The (Facebook) Christmas Story

Every time I’ve checked my Facebook page this past week, I’ve had to read about and see pictures of what my friends are doing in Hawaii at that moment. And because I’m friends with both of them, I “get” to hear about it twice. And while I actually do like hearing about it, it just makes me jealous. So I’m basically vicariously living their vacation through their Facebook updates, and quite honestly, I’m having a lovely vacation.

But it got me thinking, what would be like if we were living the Christmas story right now in the “information era”? Joseph and Mary would have Facebook and Twitter accounts and we would have lived the story vicariously through them and feel like we were truly there. And maybe we wouldn’t feel so removed from this story that has changed our lives.

Here’s my version of the story as told through Facebook statuses:

Mary Stevenson is in a relationship with Joseph Detwiler

Mary Stevenson had the weirdest thing happen to her last night
Comments:
Cindy Luhu: Everything OK? That was cryptic.
Joseph Detwiler: You OK, babe?
Mary Stevenson: Yeah, it’s fine… I think. We’ll talk tonight

Joseph Detwiler is confused
Comments:
Mark Detwiler: Dude, I’ve been telling you that since you were 11.
Mark Detwiler: Seriously though, you ok?

Joseph Detwiler has had a lot of dreams in my life… but that was the weirdest one ever.

Mary Stevenson IS PREGNANT!!!!
Comments:
Sheryl Clark: What!?!? That’s amazing!!!!
Sheila Banks: Congratulations Mary! When is the baby due?!
Cindy Luhu: I can’t believe it! I am too!!!!

Mary Stevenson changed her relationship status to Engaged
Comments:
Sheryl Clark: OMG!!! Congratulations!
Cindy Luhu: ‘Bout time girl! So happy for you!
Sheila Banks: How big is the rock? Post pictures!

Megan Detwiler posted on Joseph Detwiler’s Wall: Joey! I just saw Mary’s FB page! Congratulations on the engagement! Get here soon! -Sis

Joseph Detwiler just heard that I have to go back home so that Obama can collect more money from me. Ugh.
Comments:
Mark Detwiler: I know it’s a long trip, but it’ll be good to see you
Megan Detwiler: What airline are you flying? I’ll come pick you up
Joseph Detwiler: @Megan, used all my miles. We’re coming by donkey.

Mary Stevenson has to take her pregnant belly to see her soon-to-be in-laws in Redmond. Gonna be a long trip.
Comments:
Sheryl Clark: Travel safe preggy! See you when you get back

Josesh Detwiler and we’re off! See you all soon.

Mary Stevenson thinks this donkey and my butt are not getting along very well. But thankful that Joe is letting me ride while he walks
Comments:
Joseph Detwiler: You look cute up there.
Sheila Banks: You guys are funny

Joseph Detwiler really thought this trip was going to be faster. But we’re almost there!
Comments:
Megan Detwiler: Where are you staying when you get here?
Joseph Detwiler: Not sure yet. Was just gonna find a place in town
Megan Detwiler: Everywhere is booked. Ugh. Hurry up!

Mary Stevenson thinks this baby is coming soon. Gotta get to Redmond…. Fast!

Joseph Detwiler thought Motel 6 was gonna leave the light on for me. Ugh. Now where?
Comments:
Ryan Lancaster: Dude, my family’s all here, but I’ve got a shed in the back yard you can use. It’s got heat at least.
Joseph Detwiler: At this point, I’ll take it. Thanks Ryan. See you soon.

Mary Stevenson thanks @Ryan Lancaster for the place to stay tonight! We owe you!
Comments:
Megan Detwiler: Thanks Ryan! Take care of them!
Cindy Luhu: Hang in there girl!

Joseph Detwiler welcomed little Jesus into the world tonight. 6lbs 7oz and all kinds of hair. Mary’s doing great and lying down with the sheep. LOL!! Check out the pic here!
17 people “Like” this
Comments:
Megan Detwiler: Congrats! I’m on my way over!
Sheila Banks: OMG he is SOOOO cute! Congrats guys! Love you both.
Mark Detwiler: A nephew!!! Finally!

Ryan Lancaster has this crazy-bright star over his house tonight. Never seen anything like it. Check it out here!
Comments:
Joseph Detwiler: It’s lighting up the whole barn out here! Crazy!
Mary Stevenson: Can you hear the angels singing Ryan? Wow!
Ryan Lancaster: Can I? Are you kidding, this is crazy!

We Three Kings wrapped our gifts and are following yonder star… to Redmond. We hear THE King is there.

Mary Stevenson set up a FB page for our new baby Jesus. Add him as a friend… I have a feeling his page is gonna be something special.
1,205,546 people “Like” this
Comments:
Joesph Detwiler: How does he have so many friends already?
Mary Stevenson: Did you see Mark Zuckerberg even friended him?

The End

So, I realize that it’s a bit of a stretch, but as I was writing this, I actually already felt more involved in the story because this is today’s language. As we continue in advent and prepare to celebrate the birth of our savior, I hope you find a way to feel more connected into the story of Jesus’ birth. This helped me.

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~ by asod on December 17, 2010.