ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

One of Davidson’s own has published a book in time for Christmas.

Jody Seymour, retired United Methodist minister, who most recently served Davidson United Methodist Church, is the author of eight other books. His latest book, “Telling the Story: Eight Christmas Monologues and Poetry for Advent and Christmas” tells the story from the different perspectives of some of those who were there. Also, in the book are poems for Advent and Christmas.

Seymour remembers well that he used to get nervous about what to do at Christmas. He was confronted by the fact that he just couldn’t improve upon “the story.”

One year, when Christmas was going to be on a Sunday, he told his congregation, which was made up of mostly young adults and children, “Okay, I know what is going to happen next Sunday on Christmas. Santa Claus is going to win if you stay home. No matter what I’ve said all year, your actions will speak louder than my words if you don’t show up next Sunday. So, here’s the deal. I will provide doughnuts, bring the kids in the pajamas if you need to, and I will not preach a sermon. I’ll tell a story.”

Being a man of his word, that’s what he did. He told his first story and thus began his annual Christmas monologue. For example, one year, as the harried Innkeeper, he told the story of a very special, though busy, night when the Innkeeper could find no room. The book also introduces us to a bewildered yet hopeful Joseph, a shepherd who gave a meaningful gift, a man who was lost in Bethlehem on that blessed night, a potter who shared a gift shaped by love, a stargazer who was willing to risk a long journey, a census taker whose life was changed, and a frightened, angry Herod who wondered “what child is this?”

Seymour frequently expresses his faith journey in his poems, as well, and the ones that appear in the book are about Advent and Christmas.

“Over my years as a pastor, my people kept encouraging me to put my stories and poems into print, so here it is. The book offers a way to remember the story from different points of view.”

This could be just the perfect Christmas gift you’ve been looking for. It is from a master storyteller, or as Seymour puts it, “one who loves to tell the Story.” The book is available at Main Street Books in Davidson or at Wipf and Stock publishers or from Amazon.

Happy Reading!