The old man’s scowl deepened as he considered the ruby wine shimmering in the guttering flame of the candle that sat next to the bottle on his oaken table.  Its scarred surface held the remains of his midwinter’s feast, but no joy did he hold in his heart.  With a grumble, he picked up his goblet and took a deep draught.

Suddenly, the door to his chamber rattled.  A servant wrapped in wool and furs pushed it open.  The wind of its passing caused the candlelight to shake violently.

The servant skidded to a stop a few paces from him, bowing low at the waist.

“My lord,” his breathless voice broke the silence.  “It has arrived!”

The old knight nodded gravely.  “You’re certain?”

“Yes, my lord!  The herald passed through the gates just  moments ago, crying out his news with joy!”

The nobleman stood, pulling his robes tight against a frame that had once held more strength than five men.

“Praise be,” he said as he strode toward the door.  “How much?”

“Hours, my lord!” the servant replied, taking his place one stride to the rear and slightly to his lord’s left.  “Enough for months!”

“Excellent.  Make sure that it’s rationed.”

“Of course, my lord.  We shan’t see more of this for quite some time.”

An icy wind blew into the manor as the doorservant opened the portal at his lord’s approach.  Outside, a crowd had gathered at the news.  A murmur ran through both peasant and noble.  A pony, steaming from the sweat that soaked its mane and neck, stood to one side.  Its rider, upon seeing the lord approach, fell to his knees.

“My lord,” he proclaimed, his voice ringing out into the gray winter afternoon, “It is here!”  He offered up a leather wrapped package with both hands, his head bowed.

The nobleman took it from him and examined it.  Turning it over in his hands, he saw that the seal was intact, and that the oiled leather shone in the waining sunlight.  With a flick of his hand, he broke the seal, and unwrapped the vellum underneath.  His hand trembled as he read the words.  His eyes closed for a moment in a prayer of thanksgiving.

He raised the scroll above his head and turned to face the crowd.

“My people, harken unto me!” he roared.  A raven that had been resting in the barren branches of a nearby oak tree, squawked and flew off into the approaching darkness.  The sound of its wings beating against the air punctuated the nobleman’s words as they echoed from the walls.  

“Our winter feast can finally be complete!  We can celebrate the return of the sun in the months to come!”  A wave of whispered prayers met his ears as the crowd fell to their knees.

“Yes, my children!” he continued.  “Dan Carlin has published another episode of Hardcore History!”

¹ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

—- The Gospel of Saint Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 1 through 20

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head…

Silent night, holy night….

We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.

Penultimate edition!

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”

Joy to the World! The Lord is Come! Let Earth Receive Her King!

If I cannot bring you comfort, then at least I bring you hope….