The Modern Christmas Tale

Written originally on January 4th, 2021

- Kaiser Permanente Hospital, how can I help you? - Can I get admittance to the hospital? My newborn baby is about to be born! - No problem sir, but due to the current season, we ask that you deposit $5,000 before you are admitted - But I have nothing... - Then I am sorry, sir, we cant do anything for you...

A hard knock on the door... - What do you need my guy? Do you realize what time this is? - Sir, PLEASE I need a room for my new baby to be born! The weather is cold and unbearable and my betrothed is about to give birth any moment now and we don’t have much money - Then get out of here! A’int nobody gonna give a room to you!

Tears streamed down his face He didn’t know what he could do for her Not even was he able to stand and help her No healthcare, no money

She cried in pain... Sometimes putting her hand on her belly, Other times on her back Not able to cry “Mom” because Mom was gone a long time ago Not able to call out to her dad No one was beside her but one of her relatives

From her youth she was always moving Sometimes in the Temple because she was an oath Sometimes in her betrothed’s house due to a lot casting

- Joseph I can’t take it anymore the pain is increasing beyond

He didn’t know if she was crying from pain or from the cold He kept running and knocking on every door But no one would bring him in Until a door was finally opened, and a decision was made - Based on how much you have, your only rental is the stable

A stable A cave filled with the filth of the earth The stench was horrid. Only the stars provided light to go in And so the poor ones entered, and searched for a place inside the stable They took the cow and donkey’s permission They asked the sheep to move aside To create space for the newborn and his mom

Pain Screams of agony as the icy floor held the young maiden But she couldn’t keep herself from sweating profusely And suddenly Instead of one scream Another quickly followed The voice of the young babe The Son of Mary the Virgin

Yes, Virgin And the birth giver witnessed that after her birth She remained a virgin

Well, we might as well bring all the clothes for the baby to dress and bring the crib for him to rest and clean him up and dress him in blue as he is a boy and tie balloons and give him toys and distribute sweets to the gathered and never forget the zaghroota! IT IS A BOY!

But none of that happened

There are no clothes for the baby, let alone a cover heavy enough to make him warm

There is no bed Only a box filled with hay and straw Food for the animals containing the one who offered himself as sacrifice for all

There were no balloons Or sweets Or anyone present to greet

None of that at all

Look closely... observe The balloons were the stars that illumiated the heavens that night And the people were there Shepherds running to greet the Shepherd and bishop of our souls And the zaghroota? Haha The angels gave a wonderful concert glorifying God in the highest

What is above is not imagination It is a part of realizing all that actually happened And I think that he deserves that his birthday Is actually his only

So, when you come to him, Bring him a present Tell him “How blessed are we every year to always have you” Spend the holiday with Him on His birthday See what He likes to do And at least do that for Him on His birthday

I apologize in advance for not saying “Kol Sana wenta tayeb” (Congratulating you on his birthday)

This is his birthday We should all go together saying

How blessed are we to have You with us every year, and every moment, forever.

Merry Christmas