Despite what you think from the title of this post, this isn’t about high-school football play-offs.
So, don’t worry.
It’s about the Bible.
So, now worry. 
It’s a bit after midnight here, west of Mayberry. Officially Christmas Day.
I just said goodnight to Granny and turned off the lights in her room. After getting her settled in, I sat next to her on top of the covers. We propped ourselves against the headboard and watched TV for a while.
She got tired but wanted to hear the story of the nativity before she fell asleep. As you all know, I’m not the most religious person in the world, but I’d have to be a downright heathen to refuse to do that. So, I grabbed Granny’s Bible off the night table and read from the second chapter of the Luke.
No room at the inn. Shepherds and their flocks and all. But no Wise Men. No kings.
At first I thought maybe I was reading from one of those contemporary editions or something. But when I looked at spine, it said “King James.” I asked Granny about it and she told me, “That’s Matthew.”
Then she told me she prefers Luke, which is why I guess that’s what she asked me to read. I asked her why she preferred Luke since it was essentially the same story.
“Luke is more for regular folk. Matthew is too…too…”
She searched for the right word, then finally finished her thought with, “too Republican.”
We both chuckled about that and I made a mental note to tell the Attorney, who has been known to have Republican tendencies.
Apparently there are differences in the facts of the Christmas story, depending on who told it. Luke talks about the manger and shepherds. Matthew talks about the kings. The shepherds heard from an angel. The Wise Men followed a star.
Isn’t it kinda ironic that the Gospels are not necessarily the gospel?
So, I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that even now, 2000 or so years later, that Christmas is a different thing to different people. But whether your Christmas includes shepherds…or not. Kings…or not…Jesus, Santa, Angels, Rudolph, presents, trees, or stars…or not, we’re all celebrating the same thing.
The easy answer is “the birth of Christ.” But the bigger answer is “goodness.”
You may not believe a baby was born in a manger to a virgin. Or, if you do, you may not believe that babe is the Messiah. But, if you celebrate Christmas at all, surely you can believe in the goodness that the story represents.
And, if you don’t celebrate, surely you can believe in goodness nonetheless.
It’s all mankind truly has to give.
Goodness: It’s no better, nor worse, from shepherds than from kings.
Happy Holidays, dear friends and readers.
{ fin }
you hit it right. very thoughtfull. hope you had a good xmas.
I believe in goodness….and apparently xmas miracles. I mean, look: you blogged! It IS a miracle.
Oh wait, that wasn’t my goodness coming out.
I do hope you and all of yours have a great holiday though.
Showing goodness by reading to Granny sums it up.
Sometimes a simple request is the best Christmas present.
Taking the time to care for a loved one is the true
meaning of Christmas. Bless all of you as you’ve blessed
us with your writing.
Tony, May you and you’re loved ones have a great Christmas and a wonderful new year. Glad to see a post from you, just to know all is well.
Merry Christmas Tony! I hope Granny is soing well too!
Please update my blog link if you could: http://fairviewsue.wordpress.com/
I just LOVE Granny! God bless us, every one!
“Republican tendencies” That made me chuckle.
Peace,joy, and goodness to you and yours, Tony.
Thanks, that’s exactly how we all should think.
“Matthew is too Republican.” That’s indeed nice. I’m always glad when I can read one of your rare posts. Merry Christmas to you.
Such a pleasure to read on Christmas day. Thanks. Merry Christmas.
Well you learn something ever day… I had no idea there were different versions of “The Christmas Story”… but being a heathen will do that to you.
Merry Christmas to you Tony… and to Granny and the Attorney too!
Gift received. Thanks, good man.
This is the icing on my Xmas day cake. Best wishes.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!! Tony to you, Granny and the Attorney
Happy day after GOODNESS Day. I couldn’t agree more. Hugs and merry and all of that.
My sentiments exactly. Well put, Tony. Happy holidays!
Happy Holiday, Tony!
Well said T.
Thanks for the post. As my 84 year old mother would say. ‘Being a Christian isn’t about all that bible and church stuff – its about love.”
Thanks for yours.
Dave
I’ve missed you and coming back from a holiday trip to find a post from you, just fills my heart with joy!
All I can say is thank “goodness” you’re back and I hope all is well West of Mayberry again.
~richard
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!
I just knew you’d post around this time! A good one too! And you can’t beat goodness!!
Merry Holidays!
I have re-read this post a couple of times over the past two days. You’re amazing. You have a gift for highlighting just how special and valuable the seemingly small moments in life really are. Thanks so much for this gift that you have given us once again.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
it is indeed a holy day when i get to read some more of your writing. Thanks. And really glad to hear that Granny still has that sense of humor….and, oddly, that dating a Republican is not my cross alone to bear. (sorry i posted this on the wrong comments originally…can’t quite get used to the comments apprearing BEFORE the post yet….)
Thank you for sharing this with us. I borrowed part of it for a post at my blog.
What do I want for Christmas? More stories from Large Tony in 2010.
Hey Tony. I liked the post. It’s not a difference in the stories. It’s a difference in the time it covers. Matthew covers the lineage of Jesus from the line of Judah and picks up with the story of the Wise Men (more than three, probably, as the Bible never stated how many there were, and at that time they traveled with a huge caravan) who visited Jesus when he was about 3 years old.
Luke tells the story of his birth and the announcement. He chose to be announced first to the shepherds. This is significant because while being King of kings, he chose to first reveal himself to the lowest of society at that time – the shepherds were considered dirty, unclean, and the hidden secret of society at the time. Yet, this is who visited him first, and announced the news to the world.
Hope you had a Merry Christmas!