A Christmas Chronicle represents a storyline that's been germinating for a few years. It began late one night, in Traverse City Michigan, while hanging out with a group of college kids form our church.
While they were playing Nintendo, cranking up music and consuming an enormous amount of junk food, I was sitting on a sofa drinking Diet Pepsi and trying to come up with a new storyline. I had recently published a short story with Amazon and that received enough response to encourage me to write another.
I looked out the window that evening and noticed giant snow flakes following when the inspiration came. I had been captivated with the genius of C.S. Lewis and Charles Schultz. They both had a knack for writing children's stories adults like to read. And with that, I opened my laptop and began writing:
While they were playing Nintendo, cranking up music and consuming an enormous amount of junk food, I was sitting on a sofa drinking Diet Pepsi and trying to come up with a new storyline. I had recently published a short story with Amazon and that received enough response to encourage me to write another.
I looked out the window that evening and noticed giant snow flakes following when the inspiration came. I had been captivated with the genius of C.S. Lewis and Charles Schultz. They both had a knack for writing children's stories adults like to read. And with that, I opened my laptop and began writing:
A Christmas Chronicle
It happens every year, four nights before the grandest of
all celebrations. On this occasion, while snow is falling softly in the deepest wood, creatures
of the forest gathered—representing a fellowship no human eye had ever looked
upon.
Chipmunks and squirrels listened with quiet anticipation to muffled conversations of those present. Rabbits had come, fox were there, and from his perch, an owl observed the moment. It was by every appearance, a most unusual and unlikely assembly. But each year, on the 21st Eve of the Twelfth month, these Woodlanders blended into a union of kindred spirits, as they waited for the reading to begin.
A fire crackled and smoke ascend high above the trees as a mouse named Samuel navigated his way through the assembly. Dressed like a character from your favorite Dickens story, he walked across the crust of the snow commanding everyone's attention. For he was very old and wise, and his kind had observed the mystery for many generations.
Under his arm he carried an ancient book. It was leather bound and worn, but from its pages both kings and paupers have found hope and encouragement. Silence fell upon the group as he climbed up on a stump.
Brushing the snow from his garments, he held the book in one hand and adjusting his glasses with the other, then cleared his throat, and opened to a familiar text:
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. For unto us a Child is born and unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”
Like a melody, phrases danced off the pages, as the fellowship nodded their heads in rhythm with the cadence of Samuel’s voice. Though they had gathered and listened to these words on several occasions, there was a renewed sense of expectancy in the air.
Closing the book and tucking it back under his arm, the mouse adjusted his glasses once more, then addressed the fellowship.
“The King has made a promise which cannot be broken. One day peace will come and the curse shall be broken.”
Scanning the perimeter Owl noticed a collective look on every face. The snow stopped falling and the clouds dissipated revealing a brilliance of the moon’s shadows falling across winter’s fresh blanket. While Samuel was warmed by the fire, it was reading from the ancient text that warmed the hearts of the fellowship. Reminiscent of a time when angelic host declared, “Peace on earth good will to men.”
Only the pop and crack of the fire could be heard as they stood in reverence, and together reflected on a promise made long ago. Since that time, kingdoms had come and gone and the world had changed in ways too numerous to count, but the longing and groaning of the human condition remained.
“But Samuel, it has been so long and once again these are such trying times. It is just four days before Christmas and people are discouraged. We know the promise is for mankind, but all creation is included. How long must the world wait? How long must we wait.”
And with her words the silence was broken and the mouse recognized the voice of Rachel the Raccoon. She was raised in the forest and had been faithful to the fellowship. In all her years, she had never missed the meeting, and during her youth was often found near the village, by a brook where children played.
She was intrigued by games they played. For theirs was a world, where imagination and belief made all things possible. Like knights of story, boys were noble and brave. And the girls also believed in fairytale and chivalry, as they looked for a prince from some distant kingdom, to come and carry them away.
She also noticed when the children grew older and no longer played by the brook, their innocence was lost, as imagination and belief surrendered to the mundane and ordinary. It was almost as if the fairytale ended, or worse yet—never existed. It left the raccoon very said.
Samuel was not offended by her interruption. In fact he expected such questions. And though he was not surprised with what he heard, he was moved by what he saw. For the mask on her face could no longer conceal the weariness of her heart. She was tired in the worst way. Like when you’ve held on to a promise, or expectation, for a long time, only to discover—hope is fading.
Her words brought an uncomfortable spirit to the fellowship and riding on the emotion of such an awkward moment, was a question everyone held, but no one was willing to ask. Suddenly that which was evident to a few, became obvious to all.
Having chaired the meeting for several years Samuel believed it was okay to ask difficult questions. He had also learned shallow answers never satisfy the deepest longings, so he waited, for he knew in such times a personality will emerge. It will come from one who has the influence to speak and the resolve to remain objective.
So, after a few minutes had passed, he looked up toward Owl. The old bird was still sitting on his perch. He had taken in Samuel’s address, and heard Rachel’s concerns. He had also listened to the chatter of the Woodlanders; noticing how their mood morphed into something different as Rachel shared her heart. Many identified with her emotion and came into agreement with her disappointment.
Having received his cue, Owl nodded his head and spoke: “Samuel, we have gathered here and on this date for many generations. Each year we reflect on the promise and renew our pledge to the king. Just as our fathers and grandfathers have done before us. We’ve come to realize in the world of men, there seems to be a growing oppression. So, with that understanding, how are things with the family you’re observing?
Every eye turned toward Samuel and listened for his response.
“Well, it is Christmas, so people are smiling though few are happy. Once again, something is obviously lacking, but no one seems to realize it. There is music in the market, but no dancing in the street. The clock is ticking and that ridicules count down of remaining shopping days has begun. It truly seems the world has forgotten.”
Rachel interrupted, “But Samuel, how are things in the village church! How are the new pastor and his wife? How are the children?” The mouse lowered his head, took a deep breath and responded, “Things could be better.”
You could feel the tension and though everyone was coming to the same conclusion, it was Badger who gave voice to their opinion. “It’s the McVectons!”
“Yes.” Samuel responded, ‘It’s the McVectons.”
The Royal Order
Chipmunks and squirrels listened with quiet anticipation to muffled conversations of those present. Rabbits had come, fox were there, and from his perch, an owl observed the moment. It was by every appearance, a most unusual and unlikely assembly. But each year, on the 21st Eve of the Twelfth month, these Woodlanders blended into a union of kindred spirits, as they waited for the reading to begin.
A fire crackled and smoke ascend high above the trees as a mouse named Samuel navigated his way through the assembly. Dressed like a character from your favorite Dickens story, he walked across the crust of the snow commanding everyone's attention. For he was very old and wise, and his kind had observed the mystery for many generations.
Under his arm he carried an ancient book. It was leather bound and worn, but from its pages both kings and paupers have found hope and encouragement. Silence fell upon the group as he climbed up on a stump.
Brushing the snow from his garments, he held the book in one hand and adjusting his glasses with the other, then cleared his throat, and opened to a familiar text:
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. For unto us a Child is born and unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”
Like a melody, phrases danced off the pages, as the fellowship nodded their heads in rhythm with the cadence of Samuel’s voice. Though they had gathered and listened to these words on several occasions, there was a renewed sense of expectancy in the air.
Closing the book and tucking it back under his arm, the mouse adjusted his glasses once more, then addressed the fellowship.
“The King has made a promise which cannot be broken. One day peace will come and the curse shall be broken.”
Scanning the perimeter Owl noticed a collective look on every face. The snow stopped falling and the clouds dissipated revealing a brilliance of the moon’s shadows falling across winter’s fresh blanket. While Samuel was warmed by the fire, it was reading from the ancient text that warmed the hearts of the fellowship. Reminiscent of a time when angelic host declared, “Peace on earth good will to men.”
Only the pop and crack of the fire could be heard as they stood in reverence, and together reflected on a promise made long ago. Since that time, kingdoms had come and gone and the world had changed in ways too numerous to count, but the longing and groaning of the human condition remained.
“But Samuel, it has been so long and once again these are such trying times. It is just four days before Christmas and people are discouraged. We know the promise is for mankind, but all creation is included. How long must the world wait? How long must we wait.”
And with her words the silence was broken and the mouse recognized the voice of Rachel the Raccoon. She was raised in the forest and had been faithful to the fellowship. In all her years, she had never missed the meeting, and during her youth was often found near the village, by a brook where children played.
She was intrigued by games they played. For theirs was a world, where imagination and belief made all things possible. Like knights of story, boys were noble and brave. And the girls also believed in fairytale and chivalry, as they looked for a prince from some distant kingdom, to come and carry them away.
She also noticed when the children grew older and no longer played by the brook, their innocence was lost, as imagination and belief surrendered to the mundane and ordinary. It was almost as if the fairytale ended, or worse yet—never existed. It left the raccoon very said.
Samuel was not offended by her interruption. In fact he expected such questions. And though he was not surprised with what he heard, he was moved by what he saw. For the mask on her face could no longer conceal the weariness of her heart. She was tired in the worst way. Like when you’ve held on to a promise, or expectation, for a long time, only to discover—hope is fading.
Her words brought an uncomfortable spirit to the fellowship and riding on the emotion of such an awkward moment, was a question everyone held, but no one was willing to ask. Suddenly that which was evident to a few, became obvious to all.
Having chaired the meeting for several years Samuel believed it was okay to ask difficult questions. He had also learned shallow answers never satisfy the deepest longings, so he waited, for he knew in such times a personality will emerge. It will come from one who has the influence to speak and the resolve to remain objective.
So, after a few minutes had passed, he looked up toward Owl. The old bird was still sitting on his perch. He had taken in Samuel’s address, and heard Rachel’s concerns. He had also listened to the chatter of the Woodlanders; noticing how their mood morphed into something different as Rachel shared her heart. Many identified with her emotion and came into agreement with her disappointment.
Having received his cue, Owl nodded his head and spoke: “Samuel, we have gathered here and on this date for many generations. Each year we reflect on the promise and renew our pledge to the king. Just as our fathers and grandfathers have done before us. We’ve come to realize in the world of men, there seems to be a growing oppression. So, with that understanding, how are things with the family you’re observing?
Every eye turned toward Samuel and listened for his response.
“Well, it is Christmas, so people are smiling though few are happy. Once again, something is obviously lacking, but no one seems to realize it. There is music in the market, but no dancing in the street. The clock is ticking and that ridicules count down of remaining shopping days has begun. It truly seems the world has forgotten.”
Rachel interrupted, “But Samuel, how are things in the village church! How are the new pastor and his wife? How are the children?” The mouse lowered his head, took a deep breath and responded, “Things could be better.”
You could feel the tension and though everyone was coming to the same conclusion, it was Badger who gave voice to their opinion. “It’s the McVectons!”
“Yes.” Samuel responded, ‘It’s the McVectons.”
The Royal Order
Everyone has a story, and Samuel is no exception. He
lives in the village near the wood and makes his home in the library of an old
church. Though I’m not sure of his age, he has been around for a very long time
and hidden beneath a simple appearance is a very complex and mysterious
individual.
Across the ages rodents have occupied a strange place in the world of men. Some live in laboratories, while others are treated as pets. A cartoonist once partnered with a mouse to build an empire, and the world is a better place for it.
But, Samuel has a higher purpose. His ancestors first came to this land as stowaways on board a ship called The Mayflower. They had lived among the Puritans in the early 1600’s and traveled with them incognito, while crossing the Atlantic.
By virtue of his family and their heritage he belongs to an unusual network called: The Royal Order of Church Mice. This Order was established long ago in the ancient city of Bethlehem when a census had been ordered by the Roman Emperor Octavian; who also went by the name, Caesar Augustus.
Because a census was ordered, the streets of Bethlehem were filled with people and busy with hustle. Local merchants capitalized on opportunity to peddle products to sojourners who were finding accommodations limited.
It was during this time and late one evening when a couple of mice named Levi and Hannah dodged the chaos of crowded streets and found refuge in a tiny corner of an obscure stable. They had just settled in for the evening when a man named Joseph suddenly rushed in and interrupted their lives forever.
He was escorting a young mother in labor, and because there was no room in the Inn, a stable became the birth place of a King. His name was Jesus. He’s also called, Christ.
And though his birth went unnoticed in Rome, and Jerusalem, and even to the multitudes passing through Bethlehem, there was a celebration that evening, unlike anything the world had ever witnessed.
For on that night the hillsides of Judea became animated as messengers form another world delivered His birth announcement. Unbound by earthly limitations, these magnificent beings appeared suspended in flight with a concentrated brightness. And though they delivered a message of peace, there was something very warrior about them.
Songs of celebration erupted across the hills and echoed through the valley. Shepherds responded to their invitation as they walked down and into the city with hopes of seeing the newborn. And when they arrived, they were not disappointed. For a very bright star illuminated the evening sky, and as promised, they found an infant—wrapped in swaddling clothes—lying in a manger.
The Magi
While Levi and Hannah did not understand the significance of such an evening, they knew something about it, was very special. The experience was difficult to describe. There was a sense of peace and yet they trembled.
In the language of humans only one word could describe that which their eyes looked upon. They had heard that word shouted by priest serving in the temple, and spoken by rabbis teaching in synagogues. Hannah noticed it was often whispered in the dwelling places of many who closed their eyes and lifted their voices to an unseen guest.
Though the mice had never understood it's meaning, while standing in the shadows, they turned to each other and whispered, “HOLY.”
Call it intuition, or revelation, but for some unexplained reason it seemed right, and they knew the Child was holy, and the world would never be the same.
Though Joseph and Mary came from a poor village, there was something uncommon about the mother and her child. They brought an awareness of a presence not of this world. While the shepherds stood in reverence of an event they could not comprehend, three Wise Men approached. Bowing before the baby, they presented expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
From the shadows, Hannah leaned toward Levi and whispered, “I don’t understand what this is all about. What could it possibly mean?” Levi responded, “Very strange. It’s all very strange.”
A new moon looked down from above and the stars had never been more obvious. For a moment it seemed as if peace had actually come to this troubled world.
Soon the shepherds returned to their flocks and the Wise Men began making preparations for a long journey home. It was at that time when one of the noblemen asked Joseph if he could come out and talk for a few minutes. Joseph responded by leaning forward and placing a kiss on the top of Mary’s head and whispering, “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
The men had only walked a few paces from the stable when the carpenter began asking questions and confessing his confusion about the nature of their visit and the gifts they bore.
The Wise Men said they were scholars of ancient scriptures and had an understanding of the prophetic word. They had also noticed what appeared to be a new star, and had been tracking it for some time. As far as the gifts, the Nobles said they were suitable for such an occasion.
They also informed Joseph that Herod was threatened by any prophecies concerning a new born King and had questioned them while passing through Jerusalem—saying he too wanted to pay homage to the child. But, they discerned evil intentions; one even had a dream which confirmed their worst suspicion.
With a spirit of darkness hovering over the land the Magi felt it imperative for Joseph to take the young mother and child. and flee at the earliest possible moment. Then they each bade the carpenter farewell and departed, being careful to take another route home.
Joseph watched as the Nobles mounted their camels and rode into the night, then looked toward the heavens and considered his situation. Though life had become complicated, he had never been more aware of divine presence. And, while there was much the carpenter did not understand, he was sure that— in some mysterious way—God was near and had a purpose for his life.
So he returned to the stable and informed Mary of the Magi’s somber warning. They were both confused and looking down upon Jesus could not reason why anyone would want to bring harm to a baby. Together, they made a decision and within a few hours fled from Bethlehem, under the cover of night.
Their first stop was Jerusalem, where they were careful to keep a low profile, because Herod and his henchmen were in the area. While in the city, they visited the temple and dedicated the child to God, and named him Jesus. It was during this time when an elderly man named Simeon looked upon the child and pronounced a blessing, and a prophetess named Anna gave thanks to God for what had occurred. Mary would ponder these events and sayings in her heart for years to come.
The Magi’s warning had been taken to heart, and as soon as Mother and Child were strong enough for the journey, the trio departed for Egypt, seeking sanctuary in the land where Moses had challenged Pharaoh. But, that’s another story.
A Tyrants Revenge
He was called Herod the Great, but that was a misnomer. For though he held office and was politically connected, he was also insane and insecure. Over the process of time, he became obsessed with power and committed to an oligarchy. So when the Magi failed to return, he knew he had been deceived and grew furious.
Having been versed in Hebrew Scripture, Herod was fully aware of a prophetic promise—that one day—a virgin would conceive and give birth to a king. Though a nation longed for their Messiah, the fulfillment of that ancient promise left the tyrant vulnerable. Therefore, as an act of self-preservation, he put a face on evil and ordered the genocide of every male child under the age of two.
It was a diabolical and wicked atrocity. And though it makes for a dark chapter in the Christmas Story, it must be told, because the world needs to know.
On that night mothers cried out, as babies were torn form their pleading arms; and fathers trying to defend their families were beaten and thrown into prison. Levi and Hannah were horrified and sought hiding in the stable where they had witnessed the birth of The Child King. When the screams subsided, and the solders left, the two mice crawled out from under the same straw where Jesus had laid, and walked out of the stable to look upon the carnage.
Though they were clueless as to why a king, or anyone else would murder children, they knew it had something to do with the new born king. And on that day, they made an agreement to look into the strange occurrences, and enlist others who would do the same and eventually establish a fellowship that is now called The Royal Order of Church Mice.
Across the ages rodents have occupied a strange place in the world of men. Some live in laboratories, while others are treated as pets. A cartoonist once partnered with a mouse to build an empire, and the world is a better place for it.
But, Samuel has a higher purpose. His ancestors first came to this land as stowaways on board a ship called The Mayflower. They had lived among the Puritans in the early 1600’s and traveled with them incognito, while crossing the Atlantic.
By virtue of his family and their heritage he belongs to an unusual network called: The Royal Order of Church Mice. This Order was established long ago in the ancient city of Bethlehem when a census had been ordered by the Roman Emperor Octavian; who also went by the name, Caesar Augustus.
Because a census was ordered, the streets of Bethlehem were filled with people and busy with hustle. Local merchants capitalized on opportunity to peddle products to sojourners who were finding accommodations limited.
It was during this time and late one evening when a couple of mice named Levi and Hannah dodged the chaos of crowded streets and found refuge in a tiny corner of an obscure stable. They had just settled in for the evening when a man named Joseph suddenly rushed in and interrupted their lives forever.
He was escorting a young mother in labor, and because there was no room in the Inn, a stable became the birth place of a King. His name was Jesus. He’s also called, Christ.
And though his birth went unnoticed in Rome, and Jerusalem, and even to the multitudes passing through Bethlehem, there was a celebration that evening, unlike anything the world had ever witnessed.
For on that night the hillsides of Judea became animated as messengers form another world delivered His birth announcement. Unbound by earthly limitations, these magnificent beings appeared suspended in flight with a concentrated brightness. And though they delivered a message of peace, there was something very warrior about them.
Songs of celebration erupted across the hills and echoed through the valley. Shepherds responded to their invitation as they walked down and into the city with hopes of seeing the newborn. And when they arrived, they were not disappointed. For a very bright star illuminated the evening sky, and as promised, they found an infant—wrapped in swaddling clothes—lying in a manger.
The Magi
While Levi and Hannah did not understand the significance of such an evening, they knew something about it, was very special. The experience was difficult to describe. There was a sense of peace and yet they trembled.
In the language of humans only one word could describe that which their eyes looked upon. They had heard that word shouted by priest serving in the temple, and spoken by rabbis teaching in synagogues. Hannah noticed it was often whispered in the dwelling places of many who closed their eyes and lifted their voices to an unseen guest.
Though the mice had never understood it's meaning, while standing in the shadows, they turned to each other and whispered, “HOLY.”
Call it intuition, or revelation, but for some unexplained reason it seemed right, and they knew the Child was holy, and the world would never be the same.
Though Joseph and Mary came from a poor village, there was something uncommon about the mother and her child. They brought an awareness of a presence not of this world. While the shepherds stood in reverence of an event they could not comprehend, three Wise Men approached. Bowing before the baby, they presented expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
From the shadows, Hannah leaned toward Levi and whispered, “I don’t understand what this is all about. What could it possibly mean?” Levi responded, “Very strange. It’s all very strange.”
A new moon looked down from above and the stars had never been more obvious. For a moment it seemed as if peace had actually come to this troubled world.
Soon the shepherds returned to their flocks and the Wise Men began making preparations for a long journey home. It was at that time when one of the noblemen asked Joseph if he could come out and talk for a few minutes. Joseph responded by leaning forward and placing a kiss on the top of Mary’s head and whispering, “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
The men had only walked a few paces from the stable when the carpenter began asking questions and confessing his confusion about the nature of their visit and the gifts they bore.
The Wise Men said they were scholars of ancient scriptures and had an understanding of the prophetic word. They had also noticed what appeared to be a new star, and had been tracking it for some time. As far as the gifts, the Nobles said they were suitable for such an occasion.
They also informed Joseph that Herod was threatened by any prophecies concerning a new born King and had questioned them while passing through Jerusalem—saying he too wanted to pay homage to the child. But, they discerned evil intentions; one even had a dream which confirmed their worst suspicion.
With a spirit of darkness hovering over the land the Magi felt it imperative for Joseph to take the young mother and child. and flee at the earliest possible moment. Then they each bade the carpenter farewell and departed, being careful to take another route home.
Joseph watched as the Nobles mounted their camels and rode into the night, then looked toward the heavens and considered his situation. Though life had become complicated, he had never been more aware of divine presence. And, while there was much the carpenter did not understand, he was sure that— in some mysterious way—God was near and had a purpose for his life.
So he returned to the stable and informed Mary of the Magi’s somber warning. They were both confused and looking down upon Jesus could not reason why anyone would want to bring harm to a baby. Together, they made a decision and within a few hours fled from Bethlehem, under the cover of night.
Their first stop was Jerusalem, where they were careful to keep a low profile, because Herod and his henchmen were in the area. While in the city, they visited the temple and dedicated the child to God, and named him Jesus. It was during this time when an elderly man named Simeon looked upon the child and pronounced a blessing, and a prophetess named Anna gave thanks to God for what had occurred. Mary would ponder these events and sayings in her heart for years to come.
The Magi’s warning had been taken to heart, and as soon as Mother and Child were strong enough for the journey, the trio departed for Egypt, seeking sanctuary in the land where Moses had challenged Pharaoh. But, that’s another story.
A Tyrants Revenge
He was called Herod the Great, but that was a misnomer. For though he held office and was politically connected, he was also insane and insecure. Over the process of time, he became obsessed with power and committed to an oligarchy. So when the Magi failed to return, he knew he had been deceived and grew furious.
Having been versed in Hebrew Scripture, Herod was fully aware of a prophetic promise—that one day—a virgin would conceive and give birth to a king. Though a nation longed for their Messiah, the fulfillment of that ancient promise left the tyrant vulnerable. Therefore, as an act of self-preservation, he put a face on evil and ordered the genocide of every male child under the age of two.
It was a diabolical and wicked atrocity. And though it makes for a dark chapter in the Christmas Story, it must be told, because the world needs to know.
On that night mothers cried out, as babies were torn form their pleading arms; and fathers trying to defend their families were beaten and thrown into prison. Levi and Hannah were horrified and sought hiding in the stable where they had witnessed the birth of The Child King. When the screams subsided, and the solders left, the two mice crawled out from under the same straw where Jesus had laid, and walked out of the stable to look upon the carnage.
Though they were clueless as to why a king, or anyone else would murder children, they knew it had something to do with the new born king. And on that day, they made an agreement to look into the strange occurrences, and enlist others who would do the same and eventually establish a fellowship that is now called The Royal Order of Church Mice.
(This serves as an introduction. I am looking for feed back and critique. Your responses are welcomed. This little intro makes for about 25% of the first installment of a trilogy.)
