Years ago, a man we call Luke told us this tale that has been retold for generations.

“And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city.

“And Joseph, also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judaea, to the City of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room at the inn.”

If we flash forward some 2,000 years and more, the happy Palestinian couple and their firstborn son might not make it to the inn or the manger. Today, the land of Joseph and Mary is once again in turmoil. Man, as he has done over and over again, is demonstrating he cannot get along with his neighbors.

Once again, the land we call holy has become a modern version of hell.

Whose fault is it? Why did it happen in the first place? 

Those on one side will point to Oct. 7 when Hamas slaughtered thousands of Israelis. The other side will point to Israel's reaction to those terrible and evil incidents. 

One side is using ancient tactics by committing unspeakable atrocities and hiding in tunnels where they hold hostages for ransom.

The other side uses modern tanks, planes and drones to blast out the bad guy's hideouts.

As both sides battle, thousands have been slain, including the elderly, women, children and babies. The survivors face famine or worse. Spokesmen for both sides call them collateral damage. 

This season, as we sit in our easy chairs sipping a glass of Christmas cheer, watching the carnage on our big-screen TV sets, we must understand we are not watching a video game. War is real.

In Ukraine, thousands are dying, but that war is no longer on the front pages. In the Red Sea, Yemeni rebels sling rockets at our Navy’s Bath-built destroyers as they escort commercial vessels. On the other side of the world, tensions are rising in the waters off China.

Are these all signs we are on the cusp of a world conflict? God forbid.

I wish it was peaceful in my beloved U.S.A., but we are entering a bitter election season that will be decided, not over policy and programs, but whether or not you swear fealty to one man.

Ironically, the standard bearers on both sides are my age. I know my body parts and feeble brain cells no longer work as well as they once did. Despite assurances from doctors, neither elderly political candidate can hope to overcome the fatal ailment that goes by the nickname Old.

But, dear friends, the top holiday news is not all bad. Last week, we got a gold nugget when the FDA approved two gene therapies targeting sickle cell disease. This is the first commercially available treatment in the United States based on gene-editing technology.

Maybe, in time, healthcare workers will be able to do more than cut out and poison the evil cancer cells that destroy our loved ones.

This news gives me a whisper of hope that maybe, just maybe, our daughters and granddaughters will escape the fate of their mothers and grandmothers. 

Going back to the pages of the Good Book, you might find tales of murder, sex, government mandates, and folks forced to live in a stable.

Matthew and Mark tell us of the time when some establishment wise guys tried to get Jesus to choose the greatest commandment. If he picked one, they might accuse him of overlooking the others. 

Sidestepping all the thou shalt nots, he said that first is to love the Lord. Number two is to love your neighbor as yourself.

No matter what pew you sit upon during this holiday season, you could do worse than to follow these 2,000-year-old suggestions.

Over the years, I believe observing commandment number two is a pretty good start. 

During this holiday season, if you hit your knees, say one for our neighbors in Lewiston. They can use all the help they can get. 

Finally, as you sit by the sparkling tree, don't forget to enjoy a hug or three from the grandkids.

Take it from your pal, the Old Scribbler, hugs from grandkids are the best Christmas present of all. 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.