The Amish Christmas Miser

De: Amy Mast

Narrado por: Tobi Czumak

Mark King was an elderly Amish man who lived alone. Partly out of choice, and partly because his seven (now adult) children could no longer cope with his ways. He did care about things and people, but felt unable to show it.

His childhood home life and then community were very strict, and he took this too far as an adult, not allowing joy, love or happiness into his life, or for those around him. A talented carpenter and a vastly knowledgeable man, who opinion was often consulted by community members was over shadowed by his shouting at people for little reason, and lack of ability to show care or emotion.

He loved his children but found it near impossible to cope with them as little ones, and as for his own grandchildren?

He could not cope with the noise and mischief. His wife sadly had passed away on the eve of Christmas a few years earlier. The village women said “of a broken heart”. He trusted her, loved her and misses her, but cannot talk about it, so others simply assume that he has a heart made of stone.

Each year when Christmas comes around he feels himself becoming more stern and angry and resentful. He does not celebrate Christmas at all other than to attend prayer meetings etc., and distances himself from the community for weeks at a time.

When one day Mark falls and hurts himself whilst shouting at his neighbor's children, he is forced to accept help, and is faced with a few home truths about his actions.

Could the sad, and bitter old man find happiness once again or will he be lonely for the rest of his life?

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