Twice Loved at Armageddon

Twice Loved at Armageddon, Part XVI

In the coming months, Scott uses December 25, the Birthday of the Roman god Mithras, to explain the religion Jesus is founding. He uses a fireplace, a manger scene, and a decotated tree.  Later they attend a Feast of Bacchus.  Flavius is unaware they're now riotous orgies. When sexually-aroused revelers come after Corrina and Farah, Scott kills one.  After fleeing to the villa, Flavius arranges for Scott and Farah to escape to his vlla in Palestine.   

Chapter Twenty-Six 

   For the next weeks, Scott kept another secret while he sent Platonius to market several times.  There he made purchases and stored them in a secluded room in their house.  Then one day he asked permission from Flavius to have their morning and noon meals on their porch.  Although it was December, It was as warm as California, so no one minded the inconvenience.  He, Platonius, and servants worked all afternoon in preparation.  At last they opened the large dining room.

      There was a fake fireplace of laid brick without mortar.  Makeshift stockings hung from its mantle bearing the names of Flavius, Corrina, Farah, and Scott printed on them.  On top was a crèche scene with wood fashioned into a stable with figurines representing Mary, Joseph, Jesus, magi, and shepherds among carved, painted farm animals.  Some of these had been modified from images that once had less-than-holy uses.

   Scott stood before them and placed his hands together as if to tell a story.  “In Rome today, many people celebrate the birthday of the Savior Mithras on this day.  But some day the world will celebrate the birth of the real Savior the world over.”  He then told the story of the birth of Jesus.  He told of the angel appearing to Mary in Nazareth to announce His birth, and of Joseph’s original reluctance to be her husband.  Then he described their journey to Bethlehem, Jesus’ birth in a stable, the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men.

   After he finished, Corrina said, “That was a beautiful story.”  Farah said nothing.

   After the meal, Scott got up again and described the spirit of Christmas.  He told of Saint Nicholas, who loved children and gave them gifts.  He said children in many countries hoped this spirit would leave a gift for them, just as he had given gifts to children during his life.

   He said, “Please accept my humble symbols of Christmas generosity.”  He gave Corrina a hair pin of gold.  Farah received a pin with a palm design.  To Flavius Scott gave his Swiss Army Knife.  And for himself he pulled out a bundle of switches as a gag gift.  By prior arrangement with Flavius, the same wine and fine food at the banquet was provided for their servants.

   Farah took Scott aside and said, “It is a beautiful tradition.  I had not heard your story about Jesus even in Scythopolis market.  But by your story tonight, I know we can have confidence in Him.”  After she kissed him, she then changed the subject, “I mean no disrespect, my husband.  But do you have any idea how confusing archaeologists may become if they find a Swiss Army Knife among undisturbed Roman pots, sandals, and baskets in a dig some two thousand years from now?”

   He said to her, “Modern scholars would never believe it possible.  Likely they would never mention it.”

   Some weeks later, Flavius asked Scott and Farah to accompany them to Sejanus’s house for the Feast of Bacchus, to honor the god of wine and fun. 

   Scott asked, “A banquet? I don’t see why not.”

   Flavius said, “It has been years since Corrina and I have been to such a feast.  It is likely the same as we found it years ago.  Everyone in Rome has heard of you now.  We are proud of you.”