But you don't.

You just
don't wanna be with me.

You are the one
who wants to leave.

You haven't told me not to.

-Nia, stop.
-Nia: Leave me alone!

[melancholic
instrumental playing]

[piano instrumental playing]

[door clicks closed]

♪♪

-Well, hey.
-Sorry, I didn't mean

To interrupt you.

I love that song.

It's one
of my dad's favorites.

It's one of mine, too.

-Are you lost?
-Nia: No.

You sure?

'cause you look
kind of lost to me.

More like on the run. [scoffs]

-From who?
-My mother.

[laughs]
those can be scary.

-What'd you do?
-Nothing.

I'm not the problem.

Ah.

Is it serious?

-I hope she's not abusive.
-No, no, it's--

It's not like that.

She's really strict.

Not so much.

Vegan.

Nia: Well, if she was,
that's her business.

No, she's just--

Never mind. I didn't--

-I didn't mean to interrupt.
-No, no, no.

Not at all.

My name is mr. Evans.

I'm a music
teacher at the school.

Choir leader for the church.

Nia.

Mr. Evans: It's a pleasure
to meet you.

You, too.

So, have you been
in here this whole time?

I come and go as needed.

[mysterious tinkling]

-Nice shirt, though.
-Oh, thanks.

My mom, she got it
in undergrad, but...

She disappointed
you in some way.

What about your dad?

Um, he's not here. He's gone.

But that song
that you were playing,

He'd sing it all the time.

Like, we duet
literally everywhere.

-So, you're a singer?
-I was.

You still are.

Music is good medicine.
Especially christmas music.

It's full of joy and praise.

It reminds us
to love and to forgive.

How about we sing
something together?

-Right now?
-You got something to do?

No, but I... I can't.

Don't be shy.

We all sound
like angels to the lord.

He can't tell the difference
between you and beyoncé.

Look, I can. And please
don't tell your students that.

Some of us just need to hush.

Ah! Dem facts.

That's-- that's
what y'all say, right?

Facts? That's what y'all say?

Just sing from your heart.

Even a broken heart has
a song, nia.

[mr. Evans playing soft melody]

I-- I don't know
this tune that well.

You do.

This song is yours.

Mine? But again, I don't
know the words that well.

Just think of
the lyrics as a prayer.

The bible says when
we don't know what to pray,

The holy spirit intercedes,
giving us the words.

Just listen to the music.

And let the spirit
give you what to say.

♪ please, shine
some light on me ♪

♪ it's harder to believe ♪

♪ that this is working
for my good ♪

♪ please, for a moment
let me see ♪

♪ the rainbow,
'cause the storm ♪

♪ is lasting
longer than it should ♪

♪ why do you give ♪

♪ and then you quickly
take away? ♪

♪ and why do we suffer ♪

♪ no matter how hard we pray ♪

♪ please, I don't ask
much for anything ♪

♪ but it'd sure be nice ♪

♪ to leave the pieces
of my heart ♪

♪ and we can pray
for a new start ♪

♪ and leave the pieces
of my heart with you again ♪

♪ again ♪

♪ again ♪

♪ mmm ♪

[mysterious tinkling]

Mr. Evans?

Journee: Thanks for
helping me look for nia.

Adam: Of course.

Um, can I talk to you
about something?

But as a pastor,
so you can't judge me?

Not out loud.

Huh, you know what?
Never mind.

I'm kidding, I'm kidding.
Of course, you can talk to me.

-What's on your mind?
-[sighing]

It's about nia.

She wants to move in
with her grandparents.

Apparently,
I'm a huge failure as a mother.

Do you believe that?

I mean, I could have handled
a few things differently.

-Nia's father--
-book told me.

I-- I wasn't digging. It just
came out in conversation.

Well, back then,
I got her a therapist,

But I never really
talked to her about it.

Not the way I should have.

I, um, moved us out here
two years ago, and I just...

Thought nia
would adapt, you know?

I mean, she's young, likable.

But... I threw
myself into my work.

And I left her, alone.

Marcus: Oh, I'm sorry.
I-- I know it's dark, I--

I didn't mean to scare you.
I just...

I heard you singing.
You got a great voice.

Thanks, but did you see
a man leave just a second ago?

Oh, no. He must
have dipped before I got here.

-You a music student?
-Oh, no. I don't go here.

I just like music.

Yeah, me, too.
I, um...

You know, I-- I used
to be a drummer for a band.

You know, I thought I was gonna
be the next questlove, you know?

Nia: What's the name
of your group?

Ah, sh--
you wouldn't of heard of us.

We broke up
after a couple of years.

At least you still
play here for your church.

Oh, no, this--
this isn't my church. I'm...

-Staying in the shelter.
-A-- a shelter?

You know I'm, uh--
I'm homeless.

Oh, I-- I-- I'm sorry.
You just...

-Never mind.
-Marcus: What?

You can say it, it's cool.

You just look
so young.

Where's your family?

[sighs] new york.

They told me
a thousand times I'd fail,

And music
was a long shot,

You weren't good enough.

And they were right.

I hate that part
more than anything.

Journee: I can't
even blame her.

I said she could go.

But that's obviously
not what you want.

What's the plan?

You're the pastor.
You tell me.

You know your daughter
better than I do.

Journee, there's
no one size that fits all

When it comes
to kids.

But I will say
that they do need reassurance.

You just have to remind her
of what she's forgotten.

And what's that?

You know.

-That I want her, here with me.
-Mm-hmm.

That I need her
with me.

That I'll never leave her.

Parents make mistakes, too.

Forgive yourself.

And give nia
the chance to forgive

Whatever missteps
that were created.

That made this distance
between you.

It's gonna be all right.

Thank you.

Let's go
find your daughter.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Okay.

When's the last time
you've spoken to them?

Marcus: Uh...

It's been
a long while.

Well, they probably
regret what they said.

And you shouldn't
believe it.

You're way too young
to give up on your dreams.

Play something.

[marcus sighs]

-No, I-- I can't.
-Here.

-No, I can't.
-Nia: Okay.

Well, if you don't wanna play,
I guess I will.

All right, ready?

Here we go.

[playing chaotically on drums]

Stop. Stop.

Stop, please!

Look, I'm sorry
to disappoint you,

But I gave it up,
all right?

I just-- I don't do it
anymore, you know.

I stopped singing
when my dad died.

And I mean, completely.
Not even in the car.

What you just heard was the
first time I've sang in years.

It didn't sound it.

Well, you got
some natural talent.

But what about you?

Do you really not
wanna play anymore?

Look, okay, I know
what your parents said,

But my mom, she never
lets me quit on myself.

She didn't really
push the singing thing

Because of the circumstances.

What's the proverb?

With the pride, going before
the fall or destruction,

Or something like that.
[chuckling]

Look, I hear you,
but my mom--

She-- she isn't like
your mom, all right?

Not everyone
has a cheering squad.

Appreciate the advice, though.

♪♪

Algebra? [groans]
I barely passed.

See, I don't even
use half the math

I learned
in high school.

Adam: Neither did I

Until I became
a youth pastor.

You know,
I once made the mistake

Of offering
to tutor one kid, one--

-Floodgates opened.
-Oh, my gosh.

You know, I remember
this one math teacher I had.

I'll never forget him.
Mr. Easley.

God bless his patience.

Because I was terrible
at math, okay?

But you know
what was cool about his class

Is that his wife
used to bake for the students.

Ooh, she made
these red velvet cupcakes.

-To die for.
-That's right.

Her blueberry muffins
were on point.

I mean, she would have like,
this crumbly sugar on top.

You know,
I thought I recognized you

When you first came in,

But I wasn't
100% sure.

Turns out
I was right.

We were in the same
graduating class.

-Seriously?
-Adam: Yes.

Wait, wait, wait, wait,
why don't I remember you?

Wow, I made
that little of an impression?

Sorry, I just...

Oh, my god.
Oh, my god.

You were
on the football team.

[laughing]
okay, okay, I remember now.

That makes sense
'cause, you know,

Your body is
definitely bang--

What about my body?

Um, you know,
that you've,

Uh, kept in shape
and eating good, living good.

-Uh-huh.
-You know, you know.

The years
have been kind to you.

Mm-hmm. Thank you.

Anyway, um,
I don't feel as bad now

Because it's not like we were
best friends in high school.

No, no, but you always had
your head in your books

Or talking
to your girls.

Hey, if you wanted
some more attention,

You could've
just asked for it.

Hmm.

Fair enough.

Um... So what was all of that
about my name earlier?

[chuckles]
I mean, I never knew.

I-- I was curious.
It's not a common name.

I know, but see,
if you were in my circle,

You would have known.

Oh, wow.

So, who would
have thought

Years later
you'd follow me to new jersey?

-Boy, please.
-Mm-hmm.

"oh, my god, you're like
so obsessed with me."

What?
Nobody is...

♪♪

The years have been
kind to you, too.

God is good.

All the time.

Journee: Oh, um, nia.

Adam: Wait, wait, wait.
Don't panic, don't panic.

Don't panic,
we'll find her.

Journee: Nia?

Nia!

-Adam: We'll find her.
-Journee: Okay.

Adam: Don't panic,
we'll find her.

Journee:
Oh, my gosh. Nia?

-Nia: Mom, mom!
-Journee: Oh, nia.

Nia, come here.
Okay.

-Are you okay?
-Nia: Yeah, I'm okay.

-Journee: Not hurt?
-No, I'm fine.

Journee: Okay,
the conversation we had earlier,

I didn't mean it
to end that way.

-Me too.
-Journee: Okay, I love you.

Adam: Thanks
for bringing her back.

Yeah, she's a--
she's a good kid.

Thank you...

So much. Come on.

Come on,
let's get in there.

[wind howling]

Adam: Everybody,
save your cellphone batteries.

It's gonna be all right, y'all.
Just stay calm.

We will get everything
under control, all right?

You know what?

Everybody, let's--
let's move to the center pews.

Come on.

Yeah, I don't want
anyone near the windows

In case
another one breaks.

You okay?

I'm not normally
a nervous person, pastor,

But this storm
is getting to me.

Yeah, it-- it-- it should--
it should be clear soon.

Now that I think about it.

Christmas eve,
a snowy night.

Yeah?

Two ridiculously
gorgeous people.

It's kind of romantic,
don't you think?

Adam: Yes, yes, it is.

You know what?

I-- I-- I'm gonna
make sure--

I'm just
gonna make sure

No one needs
anything else, okay?

[adam chuckles]

Are you all right?

[alarm beeping]

You know what time it is?
It's 10 o'clock.

If I was
at home right now,

I would let
the nieces and the nephews

Open up
at least one gift.

My...

My family would just stay up
all night on christmas eve.

I-- we used to watch
a bunch of christmas movies,

And drink
hot chocolate.

I was, um...

It was really good, man.

[inaudible conversation]

♪ fall on your knees ♪

♪ oh, hear ♪

♪ the angel voices ♪

♪ oh, night ♪

♪ divine ♪

♪ oh, night ♪

♪ when christ was born ♪

♪ oh, night ♪

♪ divine ♪

♪ oh, night ♪

♪ oh, night ♪

♪ divine ♪

[electric buzzing]

[cheering]

[all laughing]

I thought
you might sing for us too.

Oh, no, you have to pay
for these vocals.

Oh.

[stomach rumbling loudly]

Boy, was that you?

Oh, well,
I don't know about y'all,

But I'm ready to dig
into this food we cooked.

-Are you all hungry?
-Booker: Yes, lord.

Marcus, you come first.

Ooh, yes.

♪remember how
it used to feel♪

♪ when christmas time
was almost here ♪

Adam: Family, family, family,

Before we begin to eat,

Um, I'm reminded
of the scripture.

I-- I-- I believe
it's in acts,

Chapter ten, verse thirteen--

[booker clears throat]
pas-- uh, pastor.

Empty bellies.
Let's just pray. Amen.

Rise, peter;
slay and eat.

-Amen?
-All: Amen.

Marcus,
come sit down, yeah?

Hey, adam.

Over here.

There's a seat over there
for you, man of god, bless you.

♪ you're my christmas
kind of love ♪

[indistinct chatter]

-Hi.
-Hi.

There is no separating
you two, is there?

[adam chuckles]
you didn't tell her?

Tell me what?

Your mother and I went
to high school together.

-What? No, she didn't tell me.
-Adam: Yeah.

If you need any blackmail
material, let me know.

I got all the dirt.

-Tell me more.
-Uh-uh.

You better
not say a word.

-I didn't say anything.
-Oh, so, there is dirt?

Don't you love
mac 'n cheese?

Eat. Come on.

You want another spoonful?
There you go.

Your community outreach
is commendable.

Well, yeah,
we volunteer year round

And for christmas,
we do it big.

I mean,
they come in in droves.

Well, my foundation
does a considerable amount

For the global community.

And so do our missionaries,
serving abroad.

-[laughs]
-oh.

Then I should have
a chat with your pastor.

I'm sure we'd make
great collaborators.

I don't know.

Seems like he's already
forming a partnership to me.

I think
you might be right.

-Here you go.
-I don't do carbs.

♪ our family and our friends ♪

♪ at christmas time ♪

♪ this feeling
never ever ends ♪

♪ I hear
the sleigh bells ring ♪

♪ the choir begins to sing ♪

[both groans]

-I did damage.
-[journee chuckles]

I am so stuffed
I can hardly breathe, okay?

Come on.
Come walk with me a second.

Okay.

♪ we can make
christmas last forever ♪

♪ December comes,
it brings... ♪

[wind howling]

[journee sighs]

Look, I should have
talked to you

About moving us out here.

I took for granted
how hard it can be.

You gotta make new friends
in high school,

Especially when cliques
are so ingrained.

School isn't
the problem, mom.

I know, I know.

Let me finish.

I checked out on you.

I don't even realize
when it happened.

And after everything
we went through...

I guess
for some stupid reason...

I thought you needed
a stronger version of me.

Nia: Mom, I seen
how hard that you were trying,

So, I just didn't think that
I should or could talk to you

About certain things.

And eventually
we just stopped talking.

I know.

And I let that
be our new normal.

I did that.
And I am sorry.

Listen, this family...

Our family...

You being born...

[chuckles]

Baby, that was
the best thing

That ever happened to me.

And I don't want you
to move out.

I need you.

Nia, I need you here
with me.

So, I promise you...

I'm gonna do better.

I'm gonna be better.

Mom, you love
your job,

And I'm not mad
about that.

The work you do is important,
and I know that.

No, but nothing, nothing
is more important than you.

And there's nothing
in this world

That I love more
than you.

I brought us out here
for a fresh start.

So, let's make it.

Together this time.

I missed you.

I missed us.

I'm here, baby.

I'm here.

And listen, you can talk to me
about anything.

[sighs]

We used to have a family
christmas eve tradition, too.

Mm-hmm. Yes, we did.

Oh, are you...

[chuckles] okay.

[nia plays on piano]

♪ life brings you changes ♪

♪ we lose, sometimes we gain ♪

♪ nothing's ever promised ♪

♪ except some silent rain ♪

♪ every day I'm fighting ♪

♪ just to make a change ♪

♪ growing isn't easy ♪

♪ and letting go
can make you feel afraid ♪

♪ but morning has a way ♪

♪ of washing away sorrow ♪

♪ when joy replaces pain ♪

♪ when we focus on tomorrow ♪

♪ and though
the road's been long ♪

♪ but you don't have
to travel alone ♪

♪ I'll be right by your side
until the end ♪

♪ I'm your forever friend ♪

♪ doo, doo, doo, doo ♪

♪ I'm your forever friend ♪

♪ doo, doo, doo, doo, doo ♪

♪ strange how unforgiveness
has its way ♪

♪ so strange ♪

♪ it's way of blinding you
from your own mistakes ♪

♪ but sometimes the enemy ♪

♪ may start
inside of me ♪

♪ and love's
the only remedy we need ♪

♪ oh, oh ♪

♪ the morning has a way ♪

♪ of washing away sorrow ♪

♪ and joy replaces pain ♪

♪ when we focus on tomorrow ♪

♪ and though the road's
been long ♪

♪ but you don't have
to travel alone ♪

♪ I'll be right by your side
until the end ♪

♪ when battles come together,
we will win ♪

♪ and now our brand new story
will begin ♪

♪ you're my forever friend ♪

♪ do, do, do, do ♪

♪ you're my forever friend ♪

♪ do, do, do, do ♪

♪ you're my forever friend ♪

♪ do, do, do, do ♪

♪ you're my forever friend ♪

Ooh, my baby. [chuckles]

It was so good
to hear you sing again.

I get it
from my parents.

Oh, well, don't say we ain't
never gave you nothing.

I think it's time that
we discussed something else.

Okay.

I think we should address
the elephant in the room.

It's name is adam,
it preaches for a living.

[journee laughs]
journee: Okay, okay.

You know it's funny because
I didn't even remember him.

I mean, you saw
when we first came into church,

I was like,
"who is this guy?"

Yeah, mom,
don't be acting

Like you ain't been having
wild, wild thoughts

All up
in the house of the lord.

-Nia.
-Nia: Relax, mom. I like him.

Well, I'll have to get to know
him a little bit better.

But, you know,

I ran a prelim background check
through the youth group,

And no red flags
as at yet.

Oh, good to know.

But I'm in no rush,
I'm in no rush.

Well, you should be,

Because simone is ready to eat
him up like a communion wafer.

Well, we better hurry up
and get back in there

Because if
the lights go out again,

We don't want them
sending out a search party.

-Mm-hmm.
-Journee: All right.

♪ silent night ♪

♪ holy night ♪

♪ all is calm ♪

Narrator: 'twas
the night before christmas

And all through the house
not a creature was stirring.

Well, almost.

["dance of the sugar-plum fairy"
by tchaikovsky playing]

[snoring]

[adam clears throat, chuckles]
now, as an attorney,

I'm sure you're aware of the
ramifications of cookie theft.

Yes?

Oh, I'm aware,
it's a serious offense,

However, the legal system makes
exceptions on christmas eve.

Oh, well, in that case,
grab me two, as well, counselor.

Okay, I see you.

Okay, I'm gonna
get some spoons.

You taught me something new.
We got to be quiet.

If someone else come in,
we're going to have to share.

-Okay.
-Adam: Yeah.

-True.
-Yeah.

It's right on time.

You know,
tonight did not turn out

How I thought
it would at all.

Is that a good thing
or a bad thing?

It's a great thing.

For me, too.

The holiday spirit
really took over.

And thank god it did,
because those kids

Were not feeling being
snowed in on christmas eve.

-Mm-mm.
-Oh, my goodness.

Thanks for earlier.

What you said,
it really helped with nia.

Glad I could be there
for you.

[groans, mutters]

Here greedy, you got a--
you got a-- it's...

-It's that bad?
-Yes, it's like over here.

Okay, thank you.

Did I get it?

Just a little bit.

♪♪

Um, I'm sorry.
Is this okay?

I know we just met again,
but if it's too fast, I...

Noel: What y'all
doing in here?

[clears throat]
uh, nothing.

Nothing, nothing.
We're, you know...

-Sneaking up on people.
-I know.

Listen, don't eat up
all of the cookies,

Because I promised the youth
they could take some home.

-Journee: Yes, of course.
-There's a lot more.

-There's a lot more.
-[chuckles]

Make sure y'all clean up
after yourselves, okay?

-Adam: Okay.
-Mm-mm.

Yes, sister, thank you.

-Noel: Okay.
-Adam: Yes.

Yes, sister noel.

-Praise him.
-[noel laughs]

♪ baby, this christmas ♪

-Adam: It's your fault.
-You started it.

A little cookie monster
over here.

♪ will go our way
this christmas ♪

[alarm chimes]

[adam sighs]

[journee yawns]

[journee sighs]

[both yawning, chuckling]

Merry christmas.

Merry christmas.

Your hair.
Your hair.

[wind blowing]

What's the weatherman saying?

They're saying
that heavy snows are coming.

Salt trucks
are doing all they can,

But they're advising people
to still stay inside.

Hey, family, look,

I know we were all hoping
that the show will go on today,

But we're going
to have to cancel.

Merry christmas to us.

The bundles
won't go out either.

I can't remember
the last time

We weren't able
to make that delivery.

Wait a minute.

The show
can still go on.

Look around.

There's enough of us here to
still pull something together.

We can stream
a live performance.

I'll post it
on my socials

And trust, if I post it,
they will come.

I mean,
it could work.

I mean,
the stage is already set.

Yeah, but we're still
missing some of our group

And we're missing
band members.

And we don't have
anybody to play.

I could play piano

And then maybe curtis
could fill in on guitar.

And marcus,
he used to be in a band.

He could play drums.
He's really good.

-No, no, no.
-Like, questlove good.

You've never even
heard me play.

So, you can
play the drums?

I haven't done it
in a while.

Come on, marcus,
it's christmas, man.

-Help us out.
-Curtis: Yeah, come on.

-Okay, I'll do it.
-[all applauding]

-There it is.
-Sounds like a band to me.

Journee, do you mind

Lending your vocals
to help fill out the choir?

Yeah, sure, I'm in.

Uh, pastor adam,
you not going to sing?

All: You gotta sing.

Booker: Come on, man.

Okay.

[all applauding]

Yes, adam,
you can sing with me.

And the rest of you,
my background singers.

Girl...

Guys, are we
really doing this?

I stay stage ready.

Then that is a yes. Okay.

Gym showers are available
for freshening up.

Donations closets should have
something for everyone to wear.

We-- we have about four hours
to get this thing together.

So let's get
a move on.

[excited chatter]

Nia: Hey, marcus.

-Hey.
-Hey.

It's christmas,
you should call your family.

Uh, nia, um...

Look, there's no
better gift you can give

Than to let them know
that you're okay.

Trust me.

A call from my dad
would mean everything to me.

But he's gone.

Your family isn't.

[grunts]
I wouldn't know what to say.

Well, someone told me
when we don't have the words,

The holy spirit
guides us.

It worked for me.

♪♪

You should tell your family
about the show.

They're not interested
in seeing me play.

Nia: Maybe not,

But I'm sure they are
interested in seeing you.

You're an old soul, nia.

And you're
our little drummer boy.

He was poor too, you know.

But he played
his best for jesus.

Play your best
for them.

I will.

I am so proud of you.

And your dad
would be proud of you too.

Come on.

[wind howls]

[phone rings]

Marcus' mother: Hello.

Hello?

Mom... It's me.

Marcus' mother: Marcus?

Marcus, is that you, son?

Yes, it is me, ma.

Marcus' mother:
Where are you?

We looked everywhere.

Look, mom, I'm okay.

I'm okay, ma.

[marcus' mother sobs]

I missed you.

Marcus' mother:
I missed you too, son.

Thank you, god.

[marcus' mother cries]

Yeah.

Merry christmas,
the saying is true,

God works
in mysterious ways.

My christmas show
will still go on,

Just not the way
I planned.

I'm teaming up
with central church of zion

To put on a special
community performance

That'll be live-streamed
this morning at 10:00 a.M.

Proceeds from the show

Will go to support much-needed
community outreach programs.

So please click the link
in my bio

And let's celebrate the birth
of our lord together.

I'll see you at ten.
[smooching]

Merry christmas.

Ew.

If we're going to do this show,
you have to look the part.

♪♪

I'm going to take you
from cheap to expensive.

Voila.

♪ another year over, over ♪

♪ it's christmas day,
we about to perform ♪

♪ we 'bout to perform,
we 'bout to perform ♪

♪ it's christmas day,
we about to perform ♪

-Simone: I'm healed. Yes.
-I told you.

Go on girl,
ain't nothing wrong with you.

Give me this cane.
We got this girl--

I'm healed, ladies!

♪ and we'll sing
jingle bells ♪

All that oil--
this is gonna be good.

♪ the fire's burning,
so get out of the cold ♪

♪ raise your glass,
make a toast ♪

♪ to the one you love most ♪

Ho-ho-ho.

-Ho-ho-ho.
-[yells]

♪ it's christmas all along ♪

[noel hums]

It's been
ten years already.

Time flies.

Mr. Evans
looks exactly the same.

I mean,
that skin is happen.

You know him?

I thought you guys moved here
a couple of years ago.

Yeah, we did.

I met him yesterday
in the auditorium.

I'm not sure
who you met,

But I'm certain
it wasn't mr. Evans.

That was his last delivery.
He passed soon after.

No, no,
I'm talking about this man.

This is who I met.
The music teacher?

Yes.
This is mr. Evans's, girl.

Yes.

He was a great teacher.

He couldn't stand
to see a child in need.

He was an absolute angel.

[magical tinkling]

Nia, what's wrong?

I see dead people.

What?

♪♪

Nia?

Nia!

I'm fine, mom.

Everything's
going to be okay.

Okay.

["the first noel" playing]

♪ the first noel ♪

♪ the angel did say ♪

-I'm about to taste it though.
-Put it down.

♪ was to certain
poor shepherds ♪

♪ in fields as they lay ♪

Zion's church, you should pull
up here right now.

-[overlapping chatter]
-merry christmas.

♪ keeping their sheep ♪

♪ on a cold winter's night ♪

♪ that was so deep ♪

♪ noel, noel ♪

♪ noel, noel... ♪

♪ born is the king ♪

♪ of israel ♪

-♪ 'cause you are ♪
-♪ you are ♪

♪ the light of my life ♪

[overlapping chatter]

All: Hey, hey,
hey, hey, hey, hey.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

[indistinct chatter]

Booker: Are y'all ready?

[indistinct chatter]

Hmm, my baby
is so beautiful.

All done.

Ooh, I like it.

[nia exhales]

-I'm nervous all of a sudden.
-Don't be.

I'm going to be
right out there with you, okay?

-It's show time, baby girl.
-Let's do it.

You got this.
Come on.

♪♪

What's up, man?

-Looking good.
-Thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

To everyone at home watching,
merry christmas.

This is truly the day
the lord has made.

We will rejoice
and be glad of it.

Now, the snow may have
kept you all home,

But praise
and worship doesn't end

Just because we can't gather
together in a building.

I'm excited to preach
to you this morning.

But before I do,

We have a special
holiday performance

Just for you.

♪♪

Merry christmas, everybody.

I know
you guys are snowed in,

But I still want you
to get on your feet.

We're gonna have
a good time.

Let's go.

♪ oh, ooh ♪

♪ every day, bad news,
I hear the same old thing ♪

♪ about how the whole world
is full of mystery ♪

♪ they're talking now
but forget ♪

♪ that's not news to me ♪

♪ no one wins
without love on their side ♪

♪ see, if we really want
to change, a gift would be ♪

♪ bigger than material things
under the tree ♪

♪ but listening more than
fighting brings on harmony ♪

♪ you can sing
through your darkest night ♪

♪ see, I,
I know it gets better ♪

♪ my lights bright up
when we are together ♪

♪ I fly higher
even in stormy weather ♪

♪ with you and me,
that's why I believe ♪

-♪ this christmas ♪
-♪ yes, I'm ready for change ♪

-♪ this christmas ♪
-♪ farewell to yesterday ♪

♪ this christmas ♪

♪ with one voice
we will pray ♪

♪ remember there's one thing ♪

♪ what the season
really means ♪

-♪ this christmas ♪
-♪ this christmas ♪

♪ talking about this christmas ♪

-♪ at home, sing along ♪
-♪ have a merry christmas ♪

♪ joy all over the world ♪

♪ merry, merry christmas ♪

♪ oh, yeah ♪

-♪ this christmas ♪
-♪ yes, I'm ready for change ♪

-♪ this christmas ♪
-♪ farewell to yesterday ♪

♪ this christmas ♪

♪ with one voice,
we will pray ♪

♪ remember just one thing ♪

♪ what the season
really means ♪

-♪ this christmas ♪
-♪ I'm so ready for change ♪

-♪ this christmas ♪
-♪ farewell to yesterday ♪

♪ this christmas ♪

♪ with one voice,
we will pray ♪

♪ just remember
this one thing ♪

♪ what the season
really means ♪

♪ this christmas ♪

♪ talking about
this christmas ♪

♪ talking about this christmas ♪

♪ merry, merry christmas ♪

♪ have a very merry christmas ♪

-♪ merry, merry christmas ♪
-♪ yeah ♪

♪ this christmas ♪

♪ this christmas ♪

♪ talking about
this christmas ♪

♪ talking about this christmas ♪

-♪ merry, merry christmas ♪
-♪ have a merry christmas ♪

♪ have a merry christmas ♪

♪ tell me have you heard
there's a gift from zion ♪

♪ lamb of god has come
from the holy mountain ♪

♪ fall down on your knees ♪

♪ those who search
shall find him ♪

♪ everyone sing
joy to the world ♪

♪ tell me have you heard
there's a gift from zion ♪

♪ lamb of god has come
from the holy mountain ♪

-♪ fall down on your knees ♪
-mr. Evans?

♪ those who search
shall find him ♪

♪ everyone sing
joy to the world ♪

♪ rejoice ♪

♪ don't you know
the kingdom has come ♪

♪ rejoice ♪

♪ don't you know
that he is the one ♪

♪ rejoice ♪

♪ him alone is his only son ♪

♪ together with one voice ♪

♪ lift your head up
and rejoice ♪

♪ rejoice ♪

♪ don't you know
the kingdom has come ♪

♪ rejoice ♪

♪ don't you know
that he is the one ♪

♪ rejoice ♪

♪ him alone is his only son ♪

♪ together with one voice ♪

♪ lift your head up
and rejoice ♪

♪ tell me have you heard
there's a gift from zion ♪

♪ lamb of god has come
from the holy mountain ♪

♪ fall down on your knees ♪

♪ those who search
shall find him ♪

♪ everyone sing
joy to the world ♪

[all applauding and cheering]

Adam: I was thinking,

Since you guys are in the
market for a new church house

I'd like to throw
out hat in a ring.

I think your daughter
would really--

Oh, no, no.
You will not use my child.

Have you no shame, sir?

Okay, fine.

I was just hoping
I'd get to see you again.

-I'd like that.
-Adam: Yeah.

Maybe we go out
for dinner one night.

Oh, so like a date?

-Yes, like a date.
-Okay.

I mean,
but if you're not interested

Please don't let that stop you
from joining the church.

[journee chuckles]

-Adam: What?
-Nothing.

It's just, well,
I never would've thought

This would've happened.

Better late than never.

So that's a yes?

My team transferred the online
donations to the church fund.

Uh...

-Simone, this-- this--
-I know.

It's what I do.

I trust you
to spend it wisely.

-I'm-- I'm speechless.
-[simone shushes]

I'm not done.

Prepare for the encore.

May I have everyone's
attention, please?

I just got off the phone
with my team,

And they're sending a few vans
over to help us get home.

And drum roll, please.

[drumming]

To deliver as many
bundles of joy as we can

Before the storm
kicks back up.

[applauding]

[overlapping chatter]

He's a good dude.

I'll be the judge of that.

Okay. [chuckles]

Too bad
you're moving away so soon.

Today was fun.

Yeah, well, about that.

I might be sticking
around after all.

All: What?
Okay, yes!

-Nia: See you later.
-I will see you later.

Grace: Bye.

-Hey, nia.
-Hey.

Look, I just
wanted to thank you.

You know, my family,
they watched the show

And once the snow clears up,

They're coming to pick me up
and I'm going home.

-Nia: What?
-Yeah!

I love to hear it.

Marcus:
Me too. Me too.

Oh, my god, well, I hope
you don't stop playing.

Oh, no, I won't.
I won't.

Well, merry christmas.

Merry christmas.

[both laughing]

So I was thinking
lake tahoe.

-Lake tahoe?
-Yes, for our girls' trip.

I'm trying to get you
back on those skis.

Well, yes,
for the girls' trip,

But can we maybe do
something different?

Sure.

I'm down
for a new adventure.

And wherever we go,

I promise,
we will decide it together.

Merry christmas, nia.

Merry christmas, mom.

Simone: Everyone gather around,
christmas photo.

All: Okay.

Narrator: Snowed in
through the night

Mother and daughter
made things right

And happy memories
were made

With new friends
on christmas day.

I heard them exclaim before
going their separate ways,

Merry christmas to all.

And to all
a good day.

All: Merry christmas!

[the first noel]

♪ the first noel ♪

♪ the angel did say ♪

♪ was to certain
poor shepherds ♪

♪ in fields as they lay ♪

♪ in fields
as they lay ♪

♪ keeping their sheep ♪

♪ on a cold winter's night ♪

♪ that was so deep ♪

♪ noel, noel ♪

♪ noel, noel... ♪

♪ born is the king... ♪