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23.12.20

IN TIMES LONG GONE

 

IN TIMES LONG GONE

“We have a son! I will teach him to be a good carpenter.”

“Are you sure? I know you promised but ...”

“Hush, Mary – I meant every word.”

She slept until voices woke her. “Find another shelter – my wife’s just had a baby.”

“The angel told us – that’s why we’re here.”

She moved her cloak aside, and weathered faces worshipped while baby hands bestowed blessings. But Joseph was protective. “You’ve seen him – now leave us in peace.”

“We all wish for peace,” they said, and returned to their flocks, leaving a lamb to warm mother and child.

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I was determined to squeeze a Christmas story out of whatever image Rochelle chose this week, and it was a struggle, but I hope you like it.

Too many people have talked and written about 'These Difficult Times' that I won't add to them, except to say that nothing can 'Cancel Christmas'. It will be different. For most of us it will be much quieter, which for some may be no bad thing. For others it will be sad, and they have my sympathy - I will not be able to visit my mother in her nursing home. But we will still celebrate whatever we believe in - the birth of Christ, or simply the love of family and friends - and it will be Christmas, despite Covid. 

Have a good one.




30 comments:

  1. I liked the slightly grumpy Joseph

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    1. Thank you, Neil. I think he must have been quite a man tomtake on the task.

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  2. Lovely as always Liz. Even though we can't be with family and friends this year, it's certainly a time to cherish our love for them. I spent a mere handful of hours with my 78 year old mother this year, in August, outside, socially distanced.Before those August hours, I hadn't seen her since last Christmas. There are many more family members that I simply haven't seen at all this year. I have shown my love for them by staying away.It goes against everything we are as humans, but let's hope for a better year next year. Merry Christmas xx

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    1. Thank you. I realise I have been lucky to have had several visits with Mum, even though I've had to wear PPE, but we had planned a Boxing Day visit until today's news.

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  3. Wise words to accompany your nativity story, Liz. Lovely!

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

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  4. Merry Christmas Liz. I liked Joseph too - I like to think he was a bit put out about the whole immaculate conception!

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    1. He chose to believe it, but it must have been tough holding his head up at the pub!

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  5. I too like that Joseph tells the shepherds to go 'wash their socks', as we used to sing

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  6. Happy Holidays, Liz. Enjoyable story that captures the humble intimacy of that first Christmas.

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  7. Dear Liz,

    The perfect story for this week. You brought them to life.

    Happy Holidays,

    Rochelle

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    1. Thank you,Rochelle. I'm surprised I found time to write anything today!

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  8. Merry Christmas to you too. I like the very human take on this. I always wonder about the nitty-gritty of Jesus's life, like what kind of a father Joseph was, what Jesus's favorite food was, stuff like that. :)

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    1. And whether he was ever naughty as a child!

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  9. Ah, a nice retelling, and a grumpy Joseph sounds quite right! Happy Christmas to you, and may blessings be all around.

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    1. After tramping all that way with a pregnant wife only to find Bethlehem was full up, and then helping birth a baby in a stable, having their sleep disturbed by a bunch of shepherds shepherd's must have been the final straw!

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  10. i think the story became more authentic when you portrayed joseph as a real human. well done. happy holidays!

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  11. A delightful retelling of the Nativity! Being close to Hastings, I suddenly had my Christmas plans ruined a few days ago so it's home alone for me! Season's Greetings to you Liz.

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    1. Thanks, Keith. Hope your turkey burger is tasty!! X

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  12. It's easy to forget that Mary and Joseph were human, and I think Joseph would certainly be very protective of Mary and Jesus. I love your story. Happy Christmas, Liz!

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    1. Thank you, Brenda. Happy Christmas to you x

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  13. That's lovely.

    Happy Christmas Lizy. x

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  14. So glad you could squeeze out a Christmas story. It's so sweet!
    Merry Christmas, Liz ♥
    - Justjoyfulness

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