GRANDPA NICHOLAS 

CHAPTER ONE 

Long ago, in the city of Nazareth, there lived a talented carpenter named Nicholas. Sometimes he was called upon to make wheels for carts, or tables and chairs, but most often he would spend his time repairing windows, doors, and the beams which supporting the roofs of the stone walled homes. It was challenging and rewarding, and Nicholas enjoyed using his hands to build and create. 

His workshop was a small, open building on the east side of Nazareth, and he ended each day by sweeping up the shavings and placing them in a leather bag to be used in the fireplace. Occasionally he would find a larger block of wood and would inspect it for flaws, adding it to his bag. He lived in a simple stone home near his workshop with his apprentice, a young man named Joseph, who left his family in Bethlehem to learn the trade of being a carpenter. 

Each night after a humble dinner he would sit in his chair by the fire while Joseph played on the floor. He would reach into his bag of shavings and grab handfuls of curled wood, tossing it into the flames and watching them devour the dry shavings. The larger block was not for burning, but had a special purpose. Carefully cutting here, smoothing there, Nicholas would shape it into a gift for one of the children of the village, removing the rough edges and carving intricate details, until the block became an animal, wagon, whistle or doll for its intended recipient. 

On the eve of a child’s birthday he would walk softly to their home and leave a small bundle on the doorstep, wrapped in cloth tied with a simple string. It brought him a secret joy to imagine the child’s face in the morning, wondering at the mystery of the delivery. 

When he wasn’t in someone’s home making repairs, Nicholas was in his workshop or out harvesting wood for future projects. He showed his apprentice how to cut trees safely and where to plant new ones. “We take only what we need, nothing more.” Joseph learned quickly. He kept tools sharp and put them away properly so they could be found when needed. He managed supplies, delivered completed items to customers and returned with payment. Joseph was a good apprentice and could always be trusted; and Nicholas loved him like a son. 

Over the years Nicholas gave Joseph more responsibility. Soon Joseph was doing most of the work, and Nicholas would watch and listen, ready to help but never interfering unless needed. Joseph appreciated the trust and quickly became the most respected carpenter in Nazareth. 

His reputation as a skilled worker and honest man led many fathers to offer their daughters in marriage. As Joseph discussed his choices with his master, Nicholas would tell stories of how he met his wife and the life they shared before she passed away. Joseph was eager to learn, and would ask questions about being a husband and father. Nicholas gladly shared what he knew. “Above all else” Nicholas told his apprentice, “Love the Lord, be good to your family, and you will be happy.” 

Joseph was particularly drawn to a young girl named Mary. She was humble and patient, and he loved her purity and devotion. Joseph made arrangements with her father for marriage, and during their engagement, Mary remained home with her parents while Joseph prepared for their life together. 

Joseph’s family had no property of their own in Nazareth, so Nicholas generously allowed Joseph to build a room on his land near the workshop. After completing his duties each day Joseph would put away the tools and begin leveling the rocky Nazarene soil to support the walls of his future home. He spent days walking back and forth from the hills, collecting and placing stones, securing them together with mortar before adding thick wood beams to support the roof. He gathered lumber and fashioned doors and windows, taking time to precisely cut and measure each one to fit. He often toiled long after dark, working by the light of an oil lantern, and when his tired hands could do no more he would return to his bed, exhausted but fulfilled. 

Finally the home was ready, and Joseph and Mary were wed in a simple, traditional ceremony. Nicholas hugged them both tightly and surprised them with a wonderful gift, a sturdy wooden chest inlaid with ornate carvings of trees and mountains. It reminded Joseph of the hours he had spent in the forest with his old master, and he recognized many of the locations depicted on the ornate surface. Mary ran her fingers across the delicate woodwork, marveling at the craftsmanship. They placed it in the center of their home where it could also be used as a table. 

One evening, as Nicholas paid the new couple a visit, he noticed a sturdy new stool next to the table. “This is not my design, did you make this?” He admired Joseph’s craftsmanship as he sat down. “Perhaps now I should be your apprentice, eh?”, he chuckled jovially. Mary handed Nicholas a cup and a plate with some bread. “He will have a new apprentice soon enough” she said, patting her stomach. Joseph smiled at his wife and looked Nicholas in the eyes, “Master, we have something to tell you.” Reaching for Mary’s hand, Joseph pulled her next to him and they looked into Nicholas’ eyes. “This is no mere baby.”