* * *
Rory and Amelia Fysh sat on the blue, navy, and white plaid-stripe love seat, surrounded by mounds of fluffy red and green tissue paper and scattered, sparkling Christmas tree tinsel. Perched nearest the fireplace, Robert Thorpp was bundled in fleece and flannel nosily sipped at a mug of hot coffee, while his best friend, Lue Malkovitch leaned back against the brick and mortar of the mantel, garbed in his signature black trench coat and with his eyelids half closed in luxurious ease and relaxation. In the armchair, stately but comfortable, was Dr. DiLona---rather, "Peter"---who watched all in the room through his little round glasses with bright eyes and warm, content smile. And finally, at the foot of the grand Christmas tree, flanked by the remains of the torn package wrapping (which had been composed mostly of newspaper and brown lunch sacks), was Brent Dobkin, sitting cross-legged and still taking inventory over his new drawing pencils.
They were laughing, talking, arguing, explaining, and generally spreading the joyous Christmas cheer as follows the ideal picture of "peace on earth and good will to men".
"Hey Peter!" Quipped Robert Thorpp above the general chorus of chatter. DiLona gave him a questioning smile, his eyebrows raised.
"What's that Hobbes?" Hobbes played a sly smile and the firelight twinkled in his eyes.
"So...eh...when am I gonna see you wear your new reindeer cap? I mean, seeing as it really brings out the color in your eyes and all." Peter chuckled and pulled out his newest item Christmas clothing attire, courtesy of Hobbes. It was a nightcap interpreting a sleepy reindeer with rolling ping-pong-ball eyes, a lolling tongue, and droopy antlers that dangled past Peter's shoulders when placed on his head.
"You know, I was thinking it would go well with my lab coat." Dryly stated the proud owner of the reindeer cap. Hobbes and the rest started to crack up as the watched the doctor bobbed his head, causing the nightcap's eyeballs to bobble up and down.
"You know sir," Began Rory with a mock air of seriousness. "Not only does it bring out the color in your eyes, but it also complements your features and skin tone quite nicely."
"I say, Hobbes, where on earth did you find such an ugly thing in the first place?" Asked Amy, reaching to pull some of the tinsel out of her husband's hair. Hobbes took another draught of his coffee, and after setting it down, he replied.
"As it so happens, I didn't find it, I made it. With a little help, of course." He caught Brent's eye and they exchanged smirks. Peter looked at his half brother with conviction.
"Oh, so I have you to blame for this too?" He accused. Brent smiled a bit awkwardly, and retorted.
"Not blame. Thank. Besides, it was Malkovitch's idea to begin with." He pointed at Lue, who was grinning, despite the fact that he was studying the back of his eyelids.
"A real team effort, eh?" Asked Peter.
"Sure was." Confirmed Lue, confident and cool as ever.
"All right, enough with the doctor's precious cap, we're all jealous of it, and that's that." Said Amy.
"Yeah, real jealous." Mumbled Brent.
"---And now," Continued Mrs. Fysh. "I have one last present to give to you, dearest." After hopping to her feet and kissing Rory on the top of his head (where tinsel still hung from), she retrieved one last gift from the antique bookshelf and plopped it into Mr. Fysh's lap.
"Well c'mon then, let's see what is is!" Urged Hobbes. Brent stopped fingering his new artist supplies and even Lue cracked open his eyes to see what this final remaining parcel might be. All attention was turned to Rory, and the room grew quiet as his finger gentle tugged and tore at the wrapping. When at last opened and fully reveled, the receiver beamed.
"A Bible!" Exclaimed he, in awe of the elegant leather work that bound the golden-edged pages together. It was indeed a Bible: a fine example of God's Word, complete and with the name "Fysh" embossed on the front of it.
Rory smiled, swelling with pride.
"Ah! It's beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!"
"Mm, I figured you might need a new one after the dogs---eh---decided that book binding was a delicacy to be feasted on." Explained Amy, glowing with gladness over the fact that her gift had been so well received.
"May I?" Asked Peter, gesturing to the Holy book. Rory placed it in his hands.
"Why," Peter DiLona breathed, "It is indeed beautiful." He flipped through the delicate pages. "Such a masterpiece---a work of art in literature, and in Truth. There is, to be sure, no better book to be found in all the world."
Hobbes watched as the Bible was reverently handed back to Rory. He had an idea.
"Say, Rory, read us something will you?" Rory nodded, and without further ado, opened to Luke Chapter 2 of the New Testament.
"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah,the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
