Going off script not always bad

THE CHRISTMAS season is certainly upon us; ready or not, here we are!

Again, it’s been quite a year, with all the usual ideological nonsense getting shoved down the farming community’s throats. One would think we are the country’s big-

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gest losers when it comes to the economy, the way we get so shamefully treated. Whatever happened to common sense?

I thought it fitting to tell a story, hopefully to put a smile on your face for a moment. Or perhaps to lighten up a little and unwind a wee bit! I have a couple of variations of this story in my files, which can easily happen with stories like this. I will piece it together as best I can.

One particular year the annual children’s Christmas Nativity play had a totally unscripted moment most of those present said they would never forget. The children were well rehearsed by their teacher.

One of the boys, though well liked, was not as quick to learn as the other children. He was kind of a little uncoordinated as well, plus he was the biggest kid in the class. He often simply got left out of games and other kids’ stuff. But he was eager to be part of the upcoming Christmas play.

The teacher chose him to be the innkeeper, after all, the innkeeper could be seen as a bit of a villain in the Christmas drama! With no long sentences to memorise, she thought she could coach him to ably fill that role.

Well, the big night finally arrived! The time came for Joseph and Mary to make their appearance, Joseph tenderly guiding the heavily pregnant Mary right up to the innkeeper’s door. Joseph knocked loudly on the door.

Enthusiastically swinging the door open; “What do you want?” asked the innkeeper, staring straight ahead.

“We’re looking for somewhere to stay tonight” Joseph replied. “Well, look someplace else. You can’t stay here –the inn’s full,” responded the innkeeper in his best gruff voice.

“Please. This is Mary, my wife, and she is expecting a baby. She needs a place to rest where she will be protected from the cold,” Joseph pleaded.

A blank pause that lasted too long followed, and for the first time it seemed the innkeeper had forgotten his lines.

“No. Begone,” a prompter whispered from the wings, twice.

“No. Begone!” said the innkeeper, finally copying the prompt.

Sadly, Joseph and Mary wearily turned to go, but then the innkeeper really forgot his cue. He just stood there in the doorway watching the very disappointed couple leaving. His mouth was now open, his brow creased with concern and his eyes unmistakably filling with tears!

Totally unscripted, he called to the young couple, “Don’t go, please! Come back! Wait, you… you can have my room!”

A few thought maybe the innkeeper had let the team down.

But most folk present there that night thought it was the most Christmas of all Christmas plays they had ever seen! Somehow it captured the true spirit of Christmas like many others hadn’t.

And yes, some still spoke of that moment years later.

That story has been told and retold to children and grandkids many times over.

That’s it from me for the year. I have enjoyed the journey and special thanks to those of you readers who have emailed or spoken with me. Be sure to get some family time and of course some serious R & R. No one can stay wound too tight for too long and get away with it.

Talk again in ‘23… God Bless.