Variations on the Gospel
Tampa, FL
In those days, it came to pass that a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus that every person must go, each to his own town, to be counted. All obeyed, and returned to their place of birth. Joseph went from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, together with Mary, his espoused wife, and her unborn Son.
In these days, it came to pass that decrees went forth that every person must stay, each in his own home, to be confined. But many refused, and returned to their place of birth. One went from Georgia, out of the town of Marietta, into Florida to the town of Tampa, together with Rita, his espoused wife, and their teenage sons.
They traveled great distance, arrived in darkness, and found room at the inn. The kindly owners welcomed them, and favored them with hearty sustenance, warm shelter, and parental affection.
And there was much rejoicing.
There were in the same country shepherds, a younger brother and his wife, keeping watch over their flock. And behold, when they heard word that the elder sibling had crossed the frontier, and arrived in the region of Tampa, they gave praise saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will.”
And so it was that, the next night, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go thither to the inn and see what has come to pass, that has been made known to us.” So they went in haste, bringing with them their flock, and found there the travelers, who were with their own two sheep.
And when they were come in, they went down into the room filled with festivity and light, where abode the elder brother and Rita his wife, of the Atlanta house of Breen, and their sons Alexander and David. With them in the room were the matriarch Margaret, from the family of Franklin, and her hallowed husband, the patriarch Jerry, scion of the Miller clan. Among these already assembled, Brett and Jennifer, of the Tampa house of Breen, joined with their daughters Elizabeth and Sarah and Saylor, and all commenced an hearty celebration.
Now in these days a plague is said to cover the land. To abide at the inn, tests were conducted on all those present, and their health was affirmed. Sons, wives, and grandchildren were adjudged pure, and were welcomed to enter between the side posts, and under the upper door post, of the entry to the house wherein all would drink and eat. And drink.
So the pestilence thus passed over the celebration, sparing inhabitants of the inn, be they man or woman or child. For the tests were unto them a sign in the house where they would be. And the occasion will be forever kept as one of lasting memory, for such revelry with this family all assembled had occurred not on this day in the prior year (see here), nor for the two years before (here and here).
When darkness fell over the country, ice chimed on sacred glass, and summoned the faithful to their evening prayer. In the Heavens, stars shone above, until they came and stood over the inn, to mark the location. And everyone rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Within, fire shall illuminate the hearth, for in the land of Florida a deep chill descends, bringing forth even long sleeves, and pants of full length. After all were huddled against the temperate cold, they girded themselves with corkscrews, and also readied themselves to release more potent spirits. Thus did they prepare inhabitants of the inn for their nightly flow of milk and honey.
The assembly then gathered about the traditional tree of glorious ornament, which occupied its accustomed place, for they were obligated all of them to look at it. Fulfilling their due homage, they then brought forth their treasures, and offered each their gifts. And the presents added much cheer to those already abundant with gifts of cold, Franklin-sense, and mirth.
The prodigy son having returned, the matriarch announced that she would bring hither the fatted calf, that they might eat of it, and be merry. Reviving a miracle he had performed many times, the patriarch then changed white wine into red, and libations continued to pour forth. The succulent flesh was roasted over the sacred fire, and from thence was heartily consumed by the hungry host.
Spirits then led the people and tempted them into the desserts, where they wandered for forty minutes. They indulged their temptation, for they knew that it is written that man liveth not by bread alone. Chocolate mousse pie too he must have. And they were loathe to yield it for all the kingdoms of this world, nor all the power and glory of them. So they remained in the desserts, and glorified their maker.
And there was much rejoicing.
Then over the assembly fell a veil of reflection. For the last twelve months are a mighty abomination to the people of all lands. Scribes scoured the scrolls, and within their lives found few years of greater despair. But the assemblage determined to depart the depraved year, not looking back or remaining in distress, nor remaining frozen, as like a pillar of salt.
They thought on others of their family, scattered in more distant lands. Of the several gathered this day on the far side of the River Ohio, of the four by the banks of the River Potomac, or the five amid western fields fertile with wheat and wine, and the couple settled in the village of Buckhead, in the urban foothills below the mountains of north Georgia. These are those whom the people in the inn hope again to soon see.
Then to those assembled came an image. The approaching year contains within it signs and portents. For in it will many be honored, by having nativity days of major milepost.
Herewith follows a chronology of the decade of zero-year nativity within the lines of Franklin, Miller, Breen, and Trout. The young princesses Alice and Saylor will attain ten years. The Dauphin Alexander will achieve twenty. Ashley, mother of Alice and mistress of the grape, will be of years unmentioned herein, yet that exceed those of the Dauphin, but be less than those of her cousin, shepherd of the Tampa house of Breen, who will attain a half century. Above him in age are George, the brother of the matriarch Margaret, who shall achieve seventy years, and Hugh the great doctor of the tribe, and Jerry the patriarch, who shall be of eighty and ninety years, respectively. To honor these worthies, those at the inn determined that a convocation of an assembly of the whole must be held in the upcoming year.
At which there will be much rejoicing. And drink.
The meal having concluded, all craved sleep. The younger brother and his wife returned to their home, and brought with them their flock. Having seen their family, the travelers will spend three days more among them in the land of Florida, enjoying company with the brother and his wife, the matriarch, and the patriarch. Then in accordance with their vision, they will take flight back to their country, by the way they had come.
JD