Santa's First Christmas

Many years ago in the land of Isaac and Abraham, the idiot ruler decided he wanted a head count of all his people. Everyone was to return to the birthplace of their family. A young talented carpenter of the time gathered his new wife and belongings, heading to the city of Bethlehem, home of the House of David. His wife and his donkey were both in the family way so it was a slow and difficult trip.

The little family arrived in the middle of the night. The motels were all full. Joe begged the owner of a large lodge for a closet to sleep in so his wife could rest. Abbe noted the woman's condition and offered the last stall in the stable. "There is clean straw in the manger and the animals will help keep you warm."

Joe had made his way to the stable and unloaded their belongings when the donkey went into labor. Quickly Joe went to her aide and helped deliver a huge male colt. Joe found some water to clean up a bit and brought some fresh cool water to his bride. He offered her a few dried figs but she declined since her time was near.

Joe began to carve toys from scrap pieces of wood to keep his mind off the pain his wife was experiencing. He heard harness bells ringing and looked up to see a huge white bearded man dressed in red suit. The man grasped Joe's hand and said "I've been sent to help with the delivery." Quickly he went to work. He quietly calmed the young woman stroking her head and whispering to her.

The sky was filled with lightning. It was so bright it seemed like midday. The street was filled with folks dressed in white singing a song "Joy to the World". The man stood and proclaimed "HO HO HO it's a boy!" his belly jiggled like a bowl full of Jello.

The special old man cleaned up and reached into his sack. He handed Joe a stable with little wooden statues of Joe, his wife, the baby, the donkey and her colt. "Joe, add your carvings of the oxen, lambs, reindeer, ducks, and chickens and you will have a replica of tonight to remember. Better rest now, you will soon have many visitors." The old man reached into his sack one more time and left three loves of bread, two dried fish, and a jog of Mogan David Concord wine, winking at Joe he said "For breakfast"

Quickly the old man boarded his sleigh and took off into the night sky. In parting he proclaimed "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."