Christmas among the Desert Fathers

Abba Jerome went to visit Abba Macarius. “A young monk has told me of a new custom in the cities,” said Abba Macarius. “They call it ‘Christmas’, but I cannot say how it concerns our Lord.”

“Show me this custom,” said Abba Jerome.

“I shall give you this rock,” said Abba Macarius, “for at Christmas people give things to each other.”

“So shall I give you this rock in return,” said Abba Jerome.

“Then they have a meal together,” said Abba Macarius, and in silence they ate their daily fragment of dry bread dipped in olive oil.

And so they celebrated Christmas.

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To appear at Crap Mariner’s 100 Word Story Challenge.