Three Christmas Miracles

By K.C. Chadwick

This book includes three fictional stories that center around individuals commonly referenced in the nativity events in the Bible. By dramatizing specific characters, the stories show how these individuals exercise faith and perseverance to overcome obstacles and accomplish their own divine purpose.

The first story, "A Dove in Darkness," shows how Mary reacts to her divine calling and doubts her ability to raise Jesus. She worries about how Joseph will react when he discovers her condition and if he will understand his role in joining Mary to raise Jesus.

The second story, "Honey from the Rock," shows how a shepherd feels betrayed for fathering a daughter with a deformed leg. When he witnesses the angelic announcement, the first thought he has is to take his daughter to the child in hopes she will be healed.

The last story, "Star of Destiny," follows one of the wise men, Melchior, who is determined to find and worship the holy child even though his health is fragile, the weather is harsh, and many of his companions leave the caravan to return home. When he does find the Christ-child, he doubts this young boy could be the divine King foretold by scripture, but his doubts are proven wrong when he encounters the child who saves his life.

Hopefully, these stories will increase the reader's faith and help them understand the personal sacrifices each person paid to play their part in the divine plan.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888515259

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

A Dove in Darkness

Honey From the Rock

Star of Destiny

About the Author

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Three Christmas Miracles

K.C. Chadwick

ISBN 979-8-88851-524-2 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88851-525-9 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 K.C. Chadwick

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.

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A Dove in Darkness

Joseph grabbed the satchel that held his carpentry tools and put it under his arm. Rising from his seat in the inn, he took some coins from the purse on his belt and laid them on the table to pay for his midday meal.

You're not going already? asked Simon sitting across the small table.

I have to keep working on the cottage, Joseph said, or it'll never be done on time.

Benjamin and others joked with him, trying to make him stay longer, but Joseph only smiled. I'm getting married, you know, and must build someplace for us to live.

On any normal day, Joseph would've stayed with his friends at meal time, talk over the day, and laugh before going back to work in the afternoon. But that was before he met Mary. Now he used any time he could spare to build a cottage for himself and his espoused wife once they were married.

I've got a barn on the back half of my land, said Benjamin. I'm sure the horses won't mind you moving in.

Thanks, Joseph said, chuckling, but I'll take my chances with the place I'm building.

It looked like rain earlier today, Simon said loudly. You should not work now. You'll get soaked.

It's the good thing I'll be putting up the roof soon, Joseph replied. You know, the one you promised to help me build?

I don't remember saying that, Simon joked with him.

His friends laughed, but Joseph's mind was made up. Stepping around other tables in the small inn, he walked to the door. He paused to take one last whiff of delectable meats, cheeses, and cakes before bidding his friends goodbye.

Joseph stepped into the narrow noon-filled streets of Nazareth. The noise of people, horses, and children pounded his ears. He could smell hay heaped in a wagon rolling by. Across the street, men barked from stalls with displays of fruits, vegetables, and live chickens. Kids chased one another around clusters of adults walking toward the marketplace. Joseph shouldered along the edge of the crowd and walked swiftly toward the outskirts of town.

It didn't take him long before he climbed a knoll overlooking olive groves and open fields. At the top sat the framework of his cottage. As he hurried toward it, he felt excitement surge through him. It was going to be the best thing he'd ever built, and he couldn't wait to finish it. He'd planned to add trusses next week and then the roof.

Thinking about the cottage, he pictured Mary inside humming to herself as she arranged flowers in a vase by the window. He could see himself arriving home from a hard day at work. He'd push open the door and spread his massive arms. She'd run to him, and he'd twirl her around as they laughed and eased into an easy embrace. His heart raced with these thoughts because he loved Mary more than anything else in the world. And she loved him. He was traditionally an older man and would use his personal strength and steady work to provide a firm foundation for their happy lives together.

Minutes later, Joseph's vision of Mary disappeared as he approached the wooden framework of his cottage on the hill. He smiled but then stopped when he saw someone sitting on the front stone steps. It was an old man in a ragged blue tunic and long gray hair. His robe was worn and soiled from much use. The sandals on his feet were caked with dirt from traveling on the road. In one hand, he held a staff that rested against his outstretched leg. Joseph, supposing him to be a beggar common to the city, hastened his walk. The man must have heard his heavy steps because he turned toward Joseph. His face was fringed with tousled hair and met Joseph with a silent stare from his cataracted eyes.

I'm afraid I've lost my way, the blind man said. I hope you don't mind if I rest here a few minutes in your doorway?

Joseph was surprised by the old man and paused a few feet away. Seeing the man was not a threat, Joseph mellowed his voice. Not at all. I haven't completed the walls yet, so you wouldn't hinder me from getting inside.

That's why I didn't remember this place, the old man said, stroking his tangled beard. This land was once part of a vineyard as I remember it. The grapes were tart and sweet. Made wonderful wine, I hear.

You're right, Joseph agreed, resting his foot on the step. This section of the vineyard next to the road hadn't yielded much for the past several years. My uncle cleared away the dead vines and gave the land to me as an early wedding gift. Now I'm building a house here for my new wife and myself.

The blind man dragged his hand across the threshold next to him. The wood and adobe are fine work.

I like my work, Joseph said with pride, raising a hand to rub the door frame. The feel of it reminded him of the hours he'd worked to make it straight and true. In return, my work yields good things to me.

The old man turned to him. The woman must also be fine for you to work so hard.

Yes, Joseph said smiling as a memory of Mary's young face rose in his mind. Very fair. She's a perfumed ointment for the eyes to see her.

Well then, the blind man said, I mustn't waste your time so you can get back to work on the cottage for your new bride, Mary.

Joseph paused and stared at the old man. How did you know her name? Joseph asked.

Didn't you tell me as you spoke of her just now?

No, said Joseph, I don't think so.

The old man cackled a little. Well, sometimes we who cannot see know more than those of you who can. But don't worry about me. Here, give me your arm, and I'll leave you in peace.

Joseph helped the old man to his feet. Leaning down, Joseph grabbed the man's crooked staff and placed it in his wrinkled hand.

Which way are you going? Joseph asked, holding the man's arm to steady him as they approached the rough road.

I go where the road takes me, he answered. It knows my way better than me anymore. He patted Joseph's strong hand. Thank you for your kindness. One day, he added, I hope to return when you have hung doors on your cottage. Suddenly, the old man turned back to him and said, Be careful, Joseph, doors can play tricks with you. They close easily on those who do not understand. That's when you'll need another kind of strength to lift the lock.

Joseph stared at the old man wondering what he meant. I'm afraid I don't follow you.

In response, the blind man raised a bony finger. Beware, Joseph. Don't bolt yourself behind your reason, for Mary may be changed when next you see her.

Changed? Joseph asked with concern in his voice. I don't understand—

Ah, the old man interrupted him and pointed to the bleached sky. It's only the sun warming my thoughts. Pay them little mind. Thank you for the rest. Holding onto his staff, he started to walk slowly down the road.

Joseph scratched his head as he watched the blind man disappear into a cluster of travelers.

At this same time in a house on the other side of town, Mary stood alone at the window. She watched the sun's amber rays make long shadows stretch behind buildings, towers, and bridges. She longed for someone to talk to, but her father was working in his shop, and both her mother and sister had gone to the marketplace to buy food and spices for this evening's meal. Mary wanted to tell someone what had happened to her, but those she loved were gone. There was no one else in the house, and she dared not tell her holy news to friends