The Cathedral looked beautiful than ever, all decked up for Christmas ready for the much awaited midnight Holy Mass. It looked like a fairy-tale castle on a hill top. It had snowed quite a bit for the past few days and the quaint hill town of Blaegovard seemed to be enveloped by a white blanket. The cold could not keep people camped inside their homes. There was a lot of hustle and bustle on the streets even in the bone-chilling weather. Everyone’s face had a glow accentuated by warm smiles shared by the locals with each other as well as the outsiders or the visitors who were there just to experience the winter in the small, picturesque hilly town. People flocked the groceries to buy stuff for special preparations. Few of them were busy bargaining the price of the decorative items. Even though most of them would have had their house decorated by now there was always room for improvement. It was a cloudy 24^th of December in Blaegovard, but the spirit of the locals were upbeat ready to celebrate the birth of the Savior.

      Martin had come back after a long time to his hometown. Even though a local he felt like an outsider now. It had been a long five years, and he was finally back home. He knew it then, he had to return no matter what. Martin had thought it would be fine, but it had not been so. He was putting up at his friend’s place temporarily. The festive atmosphere outside could not douse the inner turmoil which he was undergoing. Martin sat on the top of a ridge, a place which he knew from his very childhood days. He was deep into his thoughts, inside a dense forest where he kept moving without any sense of direction. He felt he knew the way out but every time he advanced, he was repelled by the mighty forest. He kept trying relentlessly to somehow break free of this jungle, but he just could not figure his way out. He had grown tired, tired of fighting the endless green around him. He needed rest to regain his composure. He sat down for a while, panting heavily. His knees throbbed, unable to carry his weight anymore. Martin tried to pick himself up but fell down. His brow was sweating, as if effusing frustration from within. He cried out loud” Why don’t you let me go? Why are you keeping me like this?”He started to sob. There was no response from the unmoved trees. They stood tall turning a deaf ear to Martin’s cries. The forest just echoed back his screams. Martin broke into tears unable to control his sobs. A light breeze blew across his face caressing his wet cheeks.”You have to let it go”, Martin suddenly heard a voice from nowhere. He looked around to see if anyone was there but it was absolutely quiet for a minute with no one around. Once again the voice echoed”Let it go and you will be free”.

        Martin felt a tap on his back. He turned and saw his friend Xavier standing beside him.”Let’s go back, it’s getting dark”. Martin was almost motionless. Xavier shrugged him a bit and motionless Martin suddenly came back to life.”Oh sorry!I was lost in my thoughts”, he apologized to Xavier. He smiled and they both walked towards Xavier’s home. “Is everything fine?” Xavier spoke with concern placing his hand on Martin’s shoulders .”It should be, well did you tell her?”Martin questioned with a pensive look. Xavier confirmed with a nod. Just an hour was left for the midnight mass. Martin was all dressed up, looking smart. He waited for Xavier patiently enough. With half an hour left the two friends headed towards the cathedral. The people on the streets brimmed with enthusiasm. Martin did not share the same. He was still thinking what that strange, unknown voice meant. Xavier asked him to lighten up and enjoy the occasion. The view from the winding road to the cathedral was simply breathtaking. Blaegovard looked like a bride waiting for her bridegroom. The snow formed the marriage gown for a very pretty looking Blaegovard. The outsiders, the tourists were simply awestruck by the panoramic wonder. 

      The Mass had begun, the cathedral was completely packed. People gathered outside the door even in the harsh climate. Martin was inside, his eyes fixed on the cross trying to plead with the Savior for setting him free. He had not been able to live with it. Five years back, It had been an acrimonious exit from his home. He had gone against his dad’s wishes for choosing a career of his choice. Although success had followed him fairly the confrontation had left a scar on his relationship with dad. He had not spoken to him for long time and he could not remain angry with him for any longer. He had finally come back just to set things right with his dad and get back the lost love in his family. He had always known that dad loved him and in subconscious ways he had always been his inspiration. That one certain day, just an impulsive reaction took him away from his family. Martin always regretted it and he could only get back things to normal. The priest requested everyone to join him in the prayer that the Father has taught them.

”Our father in heaven…….

Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us,

……….Amen”.

         The words “Forgive those who sin against us” ran through Martin’s head in the same voice which he had heard in the forest. He recognized the voice now and he knew the time had come to meet his family. He understood now what the mystic voice meant in the forest. Martin had found a way out of the mire he was stuck in .The Mass was over and everyone greeted each other. Xavier whispered in his ears,”They are outside; I have asked them to wait.” Martin walked out towards them. His dad stood there with his mother not knowing what to expect. Martin had asked Xavier to inform his mother that he was in town so she knew he would be there. He went in front of them and stood there facing them. Martin’s dad could not believe his eyes.He had been an upright man all his life.Traditional and stern at times,but he had always wanted the best for his son and family.Martin's decision to pursue an unconventional career had not gone down well with  him.He was worried whether Martin would be able to make it big in his career.He told his son he could do whatever he likes in a not so understanding way.Martin left home seeing his dad's reaction.His father had never stopped loving him though.He just looked at his son and hugged him. The tears flew from his eyes instantly. Martin was so moved by this.”I am sorry dad”, his voice breaking in sobs.”I love you dad”, he continued with lot of emotion hugging his dad harder. His dad was filled with unbound joy at the return of his son.”I’m proud of you Martin and I'm sorry too”, his dad uttered with utmost pride in his son."I should have understood you,I love you son and I have always done".The lost love had returned.The family shared Christmas greetings with one another and went about greeting the people around. After having met a lot of known and unknown faces they headed towards the altar for thanking the savior.

        Martin felt so light inside him. He was out of the forest, out of the mire. There was happiness within him and all around him. Martin’s faith had grown and he realized it would not have been possible without the Savior. He looked at the cross and thanked him by bowing his head. The choir sang a lovely song,

“Silent night, Holy night….All is calm, all is bright

………..Sleep in Heavenly peace…..”

The snow started to fall once again in Blaegovard as the Christmas celebrations began.