Christmas Stories

By John Walsh

My children are grown and have their own Christmas celebrations with their families-each with their own traditions. When my wife and I have the occasion of being a part of one of these, usually in the afternoon someone will say, "Grandpa, will you tell us a Christmas story?" That describes this book. I'm going to tell you a story-maybe one you can share at your gathering. Ah, but I've enlisted the help of other storytellers, each with their own Christmas story. Some of these are actual memories from their childhood; some are original stories they have crafted to tell at Christmas gatherings. Some of the stories are Bible stories that are simply told right from Scripture, others are embellished Bible stories. Make us a part of your Christmas tradition. Gather 'round and let "Grandpa tell you a Christmas story."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781643001876

John Walsh

John Walsh has over 10 years' experience in academic and corporate libraries. He is currently a PhD. Student of the School for Information Resources and Library Science at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. He has been researching the effectiveness of information literacy instruction since 2006 and currently works in access services at Cochise College Libraries in Sierra Vista, AZ.

Book preview

9781643001876_cover.jpg

Christmas

Stories

Compiled by

John Walsh

ISBN 978-1-64300-185-2 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64300-186-9 (Hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-64300-187-6 (Digital)

Copyright © 2018 John Walsh

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books, Inc.

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

The key to writing is re-writing.

Brent Walsh was so helpful in the

re-writing stage of this book,

adding so much polish to my thoughts and words.

Front cover inspiration by

photographer Joe Horine, [e-mail]

Art illustrations created by

Hannah Praise Lyons, [e-mail]

Introduction

I asked my oldest daughter what she remembered growing up in our family and the way we celebrated Christmas. She laughed. As a little girl, I looked forward to the whole Christmas morning experience, but I knew there was one obstacle between me and the excitement of the day. It was mom’s oatmeal! We couldn’t open presents until I finished the bowl that was set before me. As a child, it seemed so full, and every time I scooped out a bite, the oatmeal filled in that spot, as if mocking me and erasing all sign of my efforts.

As the kids got older, they teamed up with their mom and made a big deal of fixing things a little more exciting than oatmeal. We would then sit around, drink coffee, enjoy the food, and feel the warmth of our family being together.

Finally, we would all move toward the family room where the tree was sitting with gifts piled high around it. We made it a policy in our family not to buy expensive gifts for Christmas. Oh, we bought our children things most children got, but not at Christmas time. By doing this, we gave a gift to the future families of our children, a non-debt Christmas. The gifts may have been inexpensive, but there were a lot of them. In later years, our older children developed a new custom they called a share gift, which added to the pile. This was an item that had been lovingly used and was now being given to a new owner who they were sure would appreciate it.

One year, we couldn’t afford a Christmas tree. So Jan collected all the greeting cards that we received from around the country and taped them on the living room wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. She then put a tree skirt on the floor next to the wall, and we all piled our presents under the tree. The children were very young at the time, but they tell us that is a very fond memory for them.

Each year, before opening the gifts, we took time to read the Christmas story out of Luke. I read the story when the children were younger, but one of them always wanted the honor when they were older. Actually, on several occasions, one of our children would recite the passage from memory. We then took time to tell other stories. Each year it was different, but it was usually along the line of, Tell your favorite Christmas memory, Tell us about an unusual event that happened to you this last year, or Identify one person in this room and tell us why you appreciate that person. Each year was different. We went around the circle and each person would have their turn talking about the assigned topic. This was a time of remembering, laughing, and, well, family.

Finally, it was time for the gifts, one at a time. Usually the youngest was selected to be the Santa who went to the tree, chose a gift, and took it to the person whose name was on the tag. We would all watch while that person carefully took off the wrapping (Mom’s rule) and opened the gift. A big deal was made out of it, often resulting in the person getting up and hugging the giver. If the gift was any kind of food, it was often passed around for everyone to enjoy.

Since there were a lot of gifts, this procedure took a long time. A break was always a welcome time for a trip to the bathroom or a chance to refill coffee cups. It was understood that lunch was going to be served in late afternoon. No one was concerned because of all the snacking that was going on.

When lunch did arrive, it was almost always homemade soup, crackers, cheese, olives, pickles, and sandwiches—well, you get the idea. Oftentimes, there were reheated leftovers from Christmas Eve supper. All of this was set out, and everyone helped themselves.

At this point, everyone created their own activities, including playing games, visiting, eating dessert, or taking a nap. But always there was a jigsaw puzzle—the family jigsaw puzzle that stayed on a special table for days until it was totally put together, except for those two pieces that always seemed to be missing. Over the years, some of the puzzles got glued down on cardboard, sprayed, and framed—memories of the fun we had together.

That was then, and this is now. Our children are grownups and have their own Christmas celebrations with their families—each with their own traditions and stories. When we have the occasion of being a part of one of these, sometime in the afternoon, someone will say, Grandpa, will you tell us a Christmas story?

Well, that brings us to this book. Grandpa is going to tell you a story—maybe one you can share at your gathering. Ah, but I’ve enlisted the help of other storytellers, each with their own Christmas story. Some of these are actual memories from their childhood; some are original stories they have crafted to tell at Christmas gatherings. One even borders on being a tall-tale. Some of the stories are Bible stories that are simply told right from the Scripture; others are embellished Bible stories.

Make us a part of your Christmas tradition. Gather ’round and let Grandpa tell you a Christmas story.

Chapter 1

Zechariah and Elizabeth

by Don Falkos

During the time when Herod the Great was the king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah. He was of the order of Abijah and his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. They were good people and obeyed God’s commands as best they could. God was pleased with them. But they had never been able to have children, which was considered to be a sign of divine disfavor. Zechariah and Elizabeth were now quite old—well beyond child-bearing years.

Once when Zechariah was serving in the temple, he went into the inner court to burn incense. A large crowd was gathered in the outer court to pray. Zechariah was also praying.

Suddenly, an angel appeared, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. To say that Zechariah was startled would be a gross understatement. He was petrified—paralyzed with fear.

But the angel said, Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elizabeth will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You are to name him John. He will be your pride and joy and will be a great servant of God. He will be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit from the very moment of his birth. He will treat his body as though it were the temple of God and so he will never drink alcohol of any kind. He will serve God with the same spirit and power as Elijah, the prophet of old. He will get people ready for the coming of the Lord.

How can I believe that all of this is going to happen? My wife and I are both very old.

I am Gabriel! I stand in the presence of God, who sent me to tell you this good news. Everything I have told you will happen. But since you do not believe me, you will be unable to speak until after the birth of your son.

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he was taking such a long time in the temple. After the burning of the incense, he was supposed to come out and offer a blessing. When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak. He tried to use gestures to act out what he wanted to say, but no one could understand him. The people concluded, He must have seen a vision in the temple.

Zechariah completed his week of service, and then he went home. Soon after, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. She was overjoyed, God has been gracious to me and has taken away my disgrace.

The same angel, Gabriel, appeared to Mary in the village of Nazareth and told her she was going to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Afterward, Mary traveled south to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

When she arrived, Mary greeted Elizabeth. Immediately, Elizabeth’s baby jumped inside her. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and said, "You are blessed more than any other