A Shiloh Christmas: Chapter 13 [December 25th, 1899]
You outdid yourself on this one, Cookie. Thanks, Trampas. I had help, though. This sure is good, Betsy. Thank you, Trampas. I had a good time making it. And we're having a good time eating it. I'm glad, Sam. This is the most delicious Christmas dinner I've ever had, Betsy. Thank you, Daddy. I had help making it. Cookie's a better cook than he looks to be. You did a good job, Betsy. Your cookin kinda reminds me of my ma's. Thank you, Randy. That was a lovely compliment. My mother's Christmas meal back home in Virginia was about like this, too. And there's dessert, too. I've been baking for days and days. If you'll help me, Cookie, I'll bring them out. Sure, Betsy. What's that, Miss Betsy? It's an apple stack cake, Sam. I've never heard of that. It's something Randy's mother made for Christmas. I think you'll like it. Help me pass the plates around, Cookie. This is delicious, Betsy. Thank you, Daddy. You can thank Grandma AnnaMae for giving me the recipe. It tastes just like my ma's did, Betsy. I'm glad you like it, Randy. Daddy, do you have the Bible for later? Yes, I have it right here, Betsy. That was a delicious meal, Betsy. Thank you, everyone. And then when everyone had finished Judge Garth said, Since it's Christmas, I'll read the Christmas story from the Bible. [ Luke chapter two, verses one to twenty. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 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:} To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 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. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all those that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.] And that's the reason we celebrate Christmas, everyone. Merry Christmas to you all. Is it time to open presents now? Yes, Sam, it's time to open presents. Would you help me hand them out to everyone? Sure, Miss Betsy. Trampas. Thank you, Betsy. Virginian. Thank you, Betsy. Harper, Cal. Thank you, Betsy. Randy. Thank you, Betsy. I've got somethin for you, too. Thank you, Randy. It's lovely. Did you make this yourself. I sure did. Thanks for the scarf and gloves, Betsy. You're welcome, Trampas. Thanks, Betsy. You're welcome, Virginian. Thanks for the scarf and mittens, Betsy. You're welcome, Randy. There's more packages here with your names on them, boys. Where'd they all come from? I don't know, Randy. Open them and find out. The ones that are left are yours, boys. Merry Christmas from all of us. Thank you, Judge Garth, Thank you, Miss Betsy; they all said. You're very welcome, boys. Thanks, Virginian. You're welcome, Trampas, Randy. I'm glad you like like them. Thanks, Judge. You're welcome, boys. Merry Christmas to you all.