Mod-Blog.Creative Writing

A surprise? You bet it was a surprise! Well, a shock is more like it. I heard the rabbi in town use a big word one time - flabbergasted. That sounds like the kind of word I'd want to use. The day had been nothing usual. Our lives, they are not that complicated. You look for a patch of fresh pasture. You do a few flea dips. You check for footrot. One wanders off and you find him trying to eat the toupe off of some sleeping nomad. The kid I work with, Daniel, had been playing his pipe… Kids these days and their music! In my day, we knew what real music sounded like. Mandolins and harps. That how it was meant to be! But that boy. He plays some strange tunes… I’m sure it upsets the sheep. But then, what are they going to do about it, heh?

Well, the boy had finally blown himself out. The sun had gone down in a blaze of glory, and the flock was all tucked in for the night. Of course, Ahmed from the other side of town says our "flock" is not really a flock. He says half a dozen is not a respectable amount for a grown man to mind. But I say that is why our wool is so good, heh? Individual attention! His wool is so coarse it is only good for sacks and rugs. My wool winds up in the robes of the rich men in the synogogue! Still, what do I care what Ahmed thinks. As long as there’s one sheep to look after, I won’t be out of a job, will I?

Where was I? Ah, yes. A fully-tucked flock. Anyway, we were both laid down in the sheepfold doorway. Keeps the sheep in and bears out, heh? Course, a smart sherpherd always watches, anyway. You never know about the wolves. They are sneaky devils! Well, we were each alone with our own thoughts, waiting for the night to fall. That’s my favorite time… dusk. The day just slipping quietly into the night as the colors drain out of the land and the stars come up, ever so slowly, like working on a piece of silver. Some say a shepherd's job is a lonely one. They do not understand that is one of the good things about the job, heh? After all, it is not like we're doing it for the fame and fortune, heh? It’s amazing the kind of things you think about way up there in the hills. In the town, you are one little ant in a crowded anthill. Out here, you are alone in a world of your own.

That was when it happened. No, I go too fast. Just before it happened, there was a moment when the air… thickened. Like when momma made syrup from the berries she found in the hills. Everything became very still. As thought even the trees were holding their breath, heh? I knew there was someone there. My first thought was of wolves. I stood up and lifted my staff, and turned. But it wasn't a wolf. I remember dropping my staff in shock and terror. I think it fell on Daniel, because he yelped and jumped up next to me. He was trembling like a newborn lamb.

“Be not afraid!” I hear, and I jumped! Sixteen feet tall he was, and shining like a copper kettle. No, more like the tip of a plough when the blacksmith takes it out of the fire. No, more like the sun in the early morning. Heh! Listen to me! Full of words to bursting and still I can't find the ones I need, heh? Anyway, the bronze man, he says he’d come with news about a baby being born down in the city. This baby was gonna be like a… a savior for the people... ALL the people, he said, heh? Not just the city folks, but us country folks, too. Imagine that! A king born in the city, who cares about the countryside! Oh, and it was a great joy he said. No kidding, I thought. And... And then there were thousands of them… maybe hundreds! I don't know, I was never good at the numbers, heh? But they were all singing. And not like shepherds sing. When we sing, we make a... how do you say... "joyful noise." But this was made Daniel's flute sound like a sheep's baah. Clear and sweet like a star at the first frost of winter. It made my bones shake, heh? Imagine that! Not the kind of thing that happens every day. They were singing about peace on Earth. I don't know anything about this "earth" place - I was not very good at geography either, heh? But I know Israel needs it badly. The Romans, they think they are bringing civilization. But all I've seen them bring is blood and bruises and gold coins with someone else's head on it, heh?

We sat there and drank in the song, and we knew this was special. The rabbi used a world once. Un-ee-cue. Wait, no! Unique! That seems like the right word. I remember the tales they tell in the synogogue. Tales about messengers sent by God. Big strong men, who weren't men at all. I think the rabbis call then "angels." I was never good at religion, either, but I figure we saw them. And heard them. And may God help me if I ever hear any other song the same way.

So, we felt we had to go and see where the king was. We figured there was no way they'd let us in, but we had to try, heh? Angels appear to two humble shepherds, it's gotta mean something. Ah, I forgot to say! The bronze man, he said the baby - the king baby, you undertsand? - would be wrapped up in and lying in a feed trough - a manger - that meant in a barn. What kind of king is born in a barn? Then I thought, maybe the kind of king who understands men who live with sheep all day, heh? And that’s just how we found him, just like they said, with his father and mother. They were suprised, too. Who wouldn't be, your wife gives birth and a couple of shepherds walk in on you! But it wasn’t awkward, heh. They were just regular people. He was a carpenter - works with his hands. Honest work. And we were awfully proud that we'd been included. said hello, and told them about the good news, and gave Him presents. I gave him a leather pouch and I told Daniel he should leave his pipe with the baby, as a present. Not much, heh? A king, he'd be expecting frankinsense of something. But it was the best we had. And no regrets. No, is not right. Regrets we not have more to give!

On the way home, we sang. "Joyful noise," remember? People made fun of us the whole way. But they listened! And we told the story over and over. It was morning before we got back. But sheep were still there… oh yes, I like to think that God was taking care of everyone that night. And even the wolves knew, it was a night for peace and joy. Peace on earth, heh? And to mean, on whom His favor rests, heh?

This piece may be used freely for ministry, though publishing rights are withheld.

All stories seen on this page are copywritten and may not be taken or republished without permission by the staff of Mod-Blog.

A Call from the Road
by Will Sarris and Mark Chesner

That's when the car broke down. Yeah, just our luck__ Joseph said the mechanic was saying something about the "timing belt", which is apparently a big deal. I don't see why it should cost so much, there was only a small explosion.

Joseph? He's so sweet. Right now he is building a cradle for the baby__ He's even making it in the shape of a manger, isn't that just the cutest? You wouldn't believe how nice he was mamma. I mean, after we got the car towed and we got to the motel, the innkeeper said they didn't have any rooms available. Well, at least none that would be private. I think there was one room that had a bed, but there were 4 other people staying in that room. Yes, very crowded__and noisy__and the next morning there were arguments over whose donkey slept where and__.

Oh, we ended up in the stable. The stay-bull, mother. Yes, the place they put all the animals. Now, mamma, don't say that! I know it is not as sanitary as the hospital, but it was the best we could do. I told you, there were no rooms. It was late, and the baby was coming, we needed someplace warm and private right away. It got a roof over our head, and four walls to keep out the wind. The animals weren't a problem at all. They were actually very quite and respectful. Until Joseph stepped on the roosterm, anyway__

He was so calm, Mamma, I mean it must have been so scary__ how must he feel? First, he finds out I'm pregnant, then I tell him it is the Son of God.. Mother, don't start that again, we've been over this__ And that dream he had must have meant something__ I mean, I had an angel appear to me, too, and I can tell you, it was no googly eyed cute cherub with fluffy wings! The angel was huge! __ No, not fat! More like a giant or maybe Arnold Schwartzenegger__ Joseph must have been so scared__ I mean, when I saw him the next day he was still in shock. No. Yes, I am SURE it was not just a bad hair day for him, Mother!

Then, just before the baby is ready to be born, he gets official notice that we have to travel down to Bethlehem for a census and some stupid tax. Doesn't the emperor already have enough money? The whole way down there, we were freaking out wondering when the baby would come. We just get there and the car breaks down and, right on cue, I go into labor__ And by the way, you never told me how much that hurts! It was awful! Why didn't you at least... Yes, mom, I was just getting back to the stable.

He was great when the time came - he was so calm. Well, calm while he was talking to me anyway. I think I heard him yelling at God between the Lamaze coaching. Then the baby came, and he was so beautiful. Joseph wrapped him up in some clean clothes we had packed for the trip, and he laid him in the manger. Yes, mother, he made sure the hay was clean. Yes, mother, we made sure the cows weren't offended.

Oh, and then there were the visitors! They said angels came and told them to come see the baby, that he was the Son of God. Yes, mother, it was a little weird. But we just had to let them come in, when they told us about the heavenly choir. I had one angel, but they said there were__well, a lot of them anyway__I mean, those shepherds were so gentle and reverent__ I had to let them hold Him. Oh no, mamma, there was nothing to worry about. They were so tender. So filled with awe, actually, I think they were kind of scared. It is really strange to see these macho men just tear up and melt when they saw the baby. And on the way out they were singing! Most were off key, but they were so excited, I mean__ it was... painful actually. Shepherds can't carry a tune in a bucket.

They chatted with Joseph for a while before they left. I think they gave him advice. I mean, they know what happens after birth right? Apparently, it's right around lambing time now. "Lambing," mom. Little lambs. You know__

Don't worry mamma, we're not going to be on the road while I'm recovering. Well, we can't leave right now. The car's still in the shop. Besides, I think Joseph is worried about money. I think he ended up using all his savings just to get here and pay the tax. He is a good carpenter, and I am sure he can find work down here. With so many people passing thru, they're talking about building some more hotels and maybe a Wal-Mart or two. Yes, mother, I know it is hard to find work back home. No, he hasn't tried the lottery, and I'm not going to suggest it. I don't care that Uncle Morty won $3 last week.

Oops! Do you hear that beep, Mom? That means my time is up. I have got to go, I don't have another quarter. No, really, I have got to go! They're going to cut us off. Yes, I promise next time I'll call collect. Yes, I promise to send some pictures of little Jesus as soon as we have them. Mom, I really have to go. They're... Yes... No... I love you, Mom. Give Elizabeth and little Johnny my love.

I'll call you again next week. No, don't worry about the baby, Mom. I think he's had enough excitement for one lifetime. Chances are the rest of his days will be boring and uneventful.

All stories seen on this page are copywritten and may not be taken or republished without permission by the staff of Mod-Blog.

This piece may be used freely for ministry. While publishing rights are withheld, it may be used by any church or faith-based organization without permission of the original authors.

The Phone Call
by William Sarris and Mark Chesner

MARY Section #1
That's when the car broke down. Yeah, just our luck! Joseph said the mechanic was saying something about the "timing belt", which is apparently a big deal. I don't see why it should cost so much, there was only a small explosion.

Joseph? He's so sweet. Right now he is building a cradle for the baby! He's even making it in the shape of a manger, isn't that just the cutest? You wouldn't believe how nice he was mamma. I mean, after we got the car towed and we got to the motel, the innkeeper said they didn't have any rooms available. Well, at least none that would be private. I think there was one room that had a bed, but there were 4 other people staying in that room. Yes, very crowded! and noisy! Oh, we ended up in the stable…

JOSEPH SECTION #1
Money. It’s a nice thing to have. I can say that because I don’t have any, nothing to speak of anyway. If I had money I wouldn’t be sitting here in a stable. I would be sitting in a big overstuffed armchair, the kind that you sink into when you sit in it. I would be watching my wife, Mary, and my new baby sleep in a bed under warm sheets. But, I don’t have money, so here we are, in a stable with hay, and a manger for the baby. Last night, as the baby was being born, I was sitting there telling Mary “Everything is okay, your going to be fine” but the whole time my heart was beating so hard, I thought it was going to shake loose and fall in my stomach! I am SO glad I am not a woman. I was so nervous I didn’t even wash my hands!

MARY Section #2
The stay-bull, mother. Yes, the place they put all the animals. Now, mamma, don't say that! I know it is not as sanitary as the hospital, but it was the best we could do. I told you, there were no rooms. It was late, and the baby was coming, we needed someplace warm and private right away. It got a roof over our head, and four walls to keep out the wind. The animals weren't a problem at all. They were actually very quiet and respectful. Until Joseph stepped on the rooster, anyway…


JOSEPH SECTION #2
There’s always some expense you didn’t count on to knock you for a loop right when you thought you were getting everything under control. I was all set, getting ready for the baby, building things for him and for Mary. Then bam-mo, some big shot in Rome decides he wants to see how many people he rules over, and how much money he can get out of them. Of course, this means everyone has to travel back to his hometown, and mine happens to be on the other side of the country from my current residence, necessitating a long, expensive trip, with a pregnant wife. Result, here we are. It’s kind of funny in a way.

MARY Section #3
He was so calm, Mamma, I mean it must have been so scary… how must he feel? First, he finds out I'm pregnant, then I tell him it is the Son of God.. Mother, don't start that again, we've been over this… And that dream he had must have meant something… I mean, I had an angel appear to me, too, and I can tell you, it was no googly eyed cute cherub with fluffy wings! The angel was huge! …No, not fat! More like a giant or maybe Arnold Schwarzenegger! Joseph must have been so scared! I mean, when I saw him the next day he was still in shock…

JOSEPH SECTION #3
What’s not funny is an angel. I gotta wonder, God, couldn’t you send something a little less frightening when you want to announce something to someone? There I was, sleeping, and suddenly there is this big shining guy standing there, saying, “Don’t be afraid” and then telling me the baby Mary is going to have will be Your Son. Like I’m not going to be afraid! You know though, it did get my attention, and it cleared up some things for me. I wasn’t quite as afraid after that.

MARY Section #4
Then, just before the baby is ready to be born, he gets official notice that we have to travel down to Bethlehem for a census and some dumb tax. Doesn't the emperor already have enough money? The whole way down there, we were freaking out wondering when the baby would come. We just get there and the car breaks down and, right on cue, I go into labor…And by the way, you never told me how much that hurts! It was awful! Why didn't you at least... Yes, mom, sorry, I was just getting back to the stable.

He was great when the time came - he was so calm. Then the baby came; he was so beautiful… Joseph wrapped him up in some clean clothes we had packed for the trip, and he laid him in the manger. Yes, mother, he made sure the hay was clean…

JOSEPH SECTION #4
I don’t really think a king’s life should be started in a food trough. A throne would seem more appropriate. I thought about building him one, but I didn’t think it went with the décor here… I think a cradle will be fine; I know how to build cradles.

Did you see that inn last night? Place looked like an oversize tin of sardines, people were packed in so tight! I don’t blame the innkeeper for turning us away; at least he let us use the stable. He had no idea what was really going on, right outside.

Of course, you didn’t tell him or anyone else in there what was going on. I mean, I don’t want to say anything, but shepherds aren’t exactly my idea of powerful, influential people you would announce this sort of thing to. Don’t get me wrong, they were really nice guys, it was just a little unexpected seeing them trundle in babbling about angels and offering us goat cheese sandwiches.

MARY Section #5
Oh, and then there were the visitors! They said angels came and told them to come see the baby, that he was the Son of God. Yes, mother, it was a little weird. But we just had to let them come in, when they told us about the heavenly choir. I had one angel, but they said there were… well, a lot of them anyway. I mean, those shepherds were so gentle and reverent, I had to let them hold Him… Oh no, mamma, there was nothing to worry about. They were so tender. So filled with awe, actually, I think they were kind of scared. It is really strange to see these macho men just tear up and melt when they saw the baby. And on the way out they were singing! Most were off key, but they were so excited, I mean, it was... painful actually. Shepherds can't carry a tune in a bucket.


Don't worry mamma, we're not going to be on the road while I'm recovering. Well, we can't leave right now. The car's still in the shop. Besides, I think Joseph is worried about money. I think he ended up using all his savings just to get here and pay the tax. Yes, mother, I know it is hard to find work back home. He is a good carpenter, and I am sure he can find work down here. With so many people passing thru, they're talking about building some more hotels and maybe a Wal-Mart or two.

JOSEPH SECTION #5
I guess what I want to know is, after a beginning like this, angels, stables, shepherds, roosters… not really the way I would plan it… After this, what is His life going to be like? The angel said he would be the Savior of Israel. How is He going to do that? Is anyone going to notice Him? Will they give him a better reception later on than they did last night?

MARY Section #6
Ohh! Do you hear that beep, Mom? That means my time is up. I have got to go, I don't have another quarter. No, really, I have got to go! They're going to cut us off. Yes, I promise next time I'll call collect. Yes, I promise to send some pictures of the baby, as soon as we have them. Mom, I really have to go. They're... Yes… His name? Jesus. Yes, Joseph said the angel was clear about that… Yes, Mama, I think it is a beautiful name too… I love you Mom… yep… bye…

JOSEPH SECTION #6
If people couldn’t find room for a baby in the middle of the night, what’ll they do when they find out He’s the Son of God?

All stories seen on this page are copywritten and may not be taken or republished without permission by the staff of Mod-Blog.

This piece may be used freely for ministry. While publishing rights are withheld, it may be used by any church or faith-based organization without permission of the original authors.