(Strip Number 769, Original Publication Date, 20 December 1984)
Panel 1: We fast-forward an hour to find Lizzie asking Mike where Daddy is. Mike sets things up by saying that he's in the shower with a bag over his cast.
Panel 2: She then asks if Daddy is going to be able to see the Christmas play after all despite his injuries. Mike hopes so.
Panel 3: That's because he gets to be Joseph this year. He then shows up the neat costume Mom found him.
Panel 4: We then switch focus to a dripping-wet John asking Elly where his bathrobe is.
Summary: As you might have guessed, Lynn is probably working backwards again. She started with the punchline and asked herself what the best start should have been.