The Christmas Stories

Synopsis

The 'Christmas Story', as we know it, is derived from a mixture of carols and carol services, nativity plays, children's Bibles and paintings. The Bible itself offers two stories, each quite different from the other, not just in detail, but in tone. Neither of them is reproduced in the familiar Christmas story, and indeed, that story sometimes runs counter to the biblical text. This book, which incorporates some of the authors own stories and poems on the Christmas theme, begins by examining the two biblical accounts in turn: Matthew's, which is a dark tale, or at least as tale of light shining in darkness, Luke's, which is full of light and joy. The author explores the concept of the virgin birth, while acknowledging that the narratives retain a certain ambiguity, and looks at the strangely neglected question: given the world and the God that we know, what story must we tell now? His response is that the church itself desperately needs the vision of the God in a manger, and must allow this vision (together with that of God on a cross) to determine its theology and practice. ""Trevor Dennis' vivid imaginative writing truly lights up the 'Christmas Story' for our twenty-first century world."" Jane Dowell in Magnet

Summary

Chapter 1: The Gift of the Magi

* Summary: A young couple, Jim and Della, desperately want to buy each other Christmas presents. Jim sacrifices his prized pocket watch to buy a set of combs for Della's beautiful hair. Della cuts off her hair to sell for money to buy Jim a chain for his watch.
* Real Example: A college student sacrifices her textbooks to buy her roommate a designer purse.

Chapter 2: The Fir-Tree

* Summary: A lonely fir tree in the forest dreams of being a Christmas tree, but is ignored by the other trees. On Christmas Eve, a poor family chooses it, decorates it, and fills its branches with a real Christmas spirit.
* Real Example: A homeless man is given a warm coat and a place to stay during the Christmas season.

Chapter 3: The Elves and the Shoemaker

* Summary: A poor shoemaker and his wife take in a group of elves who help them make shoes overnight. The shoes are of such high quality that they become very successful. However, the shoemaker becomes greedy and tries to hide the elves to make the shoes himself.
* Real Example: A small business owner exploits immigrant workers who help him become successful.

Chapter 4: The Little Match Girl

* Summary: On a freezing Christmas Eve, a poor little girl tries to sell matches to survive. She lights several matches to keep warm, and in the flickering flame, she sees visions of her grandmother, a warm room, and a Christmas feast. She dies freezing in the cold.
* Real Example: A homeless veteran begs for money on a street corner during the Christmas season.

Chapter 5: An Old Man's Christmas

* Summary: An elderly man spends his Christmas alone in an asylum, longing for his family. He clings to memories of past Christmases and dreams of being home with his loved ones.
* Real Example: An elderly woman spends her Christmas in a nursing home, reminiscing about her younger days.

Chapter 6: Mrs. Medlock

* Summary: A strict and unfeeling housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock, is confronted by the spirit of her deceased sister on Christmas Eve. The ghost shows her the error of her ways and reminds her of the true meaning of Christmas.
* Real Example: A harsh supervisor is inspired by a Christmas sermon to treat her employees with more kindness.

Chapter 7: Santa Claus at Simpson's Bar

* Summary: A group of rowdy miners in the Old West are visited by a mysterious stranger who brings them Christmas cheer. The miners initially mock him, but their hearts soften as they experience the true magic of Christmas.
* Real Example: A group of prisoners receive unexpected gifts and a Christmas message from a local church.