Mama’s Bible

by docdeb

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

A Christmas story about Heath and Victoria.

After a very festive Christmas Eve with the family incorporating all their favorite traditions, Victoria was alone in her room. As was her habit each night before retiring, she was thanking God for the blessings He had bestowed upon her; the richest of those being her family. As she prayerfully considered each child, her thoughts lingered on Heath, the son who was not hers by birth, but still held a place in her heart equal to the others.

She remembered back to his first Christmas Eve with them. Although it was clear that he felt somewhat ill at ease, not being used to the exuberant manner in which the Barkleys celebrated this special holiday, he did seem to truly enjoy sharing it with his new family.

That night, after all had gone to bed, her mother’s instinct alerted her to something being amiss in her home. She had checked each bedroom door and found her youngest son’s open. She followed the low light from the parlor below and found Heath sitting alone near the fire.

Victoria’s mind recalled how she had slowly made her way to Heath needing to assuage her maternal concern. She sat beside him and he took her small hand in his. His mama’s Bible was open on his lap and evidence of recent tears stained his face. She had wanted his first Christmas with his new family to be his best ever. How could she have forgotten that this was his first Christmas since burying his dear mama?

After many minutes of silently gazing into the fire, Heath spoke in a voice so low she had to strain to hear him.

“As far back as I can remember, ev’ry year that I was home, my mama used ta read the Christmas story ta me from her Bible. Mama and Rachel used ta read ta me a lot, but there was somethin’ special about staying up late on those Christmas Eves, sittin’ by the fire, just me and Mama and enjoyin’ the story of the baby Jesus together.”

It was difficult to imagine that was six Christmases ago. All of her children were married and she had also been blessed with three grandchildren. After many lost loves, Heath had finally found happiness when he wed Annie last June; this was their first Christmas together. The house had been so full of laughter as they all celebrated.

After finishing her prayer, Victoria padded quietly down the hall. She thought she might like to read the Christmas story before going to bed. She slowed her place just a little as she passed by Heath and Annie’s bedroom door. This Christmas Eve, Heath was as happy as she had ever seen him and that made the joy of the season even more complete for her.

Descending the stairs and entering the parlor, she was pleasantly surprised to find Heath in his usual place near the fireplace. When he heard the rustling of her clothing, he turned and offered her the lopsided smile that she so dearly loved.

“I was thinkin’ ya might not be comin’ this year.”

She took her place beside him and picked up the open Bible from his lap. He eased an arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her close to him as she began to read from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke:

“1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 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) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 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. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 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. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

When she finished reading, she tenderly closed his Mama’s Bible and loving grey eyes met adoring blue ones.

“Merry Christmas, Mother.”

“Merry Christmas, Son.”

THE END

(The characters are borrowed from the television series, “The Big Valley” which is the property of Four Star Productions. The Scripture is from the King James Version.)