The little boy couldn’t fathom why his grandfather had turned that nice couple away. Through the tiny gap between his grandfather and the door he could see the man – his clothes were worn from wear and it was obvious he had travelled a long way. His voice was desperate and beside him was his wife…the woman was holding onto her belly and she was writhing in pain.
His mother had just cleaned out and freshened up the guest room upstairs and he had tried his hand at ‘helping’..except that as usual he was reprimanded for jumping up and down the bed and was ordered to go down and play. So why did grandfather tell the couple all the rooms were occupied? He couldn’t understand adults sometimes.
It had been a busy month with the census and all..everyone was coming in to Bethlehem..his grandfather was very happy…business at the Inn had been good…
He overheard his grandfather tell the couple they could use the cow shed finally..It was freezing cold outside and to sleep there overnight would be unimaginable even to him – considering he loved spending time with the animals.
Something about this couple and the desperation in the man’s voice lingered in his mind..he crept upstairs to where his mother kept the linen and pulled out a couple of table cloths – the blankets were too heavy for him to carry – he had tried…
He saw his grandfather chatting with some of the guests as it was dinner time and he slowly opened the door and stepped out into the cold…
His teeth were chattering and he could no longer feel his hands as they were both now numb with cold. holding the sheets close to his chest for warmth he ran to the manger…
The streets were busy people with night travellers but the manger was quiet that night and breaking through the silence the little boy heard a sharp cry of an infant… ‘A baby!’ As he stepped into the manger that night he realised he was not the only visitor there to see the newborn child -‘How did they all know?!’
And then suddenly, a light so brilliant it was almost blinding filled the whole manger and the little boy fell to his knees…tears streaming down his face…
The Showcase 
This is a wonderful story, Nishi. I love the way you have mixed the modern world with how Christmas all began. Is there more to come?
Thank you so much Hugh..got a couple of ideas hoping they translate…Didn’t expect this season to get me so busy.
You know I think we all try and plan for this busy season saying that next year we will start shopping, writing cards, etc, earlier, but I don’t know about you but I never seem to keep to that plan! Boy, have I got a busy weekend ahead of me! 🙂
I totally agree the planning and the shopping just doesnt seem to end…must be that Christmas monster you were talking about…I feel like I’m drowning in lists.. 😦
I have no words for your wonderful post and magical ink – I feel in Paradise reading your post every time – You have respect and elegant!
🙂 Thank you so much Mihran..:) so very kind of you! Im glad you liked it!
Awesome post my friend. And thanks for reminding everyone about the light of life laying in the manger. Bless you and hope your week is filled with all good wishes.
Thank you so much Tony..Merry Christmas to you too!
Hiw in the world do you come up with these lovely lil stories?Loved it!
Thank you dear!