Merry Christmas Everyone

Last year on a local radio station, there was a segment one evening, where a reporter posed the question to people walking by on a busy street, as to whether or not non-Christians were offended when someone said ‘Merry Christmas’ to them at this time of the year. At times is such an emphasis placed on on saying something that applies to people of all faiths, the most common one being ‘Happy Holidays’.

Of the many individuals asked about being wished a ‘Merry Christmas’ who were non-Christian, none actually found it offensive. All took it as a kind wish or greeting with good intent, and actually enjoyed it when someone gave them any well intended greeting. Although this, by no means, was a comprehensive survey, it was great to hear the kind words these non-Christians had to say about what much of what Western Civilization refers to as ‘Christmas-time’.

Historians and Theologians agree that the infant Jesus wasn’t actually born on December 25th. It was a common time in many cultures to celebrate the days beginning to grow longer, 3 obvious days after the winter solstice, and some early Christian leaders thought that Christians might as well join in the celebration also, although some would now say that the intent was more of attempt at a December 25 partying take-over.

Our musical story story concludes with this scene, which is actually 3 short songs combined. There are drafts of songs to be added the next time this musical is produced. It would be fun to hear a song from Johnny right as he finds the sack of coal, and a duet with Emily and John would be fanciful. None-the-less, it is also fun to have a number of plot resolutions served up in a single scene and end to our story with happiness found by all.

Saint Nicholas lived in what is now known as Turkey, from 270 to 343. He facilitated a number of legendary miracles, including calming a major storm, as well as raising 3 children from the dead. What he was most famous for, and why he became the ‘Saint Nick’, or ‘Santa Claus’ as many call him, was for an act of life changing generosity. In the culture at that time where Nick lived, women who were at an age to be married were supposed to provide a dowry to their future husband’s parents in order to marry. No money meant no marriage. During winter months, Nick anonymously snuck some golden coins into stockings, hanging by windows at night to dry after being washed, of some local young women whose parents were too poor to have saved a dowry. In doing so, he gave them enough so that they could marry in the coming springtime.  This future prevented the girls from being forced into prostitution, which was a fate that often befell those who were too poor to marry.

It is amazing how the legend of these gift giving deeds passed through countless generations, eventually becoming synonymous with anonymous gift giving around the world at Christmas time.

(Outside and inside of a sparse, poor looking ground floor apartment)

(Curtain closes and Nick and his dog appear in from of the curtain)