Nativity: A Christmas Adventure

<h1>Nativity: A Christmas Adventure</h1> Choose Your Role Adventure #1 Copyright © 2017 M. Ryan Taylor Will you be a lamb, witnessing the angelic visit to the Shepherds? Will you choose to be an innkeeper's child, and play a role in finding shelter for a hapless couple about to have a child? Would you prefer to be a servant to the wise men following the star to find the Prince of Peace? Perhaps even a soldier of the dread king Herod, faced with a choice that could bless or haunt the remainder of your life? In this Choose Your Role Adventure, embrace the path of one of the spectators to one of the greatest events the world has ever known! Continue to page [[1]]

1 Choose your role in Nativity: A Christmas Adventure... I will be a Lamb, turn to [[2]] I will be an Innkeeper's Child, turn to [[3]] I will be a Servant, turn to [[4]] I will be a Soldier, turn to [[5]] <hr> Note: Although this book is a work of fiction based around historical events, I have tried to be true to the spirit of the scriptural account. Any artistic liberties mainly revolve around the timing of the wise men's journey, which was likely much later than is folkloricly portrayed here. I also borrow Henry Van Dyke's assumption that the wise men were magi from Persia; no one living really knows who they were for sure. Otherwise, I have tried to write around the events as they happen in the New Testament account. You may choose to be one of four witnesses to these events; your participation will not change the core of the story as we know it, but your choices will certainly affect the personal experiences of these four witnesses. Choose well!

2 It doesn't take a lamb of above average intelligence to realize that you're not treated the same as the other lambs. Your mother feeds your brother first, grooms him longer and is more protective of him. You're a couple of weeks old, but not much bigger than when you were born. The shepherds only look at you with sad eyes. Sometimes they stroke the brown birthmark on your otherwise perfectly white rump with a frown and then turn a smiling face on the other lambs that are starting to frolic on the grassy hillside. You try to frolic, but you only manage to limp a little. You feel weak all the time. Night falls again... You try to snuggle up for warmth. This only helps a little as your mother is curled up like a ball around your brother; you're left to push up against her bony back. You bleat a small, little bleat... The sky bursts above you with light as the glimmering host of stars seems to gather together and descend toward the hillside. You hear voices, more like the shepherds than like sheep, but so much more beautiful; they mingle in a music unlike any you've heard piped in the short two weeks of your life. All the sheep about you leap to their feet and begin to flee the disturbance. Shepherds arouse themselves and look about to see what has disturbed the flock. When their eyes alight on the glimmering hosts above they stand awestruck, but transfixed. You are torn between curiosity and fear. You follow the flock, turn to [[6]] You hold your ground and stay with the shepherds, turn to [[7]]

3 There is only one 'Inn of Bethlehem,' and you think to call it that borders on hyperbole. Your home does have one sizeable room where travelers are able to bed down on woven floor mats for the night and, in warm weather, there is a courtyard that serves folk better than sleeping on the road. While you might reach capacity near Passover and other times of pilgrimage, the 'Inn of Bethlehem' usually only plays host to one or two merchants passing through at any given time; modest folk that need a roof over their head and a bit of warm food for a single night. Hyperbole or no, your father does have a sign that lets passersby know that lodging is available for reasonable rates and, loving to cook, he does put on a good spread for his guests. Times are unusual though, with the census and taxation throwing the entire region into chaos; every inch of floor space, indoor and out, is littered with tired and weary travelers that have made the way back to their ancestral home of Bethlehem, all to meet the whims of Caesar and his lackey Herod. Your father's usual good cheer is as exhausted as your family's pantry. He hates turning anyone away, but there is simply no more room in the inn! Even though he took down his sign and the hour is very late, the door knocker still pounds at regular intervals. With each person he has to turn away, his mood darkens until he is becoming less than polite ... something you've never seen in him before. When the door knocker pounds one more time, close to midnight, he mumbles something under his breath, but doesn't go to answer it. Rise and answer the door yourself, turn to [[16]] Roll over and go to sleep (it has been a very long day), turn to [[17]]

4 The wise keep their own council, but their servants do the heavy lifting. You are all traveling west for some grand, mystical event foretold in murky past. Some of the other servants have speculated on the goal of the journey, but it seems to you that even the magi do not know precisely where you are going. After all, they keep looking to the sky with their strange instruments and writing in their journals about things they see that you obviously do not. The sky is the sky. The stars are numberless and strange; just when you think you've mapped them all, you discover a new star and all bets are off. After many weeks of stop-and-go wandering in harsh lands you come to the great city of Jerusalem. On your way in, you notice the abnormally large presence of soldiers in the city; many are dressed in the smart and lethal looking garb of the Romans, however, as you enter the palace grounds you see many local soldiers wearing a more ceremonial garb you find slightly ridiculous. The wise men enter the palace to consult the Judaic king, while you water the camels and bake in the open courtyard. One of these local soldiers approaches and you wonder if you are allowed to water the camels here in the courtyard. Why else would there be watering troughs? You're surprised when you are greeted by this man in your own tongue. Hail the soldier with an appropriate rejoinder, turn to [[29]] Pretend you don't hear and turn your back to the soldier, turn to [[30]]

5 You are pretty much hated by everyone. The people hate you because you've made a career of serving an Idumean king appointed by Rome. The zealots hate you because they think you should be using your sword to resist Rome rather than work alongside their forces. The Roman platoons hate you because you're not truly integrated into the Roman legions and they think of you as little more than a mercenary wearing a ridiculous ceremonial uniform that serves little practical purpose. You hate yourself, because all of these things are true. There are always exceptions to every rule. Your wife loves you and is grateful for the hard things you do to provide for your family. Your children adore you, because they're not old enough to know any different, but in time... Also, you and your fellow soldiers under the command of king Herod do more than tolerate each other; even though your role is mostly ceremonial, you do carry out business essential to the kingdom and have to work together. You experience some comradery among your 'brethren at arms.' On a day like any other, turn to [[55]]

6 You run away from the strange lights and music. After all, what if these things want to eat you up! Better safe than sorry. Usually you are quickly rounded up by the shepherds, but tonight you are left free to wander. The flock settles well out of sight of the strange disturbance. You begin to wonder about what is going on up there; you want to know more about those glowing folk and hear more of the their song. You also miss the feeling of safety you have with the shepherds around you, so you begin to travel back... Just as you begin to step away from the circle of white, a pack of wild dogs appears out of nowhere and harries the flock into a frenzy. It doesn't take long before they single out the smallest, slowest and most defenseless meal ... you are quickly dragged away and devoured. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

7 As you sidle up to one of the shepherds, you concentrate on the sounds the glowing folk are making. One of them comes forward and the others fall silent. He begins to speak, and you are surprised to find that you understand the ... the angel. Yes, this angel speaks about many things: tidings of great joy which will be to all people, that the Savior of the world is born, and that the shepherds are to go and visit the child and bear record that the Messiah is come. You don't know why, but you especially like the part the angel says about a last and lasting sacrifice. As you stand looking up at the angel from just below his feet, you realize that you never stopped sidling up at the shepherd, but just kept moving as if led by a soft, but strong, rope. The angel stops his speech, looks down at you and scoops you up in arms warm like fire, but cool as the bubbling brook the shepherds lead you to each day. The heat and the coolness seem to burrow into your heart and you feel different ... It takes you only a moment to realize this is what it feels like to be whole. You struggle to keep from leaping with joy, because you don't want to leave the angel's arms. Just then, the entire heavenly throng bursts into song, more glorious and beautiful than even before. Numberless hosts, clothed in light, join the scene, singing "Peace on earth. Goodwill to men." You recognize that the joy of the song is tinged with a sorrow you don't yet understand. In the midst of this chorus, the angel carefully places you in the arms of an aged shepherd... ...the kindest shepherd. As you look up, you see his eyes are glimmering with tears and wonder. Then, the angels are gone, and in the engulfing darkness it seems as though your wool glows a little... The shepherds murmur among themselves in excited tones, but you don't understand them any more than you did before. You wonder why you could understand the visiting angels, but not the men you have lived with your entire life, short as it has been. You don't have long to wonder before the old shepherd gently places you on the ground and begins a slow, but sure, march toward the little village the angels called The House of Bread. Follow him, turn to [[8]] Seek out the flock, rejoicing in your wholeness, turn to [[9]]

16 A man and a very, very pregnant woman are at the door. The man's eyes are frantic and you can see beads of sweat forming on the pained woman's brow. Before you can tell them there is no room for them here, the desperate man blurts out, "My wife is in labor and we need a place for her to bear the child. Please, can you help us?!" You can't think of any way to help them, but you don't think you can just shut the door in their faces either. You make your apologies, turn to [[18]] Pray for guidance, turn to [[19]]

17 It is not hard to follow your father's example. After all, what's the point in telling one more traveler that there's no room for them at the inn? Why torture yourself with the disappointed look on their face. Sleep comes easily. In the morning you learn that a couple took shelter in one of your neighbor's stable to give birth to a little boy. You wonder if this was the late night knocking on your door. If so, you missed a wonderful opportunity to be of service and get a good story to share in the process. There was also some ruckus with a group of shepherds in the middle of the night that chose last night, of all nights, to dance in the streets. The shepherds claim to have seen angels and left their flocks to come down and witness the birth of a Messiah. They've always seemed to be trustworthy folk, but many in the town intimate that they were drinking to celebrate the end of the lambing. You don't know what to believe. They must have been drunk, turn to [[27]] Go talk to the shepherds yourself, turn to [[28]]

29 "Peace be yours," you say, doubting the man has had or will likely have peace any time soon. He smiles at you and beckons you follow him into the shade of one of the many pillars about you. You are wary, but see that you have little choice in the current setting; you can't pretend the man doesn't exist, as you'd prefer. His command of your language is not impressive, but he does manage to get his main points across: A. He understands what it means to be a servant. You think this is a reference to his being a soldier, but you're not sure. B. Servants could always use more coin. C. Bring news of your journey. He points at the ground beneath your feet and then to himself. D. Silver for you, if you do. "Extra coin! Count me in!", turn to [[31]] Try and get more info from the soldier for your masters, turn to [[32]] Pretend you don't understand what he wants, turn to [[33]] Refuse in no uncertain terms, turn to [[34]]

30 You casually turn your back on the soldier and continue your work watering the camels. Unfortunately, the man is persistent and greets you again. Maybe you should pretend to be deaf? As you contemplate the possibility, and the likelihood of getting verbal orders from your masters directly in front of the soldier, a hand clamps down upon your shoulder and whirls you around. At this close distance you can see he is blind in his left eye, a milky white globe with tinges of yellow, and his wide grin reveals several missing teeth as he repeats his greeting to you a third time. You accidentally inhale, surprised at the sudden motion and the strength behind the arm; this affords you an ample whiff of garlic, cloves and something rancid on the man's breath. It didn't work, turn to [[29]]

55 You are stationed outside the audience chamber. A group of Persian magi arrives to consult with the king. Their visit causes some commotion inside, but you can't hear the matter of the conversation from where you are. The king's scholars and sages are summoned. There is more coming and going. Finally, the Persian magi leave with proper salutations and smiles as they leave the audience chamber. As soon as their backs are turned to the king their expressions turn nervous and worried as they make their way down the steps into the courtyard. That is not unusual for anyone exiting Herod's court, but you feel curious. Ask the inner guard about it when you get a chance, turn to [[57]]

8 You start after the kind-faced old shepherd, expecting to hobble all the way to the "House of Bread" in his wake, but the energy you gather for that first limp suddenly translates as a leap. You amble and dance about the shepherd with a joy so intense you hardly think you can stay contained in your own skin. As you make your way into the valley you itch with impatience and wonder why the shepherds don't move faster! You dance and circle around, catching them in smiling glances that you've never seen aimed at you before. You come to a cave... The familiar smells of sheep, oxen, and other animals pervades the air. There is also another sweet smell, something unlike anything you remember smelling before. It seems to be coming from a small pine box that a few people have gathered around. You are curious, but you don't know these people. You investigate the sweet smell, turn to [[12]] You nestle between the kind old shepherd's legs for safety, turn to [[13]]

9 You run, you leap, you frolic in the face of the dumbfounded flock who cannot understand the mysterious change that is evident in you. Your mother is still cold, but maybe a little less indifferent towards you than before. Luckily, you are eating grass now and start to grow at a healthier rate. You ponder the events of that night of lights every time you look up to see the stars above you. Then one day ... ...the shepherds give you to a man. He was making quite a fuss over your beautiful white wool; you frolicked with joy and made quite a show, noticing for the first time that your little brown birthmark was completely gone. Had you seen it since the angel held you? The man gave the shepherds some small things that glinted in the sun. As quick as you were, the shepherds easily corralled you, tied your legs and gave you to the man. The man is gentle, but he walks with you on his shoulders a very long way, farther than you've ever been, until you come at last to an overwhelmingly confusing place with many buildings close together and even more people. There is a lot of pushing and shoving, but the man steers carefully to ensure you are not bumped or bruised. It is easy to like him for this, even though you are scared. You approach a building, larger than most of the others and certainly more beautiful. With you still on his shoulders, the man takes you inside and walks slowly to a great stone slab. Other strange men surround you as he lays you down on the stone. They examine you and you begin to worry the man will leave you here with them. Struggle to get free, turn to [[10]] Try to stay calm, turn to [[11]]

12 You timidly approach the manger and smell fresh hay, and something else ... Peaking over the edge, you see a tiny man-child underneath a woolen blanket, wrapped tightly in linen. The sweet smell comes from this baby. You have this sudden urge to plant a little lamb kiss on the baby, just so you can get a better whiff of the intoxicating aroma, but you wonder what the people gathered about will do if it looks like you're trying to nibble on their little baby. You follow your instinct and plant a little lamb kiss on the baby, turn to [[14]] You nervously nibble on the hay, turn to [[15]]

13 The old shepherd watches the action from near the doorway of the cave; you feel that must be the best course of action as well. As you nestle up against his legs, he kneels down and pets your woolly head and back, bowing his head and wiping tears from the corners of his eyes. All too soon you find yourself being hoisted up and carried on strong shoulders back to the hills. You fall asleep and remember no more of that wondrous night. You never forget the angels and think on them each time you look up at the starry sky, wondering if at any time they might once again burst in on you with an update or more wondrous news. They never do. Then one day... ...the shepherds give you to a man. He was making quite a fuss over your beautiful white wool; you frolicked with joy and made quite a show, noticing for the first time that your little brown birthmark was completely gone. Had you seen it since the angel held you? The man gave the shepherds some small things that glinted in the sun. As quick as you were, the shepherds easily corralled you, tied your legs and gave you to the man. The man is gentle, but he walks with you on his shoulders a very long way, farther than you've ever been, until you come at last to an overwhelmingly confusing place with many buildings close together and even more people. There is a lot of pushing and shoving, but the man steers carefully to ensure you are not bumped or bruised. It is easy to like him for this, even though you are scared. You approach a building, larger than most of the others and certainly more beautiful. With you still on his shoulders, the man takes you inside and walks slowly to a great stone slab. Other strange men surround you as he lays you down on the stone. They examine you and you begin to worry the man will leave you here with them. Struggle to get free, turn to [[10]] Try to stay calm, turn to [[11]]

10 You kick against the ropes, but they hold fast. You writhe about, back and forth on the stone slab, but the ropes still hold fast. You wring your neck back and forth trying to see beyond the circle of men that surround you and as you do you see something on your rump. Were you mistaken about your birthmark fading? There it is, brown and splotchy, marking your otherwise perfectly white wool. The strange men surrounding you point at the mark and frown. Their voices grow angry and the man who brought you here stares wide eyed at your rump. He makes a sound that starts as a protest, but turns quickly into a sigh of resignation. He heaves you back onto his shoulders and carries you back to your home on the hillside. You live a long life bearing soft, glossy, beautiful white wool for your shepherds ... well, except for on that one little spot. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

11 Somehow you know what is coming, even though you never see the knife. You remember something the angel said about a 'last and lasting sacrifice' and are comforted to know that someday this kind of sacrifice will end. You are not sad, even though you feel your life draining from you; you have met your purpose. Your life is given in similitude of the Savior of the World, and suddenly you understand the sadness that mixed with the joy in that beautiful song the angels sang. All at once, the encroaching darkness is wiped away and you are held once again in shining arms that are as warm as the fireside and cool as the little bubbling brook you love so well. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

14 You're unable to resist the urge and plant a little kiss on the cheek of the man-child. You are rewarded immediately with three things. First, the baby gives a merry squeal and locks his eyes on yours; you are his. Second, you take a deep breath and find the aroma of the babe has attached itself to your nose and you feel an elation that goes far beyond the joy you felt at the angel's touch. Third, you glance up at the boy's parents, hoping they won't shoo you away; instead of the reward you feel you deserve, the woman smiles, a little tiredly, and reaches out to pat your pure white wool. You let out a merry bleat and the woman laughs, clutching her side... Before you know what is happening, the kind old shepherd lifts you up and places you in the woman's arms. Words ringing with kindness and love are exchanged. The shepherds leave, but do not take you with them. You hear their pipes strike up a merry dancing tune, but they grow quieter and quieter and soon you are asleep. There is a lot of travel for the next few years, but you don't mind. The time passes swiftly playing with the wonderful boy that lets you give him a little lamb kiss whenever the urge strikes you. He always rewards you with a squeal of joy or, as he grows, a merry laugh. When you finally settle down with the family in a little village by a beautiful lake, you slowly grow old as the favorite companion of the child. Each year you give your wool to the family and have joy in the giving. You feel it is nothing to offer your snowy wool to them each spring; it somehow reminds you of that first beautiful starry night when the angel chose to heal you. One day, as an ancient sheep of twelve years old, you lay your head down a final time to join the angels. They greet you with that beautiful song that changed your life and changed your fate. As you listen to the song you finally understand how blessed you have been to have been the lamb of the Lamb of God. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

15 You timidly chew a few strands of hay as the shepherds exchange greetings with the family of the little boy child. Soon the old shepherd gently lifts you and places you in the arms of the man. He arranges you with the other animals in the stable as the shepherds depart, raising their voices to the heavens and striking up a dancing tune on their pipes. Fatigue replaces the joy you've felt all evening and you fall quickly asleep. In the morning, the family is gone and you spend some days in the stable, being fed and watered by a man that is always smiling ... It is not until after your death that you learn that this merry soul gladly offered shelter in his family's private stable when there was no room for the little family to bare the boy-child in the overcrowded inn. The couple received you as gift from the shepherds, and in turn, you were left as a payment for the much needed lodging ... After a week, the jolly man gives you to a traveler that is leaving the inn. The traveler was making quite a fuss over your beautiful white wool; you frolicked with joy and made quite a show, noticing for the first time that your little brown birthmark was completely gone. Had you seen it since the angel held you? The man gave the innkeeper some small things that glinted in the sun. As quick as you were, the innkeeper took some time to corral you and tie your legs, handing you over to the traveler. The traveler is gentle, but he walks with you on his shoulders a very long way, farther than you've ever been, until you come at last to an overwhelmingly confusing place with many buildings close together and even more people. There is a lot of pushing and shoving, but the man steers carefully to ensure you are not bumped or bruised. It is easy to like him for this, even though you are scared. You approach a building, larger than most of the others and certainly more beautiful. With you still on his shoulders, the man takes you inside and walks slowly to a great stone slab. Other strange men surround you as he lays you down on the stone. They examine you and you begin to worry the man will leave you here with them. Struggle to get free, turn to 10 Try to stay calm, turn to 11

18 What can you do? There simply is not any room. You tell the man you are very sorry and then close the door. The last look you see on the woman's face breaks your heart in a way that you never really recover from... Over the years you often think of that beautiful young lady and wonder if you might have done anything differently or been of some help, but in your mind you always whisper back resolutely, "No, no, no, there wasn't any room." THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

19 You bow your head, squeeze close your eyes and desperately pray for some kind of guidance. A thought crosses your mind that you could go and ask the other guests if any of them would be willing to make way for this couple in need. You're sure your father would be against that; what if the guests took offense? You make your apologies, turn to [[18]] You're willing to risk your father's displeasure, turn to [[20]]

27 As travelers have always regaled you with tall tales of their travels when hungry for conversation, you've heard plenty of stories in your life. You've always been an eager listener as it gives you something to pass on when you have some time to gossip. In the past you've been fascinated by these accounts, but now, instead of taking travelers at their word, you begin to doubt every story you hear. In time, the shepherds become something of a joke between you and your friends, who now preface their stories with phrases like, "It must have been lambing season," or "I have a shepherd's tale for you tonight." You all think this is very funny, and in your efforts to outdo each other's story embellishments you begin to lose track of the heart of the original tales that were told to you. Years later, you begin to have difficulty sorting fact from fiction even in the tales that started out as events in your own life. It all seems like a dream to you. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

28 As you walk up into the hills you wonder why knowing about this so important to you. You can't understand how tracking down a group of almost complete strangers to hear a tale you've already heard will help you sleep any better at night. Still, you wonder if some of the village folk might have mixed up or misinterpreted part of the story. You must know. An internal debate occupies your mind so intently that it seems like the journey of several miles over rough terrain is over before it began. You face an old, gray shepherd with wrinkly, sun-spotted skin and a kind smile. You instantly trust him and can see that this is man who is a stranger to guile. "What ho, young one?" the shepherd greets you with an open palm. You take his hand as he guides you to a rock the height of a low stool and motions for you to sit down among his flock. Without asking why you are there, the shepherd begins as though he has said these words many times now, "It is all true ... the lambing done ... the peaceful hills sudden ablaze with light. Angels all about us, singing, 'Glory to God and peace on earth to men of good will.' The brightest of them came right down before me and picked up a little spotted and lame lamb we'd been so very worried about. He wasn't going to make it more than another few days the way things were going; his mother had rejected him. The angel places this little lamb in my arms, white as the driven snow, hale, whole and healthy as the best of any I've ever seen. 'Don't be afraid,' he says, 'I bare you news that will bring great joy to all the nations.' Then he tells us to go to the City of David to seek out a babe wrapped up in swaddles, lying in a manger, and witness the child that is born as a Savior, Christ the Lord, a last and lasting sacrifice. We went down to see the lovely child. He was there in the stable, lying in a manger, just as the angel told us. We gave him the lamb. Our hearts were so merry; we couldn't help but pipe and dance on our return home." Tears stream down the old man's face and you realize that your cheeks are wet as well. Your body feels alight with an inner flame and you know that the words of the shepherd are true. The Savior of the world is come! THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

20 You go to the room and rouse one guest at a time, explaining the situation, and asking if they might give up their place in the inn for this desperate looking couple, soon to be parents of a new baby. Most of the guests look at you as if you are crazy and roll over and go back to sleep. A few look genuinely concerned, but also fearful of giving up their spot to go trudging through the night to find a new place to stay; these at least apologize before saying, 'no.' Finally, a woman who looks like she has some experience behind her rises with you and says, "You don't want a place in here for a woman about to bear a child! Can you imagine giving birth in front of all these men? The humiliation might actually kill the poor girl, and then who would raise the tender babe? They need privacy, a place apart. Do you have a stable?" "What a ludicrous idea!", turn to [[18]] "Yes, of course we have a stable!", turn to [[22]] "I'd have to ask my father.", turn to [[23]]

22 You run to the door, willing to accept the consequences if your father is displeased. The frame is open and EMPTY!, but as you dash through the portal you see a flicker of movement down the road to the east (the last direction you would of have thought to start a search). You rush down the lane, full of hope, and YES!, it is the young couple. "Wait! Please wait!" you shout. The man turns round and looks at you with raised eyebrows, his face lined with anguish. "I think we may have a spot for you and your wife. This good woman gave me the idea," you gesture to the figure that has followed you out into the night, "and then it seemed so obvious. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting at the door, but there was really no room in the inn. Please, come with us." "We would have waited, but Mary's water broke," the man says to the woman you now realize must be an experienced midwife. As you make your way toward the back of your home he rambles on, "We couldn't go on, so I meant to find her some quiet corner in this alleyway. It didn't look well-used; I thought, 'at least we'd be away from the road.' We've traveled all the way from Nazareth. After we passed through Jerusalem her pains began. They've gotten closer and closer all day." Just then, the woman he named as Mary almost doubles over and the husband sweeps her up in his arms. "We're almost there," you say, a keen edge to your voice bordering on panic. You lead them to the stable, an adequate cave on the back of the property, and motion for them to enter. The husband rushes in as the midwife spreads a pile of straw across the dirt floor; she moves with a speed you wouldn't think possible of someone so old and looks at you pointedly, "Hot water and clean rags if you have them!" This IS an inn; of course you have hot water and towels. You hurry back to fetch the needed items. You rouse your father, turn to [[25]] You'll fill your father in later, turn to [[26]]

23 "Father," you say gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What now child!" he says with less annoyance than you expect. Maybe the cat nap has somewhat restored his spirits. "There is a very pregnant woman about to give birth on our doorstep," you say. "What on earth, child?" he says more excitedly and sitting bolt upright with wide eyes. "This kind lady among our guests suggested taking the couple to the stable," you say timidly. "Yes, yes! Of course! I'll take them there now," he says as he rises and begins toward the door. You are close at your father's side, but all you see is an empty frame when you reach the door... The couple has left! You took too long rousing the guests and never went back to reassure them you were trying to find a way to help them. Your father looks at you earnestly and says, "Go. Find them!" You rush out the door, but which way do you go? Take the road toward Jerusalem, turn to [[21]] Head west toward the village square, turn to [[24]]

21 You run along the road that would take you to Jerusalem if you followed it long enough. No one! The couple must have taken another path. Just as you're about to give up, you see a lone traveler round a bend in the road and rush out to greet a young man of the village who is returning late from a trip to the great city to sell his wares. You explain the situation and he speeds his pace, running quickly to his own door. He rouses his wife and after explaining things to her, she gathers her cloak about her runs out into the night. She rouses three of her neighbors and each of them at once rouses three more. Before you know what is happening your neighbors have organized a search that branches out through every street, nook and cranny in your quarter of the village. The young couple is quickly found and ushered to your stable, as it is still the best place anyone can think of for the mother, whose name you've learned is Mary, to birth her child. An experienced looking woman explodes from your little inn and orders you to bring her clean cloth and hot water, and village wives slowly begin to disperse and return to their homes, rubbing their eyes, yet chattering quietly over the excitement. Though tired, you feel compelled to obey the woman, turn to [[26]]

24 You wander the streets of Bethlehem for hours, hoping to find the couple, but have no luck. You later learn that they took shelter in someone else's stable and that there was some ruckus with a group of shepherds that chose this night, of all nights, to dance in the streets. The shepherds later claim to have seen angels and left their flocks to come down and witness the birth of a Messiah. They've always seemed to be trustworthy folk, but many in the town intimate that they were drinking to celebrate the end of the lambing. You don't know what to believe. You decide they must have been drunk, turn to [[27]] Go to talk to the shepherds yourself, turn to [[28]]

26 You decide you can fill in your father later. He can't be upset with you for offering these desperate people some aid. You quickly gather the towels and pour water kept close to boiling a few feet above the hearth into a basin. Using the towels to insulate your hands from the scalding vessel, you run back out into the night. Mary is laid back against her husband, her face a picture of agony. The midwife has tied up her skirts and kneels between Mary's knees, urging her to bear down. You rush to her side, averting your eyes from the mother's exposed legs, and place the basin and towels within reach of the busy midwife. You try to indicate to her that you are going to go now, but the midwife's eyes entreat you to stay, so you take up a position behind the husband where you're out of the way, but can help at a moment's notice. The next few moments seem to stretch out like hours, but the birth goes as smoothly as births usually go, and the babe is nestled in the arms of the new mother. The midwife uses the towels and water to clean the mother and child as best as she can. She asks you to fetch linen and a woolen blanket to swaddle the baby boy and wrap him up warmly. As she lays the child in a manger filled with straw, the mother Mary collapses into the arms of her husband and falls instantly asleep. The rest of the night seems like a strange dream. Shepherds from the hills enter the stable and tell a fantastical story of angels sending them to see the babe and bear witness to the birth of the Messiah. Their noise rouses both mother and child. The shepherds present the couple with a snowy, spotless lamb, not more than a couple of weeks old, and then head off into the night rejoicing and piping dance tunes. Normally you'd worry that they might rouse your guests and cause an upset at the inn, but tonight you feel the behavior strangely appropriate and hum along to the familiar tunes. The mother Mary looks kindly upon you, and the man you now know as Joseph expresses his deepest thanks for all you and the midwife have done. When you finally return to your hearth and lie down, your dreams are filled with the tales of angels singing, "Peace on earth, goodwill to men." THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

25 You stop to rouse your father and fill him in. He urges you to go gather the towels while he pours water kept close to boiling a few feet above the hearth into a basin. Any fear of reprimand dissipates as you take the items, side by side, out to the stable. Half way across the yard you hear the small cry of a baby. The child has come! Births are an everyday occurrence in a place like Bethlehem. You attribute the strange thrill you feel over hearing this first cry to the remarkable events surrounding the event, rather than the event itself. You and your father lay the items down in the cave retaining a respectful distance for the privacy of the new mother. The midwife shoos you out the entrance before returning to the human duet, now turned trio. You know they are in capable hands. You return to the inn with your father, tiptoe your way to your bed near the hearth, lie down and settle in for a well-earned rest. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

31 The soldier smiles as he walks away. A thrill of excitement runs up and down your body. You've never been truly appreciated as a servant; why not ply a little info for some extra coin? Suddenly you feel much more interested in the details of the continuing journey. Speak to your fellow servants, turn to [[42]] Keep your own council, turn to [[36]]

32 You hear yourself saying, "I can bring you news of our travels," but can hardly believe you'd be so foolhardy as to try and deceive a battle-hardened soldier. You wonder how this will all end. The palace guard once again says, "Coin?" and points to the ground at your feet. You nod and he walks away and into the palace. The time at the palace seems to last an eternity. You avoid looking at the soldier every time he passes, and he ignores you as well (now that he thinks you'll work as a spy for him). You feel uncomfortable in your skin and wish you could leave now. Finally, the audience with Herod is over and your masters return to the courtyard. You've never seen them look so anxious before; they've always appeared as a picture of confidence. The magi look shaken, casting furtive glances around and about, keeping their eyes down, not conversing with each other. Without a word, they motion for the caravan to pack up and head out. At your first opportunity you tell your masters of the exchange, turn to [[35]] You decide to work in secret and tell your masters of the exchange only if you have something to report, turn to [[36]]

33 You muster up a few words from a far eastern dialect you've picked up from merchants and traders in your youth, hold up your hands and say, "I don't understand you. Please leave me be." A look of surprise crosses the soldiers face. It is obvious that he didn't understand a word. He shakes his head and moves on. The time at the palace seems to last an eternity. You avoid looking at the soldier every time he passes, and he ignores you as well (now that he knows you cannot communicate). You feel a smug satisfaction in your deception, but wish you could leave now and never see the dangerous looking soldier again. Finally, the audience with Herod is over and your masters return to the courtyard. You've never seen them look so anxious before; they've always appeared as a picture of confidence. The magi look shaken, casting furtive glances around and about, keeping their eyes down, not conversing with each other. Without a word, they motion for the caravan to pack up and head out. You can't wait to tell your masters about the incident, turn to [[35]] It is best to just let the matter go, turn to [[36]]

34 "I would never betray my master's trust," you say simply. The soldier leers at you with an angry grimace, but then walks away from you. The time at the palace seems to last an eternity. You avoid looking at the soldier every time he passes, and he ignores you as well (now that he knows you are no traitor). You feel a small bit of pride in your heart, but wish you could leave now and never see the dangerous looking soldier again. Finally, the audience with Herod is over and your masters return to the courtyard. You've never seen them look so anxious before; they've always appeared as a picture of confidence. The magi look shaken, casting furtive glances around and about, keeping their eyes down, not conversing with each other. Without a word, they motion for the caravan to pack up and head out. You tell your masters of the incident as soon as possible, turn to [[35]]

42 While you have time, you make the rounds talking to your colleagues. You glean a little information here and there in idle gossip, but nothing truly useful. As you all tend the camels and check to secure the packs you notice that Jaron has been unusually quiet. Pull Jaron aside and ask what's wrong, turn to [[43]] Ignore Jaron, turn to [[36]]

36 The caravan moves out of Jerusalem and after a few miles of travel you are summoned by the magi. "You spoke with a soldier," one says. "Yes, master." "And the soldier offered you coin in exchange for information on our journey..." "But I didn't tell him anything. He only wanted to know where we had been on our way back through Jerusalem," you interject hurriedly. "AND you accepted his offer?" "Yes, but I was only going to feed him false information and see if I could get information for you, my masters!" "Then why didn't you come to us? Why did we have to hear about this exchange from one of your fellow servants?" You try to explain, but you soon can see that no protestation will wipe away the distrust your secrecy has planted in the hearts and minds of your masters. They pay you your wages and cut you loose from the caravan. You have no choice but to go back to Jerusalem lest you perish in the wilderness. Try to find work, turn to [[37]] Go back to the soldier and report, turn to [[38]]

35 As soon as you are out of sight of the city walls you make your way back from the head of caravan to find your masters. As you walk alongside their camels, you explain what transpired between you and the soldier. At first your master's expressions are guarded, but by the time you finish they are smiling. One of the magi speaks to you with great kindness, "Thank you for coming to us with this information and your willingness to be of service to our cause. You were seen conversing with a soldier by one of your fellow servants and we were afraid, based on what he reported to us, that we would have to send you on your own way. Our trust is restored." The magi take you into their confidence and explain their mission more fully. Suddenly you realize the reason Herod would go to such lengths to discover your mission and get news of your travels. Continue to Bethlehem, turn to [[39]]

39 The journey to Bethlehem is short from Jerusalem compared to your travels from the east. The wise men seem guided partly by something they see in the stars and partly by some strange intuition that you do not understand. When your entire caravan's pomp stops at an unremarkable inn, you watch in surprise as the magi eagerly descend from their mounts and rush behind the lowly hostel to an even lowlier stable. They stop and stand in awe in the doorway. One of them beckons to you and whispers in your ear, "Bring the gold." You return to his camel and retrieve a small chest, running back to the magi and handing him the treasure. "Stay close and see!" he says in a hushed tone as he begins to enter the cave. You obey. What you witness that night is unlike anything you've ever seen. The kingly magi kneel before a mother with a tender babe. Each in turn bows low, planting a kiss on each of the feet of the child; then presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh are gifted to the family. You stand beside your master, turn to [[40]] You fall down to worship the baby yourself, turn to [[41]]

37 It is a hard life for you in Jerusalem. You're not accepted by the locals, and as you are not a roman citizen, you can only find employ in the most menial of tasks. In time you learn more of the local languages and find work helping the traders with their negotiations. You never get to see what it was the wise men were looking for, and you never hear of them again, but at least you can say you were never a traitor. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

38 The soldier is none too pleased to see you so soon, without your caravan. He interrogates you for hours, gleaning details as best as you can make him understand. When he is convinced you have nothing more to tell of note, he beckons for you to leave. You ask for the coins you were promised; you'll need them to survive in this strange place. A spurious smile plays across his face, contorting his features into something frightening, but you hold your ground and try to look unafraid; you've dealt with desert traders before. He pulls loose his purse and shakes out a few coins into his hand. Coming to your side he puts his palm out in front of you. The amount is small, but anything is going to be needed to tide you over until you find employment. Your hand freezes on the coins as you feel the soldier's dagger slide into your back and stop your heart. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

40 You stand frozen in awe beside your masters as strange thoughts and feelings creep over you, "This is right! All is well! Peace on earth to men of goodwill." You don't know where the words come from, but they seem to attach themselves to your very bones; you maintain a testimony of the child's mission of peace and reconciliation throughout your life. Even more, you find you rejoice in telling this story to anyone who will listen, and so you do. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

41 A strange and wonderful feeling engulfs you as you too fall down to the earth, drawn to the baby, thinking, "This is right! All is well! Peace on earth to men of goodwill." A vision opens in your mind... The babe will grow in wisdom and knowledge to surpass even that of your masters. He will live a life devoted to the service of mankind, but will suffer much because his devotion to the truth will open men's minds to their greatest weaknesses, even as he calls on them to be their best selves. You see that he is to be crucified as a martyr for speaking the words of life, but that his mission will not end there. He rises up, spirit and body reunited in perfection, immortal and whole. By his sacrifice and resurrection he opens the door for all to share in his resurrection and invites the nations to be reconciled with God, their Father... As the vision closes, you look up into the eyes of the young maid who smiles knowingly at you. Has she seen the same vision that now replays in your ecstatic mind? You can see a depth of understanding in her you would not normally ascribe to anyone so young, but what less would you expect from the mother of the Son of God? As you leave to go back to your own country and testify of the things you have all seen, you learn your masters too have had visions and dreams. They order the caravan to take a long and circuitous route around Jerusalem. You are never to come to Israel again, but are glad to have glimpsed the salvation of mankind and quick to tell the story of your wondrous journey and the hope that was born in Bethlehem. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

43 Once you're out of earshot of the other servants you ask Jaron, "What is the matter my friend?" "Since when were we friends?" Jaron manages to cross sullenness with disdain in an almost comical fashion. "I just noticed you weren't sharing in the conversation. That's not like you." Jaron spits his next word out so forcefully that you can feel flecks of moisture spraying across your face, "I SAW you go off with that soldier into the alcove. I HEARD you plot to betray our master's mission!" Confess, turn to [[44]] Dissemble, turn to [[45]]

44 "It's true," you say, "I intended to get more information out of the soldier and report it to our masters, but he just walked away." "Why then are you suddenly interested in talking to the rest of us? You've always ignored everyone else before now," Jaron speaks defiantly. "You're right, but I thought if others are interested in our journey, maybe there is something to this quest of the magi. It made me curious," you say simply. "You're a poor liar," he says as he walks off and joins the other servants and begins to whisper to them. They all look at you with surprise and sudden suspicion. It would be pointless to protest further, turn to [[36]]

45 "You don't know what you heard Jaron," you say calmly. You're surprised how easily the lie slips off your lips, "I was mocking him! Don't you know sarcasm when you hear it? The soldier obviously understood; he walked away from me immediately." "I don't know," Jaron says slowly. "Did you hear me arrange to meet with him? A time? A place? What kind of fool offers information and then doesn't make sure he has a way to collect?" "You're right, I hadn't thought of that," Jaron says with obvious relief, "You don't know how I dreaded going before the magi with this..." "I understand Jaron," you say, "I'd have hated to be in that position myself," you continue, though you think inwardly how much you'd relish turning Jaron in with similar news. The journey continues, turn to [[46]]

46 The caravan moves out of Jerusalem and in time you come to a hamlet the locals call "The House of Bread." You are not impressed. The magi stop the caravan at a local inn, not much more than a hostel. Some kind of business is conducted out back, of which you are not invited to be privy to. You ask Jaron what has happened and he responds, "There was a little family with a newborn babe in the stable. The magi gave them gifts." You wonder at the significance of this. Strangely, the magi change the course of your route back home. They intend to go south through Idumea and around the Dead Sea before heading east to Persia, so it looks like you might never have the opportunity to report back on your unremarkable journey to the soldier of Jerusalem. Stay with the caravan, turn to [[47]] Leave the caravan and go back to Jerusalem to report, turn to [[48]]

47 You never know what to believe about the journey you were once a part of. So many wild rumors and stories float about the caravan folk. When you are asked about it, as you often are, you are neither able to confirm or deny that a miracle took place, but have no compunction against giving your opinion, which was and is, "Probably not." THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

48 You steal away from the caravan in the early morning hours and head as quick as you are able in the dim light back toward Jerusalem. On the way you reach a fork in the road that you don't remember. You see far away the outlines of men on one of the paths. Ask the men for directions, turn to [[49]] Find your own way, turn to [[50]]

49 You approach the men with the intent on asking them how to best make time to Jerusalem. As you near them you hear a step on the pebble behind you and a hand clamps down hard over your mouth. You realize you have fallen in among murderers and thieves as you feel a cold object drawn across your throat. Your last thought is, "I should have stayed with the caravan." THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

50 You hide until the shadows recede and wander until you find some other pilgrims to follow ... at a discreet distance. Luckily, they lead you back to Jerusalem and you are able to make your way to the palace of the king. The soldier brings you before Herod and a man that turns out to be a more apt translator than the soldier could ever be. You tell them everything you know, and though Herod is displeased that you came back without the magi, he seems more than gratified to have the location of the little family confirmed as living behind the little inn of Bethlehem. Herod offers you a bag of silver, enough to set you up well in Jerusalem, if you become his servant and lead his men to the family in the stable. Accept, turn to [[51]] Refuse, turn to [[52]]

51 Servant to a king is a step up from servant to a group of eccentric magi. Of course you accept. You do, however, wonder what these people have done to arouse the interest of such a powerful man: perhaps sedition? Perhaps they are spies and had information for the magi to take back to Persia? You and your translator lead a small group of hand-picked soldiers back the way you came to Bethlehem. When you arrive there is no trace of the family lodged in the stable. You ask the innkeeper, but he says they left before he had a chance to feed them breakfast. He adds, "They left a little baby lamb as payment for their lodging, far more than I'd have asked for, so I have no complaints. Good folk." You travel around the village, accosting the locals, trying to get some information on which direction the family went. You hear all kinds of crazy stories about the shepherds from the hills and the wise men (these you know are at least partially true), but no one seems to have seen them leave. Return to Herod, turn to [[53]] Cut your losses, turn to [[54]]

52 Herod strikes you as a cruel man. You remember how visibly shaken the magi were when they left the palace. Why hadn't you thought about that again, until now? As much as you are afraid of his reaction, you feel you have no choice but to refuse him. How could you do as he asks? What has this little family done? Instead of raging, Herod has the soldier pay you thirty pieces of silver and escort you from the palace. He warns you not to return and draws a finger across his throat. You get the message. You search out a small community of Persian traders that make Jerusalem their home. Hoping you can ply your silver well and outfit your own caravan as a merchant, you begin to make plans. Not many days later, you hear several men speaking in hushed tones about the 'butcher of Bethlehem' and spitting curses. When you ask what they are talking about they explain, "Herod has this crazy belief about a chosen king, prophesied to overthrow him. Somehow he got it in his mind that the king had been born recently in a small hamlet not far from here. To prevent the prophecy from coming about, Herod has slaughtered all the boy children of Bethlehem." You are dumbstruck and wracked with a terrible guilt that threatens to consume your sanity. You commit yourself to overthrow this tyrant and join a group of Jewish zealots that are planning a revolt in response to the atrocities that took place in Bethlehem. On the night you gather to march on the palace, swords in hand, the combined forces of Herod and the Roman garrison surround the resistance hideout. You have been discovered! Herod's soldiers set fire to the building as the Roman troops stand ready with sword, spear and arrow to cut down anyone who should choose to flee. You conclude that someone's loose tongue has tied you all to a final choice: do you choose to perish by blade or by flame? THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

53 You return to Herod empty handed. He rages. You beg for mercy and another chance, bowing low before him. Because of this you never see him draw his sword or remove your head. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

54 You part ways with the soldiers and search out a small community of Persian traders that make Jerusalem their home. Hoping you can ply your silver well and outfit your own caravan as a merchant, you begin to make plans. Not many days later, you hear several men speaking in hushed tones about the 'butcher of Bethlehem' and spitting curses. When you ask what they are talking about they explain, "Herod has this crazy belief about a chosen king, prophesied to overthrow him. Somehow he got it in his mind that the king had been born recently in a small hamlet not far from here. To prevent the prophecy from coming about, Herod has slaughtered all the boy children of Bethlehem." You are dumbstruck and wracked with a terrible guilt that threatens to consume your sanity. Your soul is in such anguish you forget all your plans, throw your silver to the beggars and walk out into the wilderness to die. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

57 You learn that the magi came looking for a child, born king of the Jews. Herod consulted his wise men and scholars on the matter and found that the child in question was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem. He sent the Persians away with the entreaty to return and let him know where they find the child ... that Herod might come and worship him as well. You and the other guards are pretty sure that Herod wishes to find the child for reasons other than worship. He has killed members of his household with nothing more than rumor and suspicion as justifications. You're not sure you believe in these prophecies of a Messiah any more than you believe Herod has a benevolent heart, but you pity any child that is pinned as the subject of such a prophecy ... him, and his family. A few days later, turn to [[56]]

56 A few days later the entire garrison is gathered in the courtyard in the late evening. Your captain addresses you, "I have called you together to face a threat to our nation's security. We will leave for Bethlehem immediately to address this concern. Given the favorable road conditions and good weather, we will arrive shortly after midnight. Make preparations to march as quickly as possible and report back within ten minutes." You barely have time to grab and fill a water skin before you're back with the guard and marching to Bethlehem. Along the way, you wonder what kind of mission would require the entire palace guard, one hundred soldiers strong. Surely this is not a response to that silliness about a new king being born in Bethlehem? Why so many soldiers to arrest one family? Bethlehem is a small town, especially compared to its mighty neighbor of Jerusalem. The distance is only is only 6 miles as the crow flies, so you reach the outskirts of Bethlehem only three hours into your march. You've met no one on the road. The captain stops the slow-moving procession and makes his orders clear, "You are to divide into groups of two, surrounding the village. You will work your way inward toward the square. Enter each and every home; search every crevice, shack, barn, stable, cubby and pantry." One of the soldiers asks, "What are we searching for, sir?" "Male children, age two and younger." There is a silence so profound you think you might be able to hear the heartbeat of the entire platoon thrumming in a horrid unison. "What are we to do with them, sir?" The same soldier asks with not a little bit of incredulity creeping into his tone. "Kill them." Do your duty, turn to [[58]] You know you cannot kill innocent children, turn to [[59]]

58 It is a night of horrors that you will never forget, but try to with every drink at the tavern in the coming years. You don't know how you live with yourself. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

59 Three possible courses of action spring into your mind. Stand back and let the others do the grisly work, turn to [[60]] Look for an opportunity to secretly resist, turn to [[61]] Openly protest, turn to [[62]]

60 You don't see how you can save these innocents, but you cannot put them to the sword yourself. The soldiers are efficient in moving inward from the outskirts of the village. You move with them, but stand back as a silent witness to the horrors of the evening, not executing the children by your own hand, but not allowing the innocent to escape and go free. When it is all over, you feel as though you had personally murdered each and every one of those children. Over the course of the next thirty something years, you grow old, but never rise above the station you occupied the night that haunts your waking dreams and tosses you in the hours before dawn. Your wife is dead. Your children have disowned you. Herod's son now reigns as a tetrarch, with the blessing of the Roman occupiers. As the Passover once again approaches, a rabbi from Nazareth causes an uproar in city that seems will tear the city apart. You don't follow politics, you just follow orders, so when this man is sentenced to be crucified and you are sent as part of a detail to witness and report back to Herod Antipas, you go. Golgotha is a horrid place, and like all places stained with the blood of execution, it brings back the waking nightmares and the terrible guilt you've born in silence all these years. As the rabbi is hoisted between two thieves the long day begins. You ignore the proceedings as best as you can, watching the Romans as they part and cast lots over his robes. Then something happens that you cannot ignore; the rabbi cries out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." You've never heard anything like it, never heard OF anything like it; complete forgiveness in the face of certain death. It almost stops your heart as you wonder how such a thing can really be in a world filled with venom and hate. As the man dies, the heavens groan with wind, lightning and thunder. One of the Romans, a centurion, proclaims loudly, "Surely, this man was the Son of God." The centurion's words stick in your mind and dig deeper and deeper in your heart over the course of the next few days. When you hear that the body of the rabbi has disappeared from his tomb, you wonder, "Could the man really have been the Son of God?" Seek out the man's friends, turn to [[74]] The centurion is deranged, turn to [[75]]

61 You go with the soldiers to surround Bethlehem, all the time trying to think of some way to circumvent the massacre that is about to occur. There are not enough soldiers to stay in groups of two and cover the entire perimeter of the village. You signal to your partner that you will branch out to cover the gap and wonder if this will afford you the opportunity you hope for. As you work your way into the village, you are separated completely from your compatriot by the buildings, barns, shacks and stables, coming in and out of view of each other. The horrors begin and your partner is completely immersed in his task. Your stomach turns, but you vow to yourself that you will save at least one life this night. Your chance comes at a small house about a quarter ways in to the village. You are thankful, because much further in and there would be no gap in your lines. A young mother and her child hide in a corner of the pantry, terrified by the screams, cries, and sobs that punctuate the night. She looks on you with wide eyes, ready to defend her child to the death. Two courses of action present themselves to your mind... Offer to hide the child yourself, turn to [[63]] Tell the mother to flee, and guard her retreat, turn to [[64]]

62 The captain looks at you with sympathy, but says, "Herod gave orders to kill any soldier who protests these orders. I will give you one opportunity to recant your protest. I am bending my orders by doing so." Fall in line, turn to [[58]] Stand back and let the others do the grisly work, turn to [[60]] Stand your ground, turn to [[80]]

74 It takes time, as no one trusts you. You are still as hated, if not more so, than when you first took up your post, but, eventually one of the rabbi's disciples agrees to meet with you. He tells you a story you can hardly fathom, of Jesus the Christ rising from the dead, appearing to his disciples, teaching his apostles and commissioning them to go unto all the world to preach baptism and repentance to all the nations. There is much, much more, but your head is swimming between your desire to embrace this redemption and your common sense. This is all too fantastical, turn to [[76]] Accept their testimony, turn to [[77]]

75 Yes, the man forgave you, even as you watched him dying on the cross, but that doesn't mean he was divine. That men could be the sons of gods sounds particularly like a Roman derangement. You return to your work and wait for death to take you as it surely will someday. It is the only peace you can hope for. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

63 "Give the child to me," you say in hushed tone. The mother hesitates, but can see from your demeanor you intend no harm to her son. "I will hide him. He will be safe." You take the child and run to the edge of the village, intending to find some hiding place to stow the sleeping boy for a few short hours. As you see a cluster of rocks and bushes that would work perfectly, you hear a gut-wrenching scream from the direction of the mother's small home. Not a baby, but a woman. You know better than to return. One of the soldiers must have seen you take the child. You run into the night, as fast as your legs will carry you. Clutching the baby to your body, you don't stop running until morning comes and then find a crevice to hide in until noon. Fortunately you have some flatbread you can feed the boy, but you have to make a decision soon. Should you... Adopt the child, turn to [[65]] Find the child's family, turn to [[66]]

64 "Listen to me!," you shout in a whisper that you know will get her attention, but not reach beyond the walls of the home. "Unless you want your boy to die this night you will follow my instructions exactly!" The girl nods at you, so you continue, "I will go out first and look about. If the way is clear I will sheathe my sword. You will hear the scrape. That is your signal to come to the doorway. If the way is still clear, I will draw my sword. You will hear this as well. Stay low to the ground and move as fast as you can away from the center of the village. Do you know the area well?" The girl nods again. "Stick to the shadows," you say, "Go quietly. Don't hurry. Do you have family elsewhere?" She nods a third time. "Head out of the village and never come back! I mean never!" Luckily for the both of you, the girl is lithe and quiet. She follows your instructions to the letter and you hope to never see her again. When you rendezvous with your partner on the next street, he looks at you suspiciously, but says nothing. You feel blessed to not run into any more young mothers that night, but hear the screams echoing in the streets as you make your way to the town square. The night is full of horrors, but your act of compassion shields you from the complete devastation that would have wracked your soul had you done nothing. ******* The next day you are summoned to stand before your captain and commander. "You went against a direct order and broke ranks last night," he says. You are determined not to give anything away, so you say, "There were not enough of us to cover the entire perimeter, it was necessary to close the gap." "Your partner believes, as do I, that you had other reasons for moving out of formation. Did you help someone escape last night?" You try to lie your way out, turn to [[81]] You boldly confront and call your commander out, turn to [[82]] You run, turn to [[83]]

80 "I cannot slay innocent children," you say with resignation. The captain frowns, but still motions for your cohorts to hold you as he draws his sword and ends your mortal life. You expect darkness, but instead... You see a light, turn to [[67]]

65 There is no going back to find the child's family. After your disappearance a guard would be posted in the village and look for your return. It was foolish to try and hide the child. You feel it is your fault the mother perished. There is no choice but to take the child as your own. Gather your family in Jerusalem and flee to Greece, turn to [[70]] Flee directly to Greece, turn to [[71]]

66 You make your way back to Bethlehem, hoping that there will be someone who can tell you where you can find the child's family. You enter the village, but no one will talk to you. Everyone is devastated by the events of the previous evening and fear is etched on every face as they see you approach. Evidence of the night's grisly happenings is everywhere. Eventually, one of the men of the village approaches you and brings you into his home. He feeds you and the child, but says he does not know where the boy's family might be. Suddenly, two soldiers burst into the hut. Your host bows his head in shame and says, "They threatened to kill anyone who helped or hid you." Your former compatriots drag you back to Jerusalem and throw you into the prison you have at times been called to guard. You know there is no way out. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

81 "I was merely being efficient, sir." The commander nods and dismisses you. He has no hard proof. You know you won't advance, but feel good about making a difference in the life of one family. Over the course of the next thirty something years, you grow old, never rising in rank. It doesn't matter to you, as you don't envy the moral dilemmas presented by command. You occasionally have nightmares about the night in Bethlehem and wonder if you could have done more. Your wife is dead. Your children have disowned you as a servant of the ruling family. Herod's son now reigns as a tetrarch, with the blessing of the Roman occupiers. As the Passover once again approaches, a rabbi from Nazareth causes an uproar in city that seems will tear the city apart. You don't follow politics, you just follow orders, so when this man is sentenced to be crucified and you are sent as part of a detail to witness and report back to Herod Antipas, you go. Golgotha is a horrid place, like all places stained with the blood of execution. As the rabbi is hoisted between two thieves the long day begins. You ignore the proceedings as best as you can, watching the Romans as they part and cast lots over his robes. Then something happens that you cannot ignore; the rabbi cries out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." You've never heard anything like it, never heard OF anything like it; complete forgiveness in the face of certain death. It almost stops your heart as you wonder how such a thing can really be in a world filled with venom and hate. As the man dies, the heavens groan with wind, lightning and thunder. One of the Romans, a centurion, proclaims loudly, "Surely, this man was the Son of God." The centurion's words stick in your mind and dig deeper and deeper in your heart over the course of the next few days. When you hear that the body of the rabbi has disappeared from his tomb, you wonder, "Could the man really have been the Son of God?" The centurion is deranged, turn to [[75]] Seek out the man's friends, turn to [[74]]

82 You don't know what compels you, but you blurt out, "Yes, sir! And proud to have done so!" You're surprised by the smile that creeps over your captain's face. "Speak of this to no one else," he says, dismissing you with a wave of his hand. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

83 You've been found out, and you know what will happen to you if this news reaches Herod. It will not be a quick death. You bolt. Unfortunately, you don't make it past the courtyard. As your body is pierced over and over by arrows from the upper battlements you expect to be encompassed in darkness. Instead, you see a light. You walk toward the bright being that holds high a hand in greeting. The angel smiles warmly and spreads wide arms as if to embrace you, "You have lived by the sword, but have died rather than slay an innocent child. Would you be redeemed of the blood upon your hem?" Bewildered, you look down to see the hem of your robe dripping with scarlet and are unable to turn your face back to the angel, ashamed. You feel the angel enfold you in arms warm as a bonfire, yet cool as snow. The next thing you know you are looking at a man, a woman and child huddled together in the makeshift camp beneath the limbs of a desolate tree where a lamb and a donkey are also tethered. Waves of light pulse out steadily into the darkness like a mighty heartbeat, barely contained in the small, fragile frame of the child who is being nursed by the mother. The angel cries in a loud voice, "Have faith on the Lamb of God; He who will be slain for the sins of the world, In Him all the nations shall be blessed, for by His power all mankind will be brought once again to stand before the throne of God. Have faith on His name, that He may claim you as His own and rest with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven." "Who is this Lamb of God? What shall I call Him that he might claim my soul from the long night?" "He is born in the House of David, Jesus the Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father. Even now, his guardians flee the wrath of Herod as they make their way to Egypt. I am sent to guard their journey, and if you would know him better, you may join me." "I will go with you.", turn to [[84]] "I am tired and wish to rest.", turn to [[69]]

70 You take a long route back to Jerusalem to gather your family. You know they will be watched, but if you can get them a message with instructions on where to meet you outside the city you might be able to get away. A caravan entering Jerusalem provides you with the opportunity to bribe a merchant into delivering your message. As you make your way to the appointed meeting place the next day, your body is peppered with arrows from a nearby rooftop. Either the merchant was greedy or your family was being watched much more closely than you imagined. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

71 It is too risky to try and go back to Jerusalem for your family at the present; you would only get yourself and possibly them killed. Greece has some Jewish settlements, is far from Herod and is more politically neutral than Rome where Herod has some influence. This means an ocean voyage, but you can offer to work as a ship hand to pay for your passage. In time you can send for your family. It is a good plan and works well. You decide to call the boy Joshua, and treat him as your own, working your way across the Mediterranean Sea in short bursts. Your first leg lands you in Cypress and the last in Athens. You send word to your family about where you are, but it takes years to raise the money to bring them to you. In the end it is worth it. Your wife and children make no distinction that your youngest, Joshua, was not born to the family. You've escaped Herod's wrath. You're no longer a sword for hire, but respected businessman in the Jewish community of Athens. Many years later, turn to [[85]]

85 Many years later, as a very old man, you hear a former Pharisee named Paul preaching in the synagogue. You are intrigued by his ability to attract the attention of both Jew and Greek. One day you follow him to Mars' hill to address the Epicureans and the Stoics. He speaks of what the Greeks call "The Unknown God," declaring him the creator of all things, that he made all men of the nations one blood and that we are all his children. Then he speaks of a resurrection of the dead, which upsets the Greeks, but touches your heart. You seek an opportunity to ask him more about this, and he teaches you about a Savior that is able to redeem all nations, kindreds, tongues and people. This Jesus, called Christ, was crucified for our sins, laid in a tomb and then raised on the third day. You've seen much in this life, and wonder why you should believe him, but your heart is drawn to Paul's testimony. Accept Paul's testimony, turn to [[72]] You've seen too much cruelty to believe redemption could be offered to all mankind, turn to [[73]]

76 If the disciple had just told you about the man's message without all this fantastical nonsense; you cannot believe ... even if you want to. You return to your work and wait for death to take you as it surely will someday. It is the only peace you can hope for. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

77 You feel afire with the message as it burns a bright light in the center of your heart. You rejoice in the testimony of the disciple. He invites you to meet with others. You attend their worship, held in secret within the homes of members of the church of the Lamb of God. They teach you things that open up ideas you once thought were impenetrable mysteries. In time, they invite you to be baptized and you accept. The nightmares that have plagued your life recede into the background. You resign your commission and retire from public service. You feel compelled to tell others about the wondrous change that has occurred in your heart. You even approach your estranged children, but they are hesitant to rekindle a long cold relationship and doubt you can maintain the changes in your life. The disciple who first agreed to meet with you becomes a dear friend. He is called by the apostles to go on a mission to the gentiles. He asks you to go with him. Accept a call as a missionary, turn to [[78]] You feel too old for travel, turn to [[79]]

78 You do not think you have long to live in this world, but you cannot refuse the man who led you to the Savior, His teachings and His redemption. Not everyone is excited about the message you bear and in your travels you are whipped and beaten ... even stoned and left for dead. However, you are determined to continue in your quest to share the message of faith and baptism for the remission of sins as long as you are able ... you have never been happier. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

79 You do not think you have long to live in this world, and you are loathe to leave Jerusalem as you are still estranged from your children. You continue to try to build a relationship of trust with them, but nothing seems to work and you are never able to get them to accept your sincere repentance or that the Savior of the world died and was resurrected to save lost souls such as yourself. After some time, a certain Pharisee named Saul rises to prominence in Jerusalem and leads a series of persecutions against the church of the Lamb of God. As a result, you and many others are rounded up and stoned to death. Your parting thought to mortality echoes the words that changed your life, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

67 You walk toward the brightness and see a being of light hold a hand high in greeting. The angel wears a sad smile that seems to speak, "You did your best, only ..." You wonder what you could have done more and as you think it, the angel speaks, "You have lived by the sword. You have died by the sword. Yet, you would have spared the innocents of the House of Bread had it been in your power. Would you be redeemed of the blood upon your hem?" Bewildered, you look down to see the hem of your robe dripping with scarlet and are unable to turn your face back to the angel, ashamed. You somehow manage to say, "What can I do?", turn to [[68]] "I am fit for naught but Sheol.", turn to [[69]]

84 "Come," he says simply. Although you are not any real help to the angelic being, you are privileged to witness as the child grows in wisdom and knowledge. His life is devoted to the service of his fellow man. He suffers much because his devotion to the truth; it opens men's minds to their greatest weaknesses, even as he calls on them to be their best selves. You watch as he is crucified a martyr for speaking the words of life, but his mission does not end there. You watch as his spirit descends to Sheol and the spirits of the dead rejoice to hear the words of life and salvation preached to them. After three days, he rises up, spirit and body reunited in perfection, immortal and whole. By his sacrifice and resurrection he opens the door for all to share in his resurrection and invites the nations to be reconciled with God, their Father ... and you, along with them. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

69 "Sheol is here," the angel says as he spreads wide his arms to indicate the earth on which you still stand. Suddenly the angel's brightness seems to stun you and you stumble away from the mighty being. Nothing has changed in the angel, but you no longer can stand in his presence. You quickly realize you are not alone, surrounded by shades like yourself as well as darker forms that stay well clear of the angel's presence. One of these darker forms suddenly rushes at the mother and child, screaming with fury and hate. You are sure it intends harm, but it is no use ... as the form gets closer to the great brightness it seems to let off steam, deflating, slowing, stumbling and then falling prone to the ground, helpless to even stand up before the angel. You wander Sheol for what feels like ages, speaking to the other shades that cross your path, steering clear of the darker forms that flee the light of angels. As the years pass, a growing murmur is whispered among the dead, "Redemption will come. Redemption will come." THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

72 In your old age, you are baptized for the remission of sins and your family along with you. You die of natural causes not long thereafter and find you wish you could tell your son Joshua of the connections you then discover between him and that other Child of Bethlehem, the prophesied Redeemer of all mankind. The time will come when you will be able to tell him. The time will come when he will be reunited with the mother that gave him birth. The time will come when all the families of the earth will see that they are one blood, children of the almighty and have the opportunity to accept the saving grace of the Holy One of Israel. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

73 Your mind races with questions ... A universal redemption from death? A redemption from sin for all who would call on the name of this Redeemer? What of Herod? What of justice? Should the just rise with the unjust? What of all those who die never having heard of this Redeemer? What of the children slaughtered in Bethlehem? No you can't think of it. Upon your death, you find that all these questions have answers and that you could have had them if you'd laid aside your pride and asked. What a blessing the answers could have been for your family. THE END <hr> Get your fingers in the pages of this adventure with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2D26aHS" target="_blank">hard copy of the book</a> on Amazon. 30 possible endings! Merry Christmas!

68 The angel cries in a loud voice, "Have faith on the Lamb of God; He who will be slain for the sins of the world, In Him all the nations shall be blessed, for by His power all mankind will be brought once again to stand before the throne of God. Have faith on His name, that He may claim you as His own and rest with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven." "Who is this Lamb of God? What shall I call Him that he might claim my soul from the long night?" "He is born in the House of David, Jesus the Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father. Even now, his guardians flee the wrath of Herod as they make their way to Egypt. I am sent to guard their journey, and if you would know him better, you may join me." He motions his arm toward a small family. You hadn't noticed them, or the wilderness surrounding you all, as you were blinded by the angel's mighty brightness. As he stands aside you see a man, a woman and child huddled together in the makeshift camp beneath the limbs of a desolate tree where a lamb and a donkey are also tethered. Waves of light pulse out steadily into the darkness like a mighty heartbeat, barely contained in the small, fragile frame of the child who is being nursed by the mother. "Please, I will come with you.", turn to [[84]] "I am not worthy, let me go to my rest.", turn to [[69]]