Lydia's 12 Christmases

She was born on Christmas Day. She went to church every Christmas of her life. So why was she left behind? Lydia hated Christmas. Hard to love a holiday that swallows your birthday whole — when the whole world celebrates, and nobody remembers to celebrate you. But the forgotten birthdays were only the beginning. Told across twelve unforgettable Christmases, this novella follows Lydia from the frantic night of her Christmas Eve birth... through carolling as a tinsel-haloed little girl... a sweet-sixteen first kiss under the fairy lights... grief, loss, and a mysterious box of ashes that wasn't what it seemed. Then comes the Christmas that changes everything. In a single heartbeat, millions vanish from the face of the earth — including everyone Lydia loves. Planes fall. Cities burn. And Lydia, the girl who did all the "right" religious things, is still standing there. Because showing up was never the same as belonging. In the ruins of the old world, a charismatic leader rises with an irresistible offer: an upgrade for humanity, and a mark — in the hand or forehead — without which no one can buy or sell. Hunted by his enforcers, Lydia flees to The Ark, a secret underground city built by her father's friends, where survivors train, hide, and hold on to hope as fiery judgment falls from the skies and the oceans turn to blood. Twelve Christmases. One girl. And a final choice that will cost her everything — or give her everything. Part heartwarming family saga, part edge-of-your-seat apocalyptic thriller, Lydia's 12 Christmases is a story about the difference between religion and relationship — and the question none of us can outrun: If it happened tonight, would you still be here tomorrow? Perfect for fans of Left Behind and readers who love clean, faith-filled fiction with heart, humour, and high stakes. Part of the Emunah Short Stories series — each story stands alone.