Technically the wise men didn’t show up for a couple years, not the same night as the shepherds. But we don’t have to be technical all the time. Accept the wishes in the spirit in which they’re given. Merry Christmas everyone!
Nice to see a cartoonist still say Merry Christmas and reflect what the first Christmas was all about !!! Merry Christmas to all and Bah Humbug to the Happy Holidays theme.
“HectorPriam” You did read the other comments right? Anyway I’m glad to see any depiction of Christ at Christmas time since it’s seems to almost get lost in the rampant commercialism everywhere.
And my Mom used to have a Nativity scene up every year.
Historically accurate? No. But in the spirit of the season? Yes!
As daily positive slices of life go, this one’s a honey. But I don’t think it adequately addresses the Muslim view of Jesus’ birth. And why is his mom showing that lady what’s under his blanket, and why is the lady so happy about it?
Thanks for the beautiful artwork Jim and especially THANK YOU for saying Merry CHRISTMAS. I believe also it should be Christmas and Not Happy Holidays. Everyone, Merry Christmas !!! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.
Now, I have to tell you what happened to me yesterday at work. Yes, I do work on weekends…sigh.
A serviceman thats stationed in Iraq had requested our company for $200 gift card that can be used anywhere, for his wife here in Oregon to be used for a shopping spree. He did this online and was to be given to her when she arrived in the limo that he also had furnished for her. I was instructed by my supervisor, that after giving her the gift cards that was sealed in an envelope to also give her a $75 gift tote with all kinds of items. Umbrella, hat, gloves, other gift cards at the other stores at the mall. (I work in the management office at the mall). I was also instructed to have her go to Dress Barn as they also had a VIP party set up for her when she arrived at their store. She did arrive a little late from when she was scheduled to be there, but I was asked to take digital photos of her getting her gift card, her gift tote, and of her with the shopping bags getting back in the limo. It ended up with security having to take the pictures as I couldn’t leave the office. Security was told by her other companion that was with her, that the biggest surprise was awaiting her at the end of the day. After leaving the mall, she was to have dinner in a fancy restaurant in Portland. And the person waiting for her to arrive was her HUSBAND!!! Apparently, he had done all of this while he was in Iraq and was scheduled for a leave. He did not tell his wife, as this was the big surprise. I would of LOVED to have been there. Now that would of been the pictures to take!!
so whatever did the happy couple do with the gift of gold their illustrious son received?
Maybe that’s how they financed the opening of their carpentry shop in downtown Nazereth
As to what Joseph and Mary did with the gift of gold, I recall story recorded (or more likely made up) by a monk from the early period of the church (first millennium anyway) who claimed that Joseph and Mary gave the gold to the poor. Of course I suspect that the flight to Egypt can’t have been cheap.
“The clueless one” has a nice ring to it. He always reminds me a little of the “Oracle” in “The Innocents Abroad” by Mark Twain. “Clueless Oracle” maybe?
Just noting:
The overall joy and excitement, yet it’s peaceful.
The way clothes drape realistically, like they would on real bodies.
The little islands of palm trees floating on the horizon.
The extra-small lamb standing on the right.
The non-symmetrical intricacies of the stained glass-like border around O Come All Ye Faithful.
Other children – rare in nativity scenes – seem perfectly natural.
Naturally the focal point is the baby Jesus, but the center of the picture is a little girl. I’m touched by how the traditional visitors are supplemented by another family – with more celebrants from the community on their way. Maybe that’s not an unusual scene in contemporary religious illustration, but I’m surprised by how surprised I am to see it in a comic or in mainstream holiday scenes generally.
They’ll probably run the top panel on Christmas. Or a smaller version. If you look back in the archives, for Christmas, Halloween and other holidays (small H, er, h) you’ll see that’s how he’s done it in the past.
Art has always used “Artistic License” since before the Middle Ages, at least. This is an accurate portrayal of how this CHRISTIAN, family in the COMIC STRIP views Christmas, which is only one holiday at this time of year, but that is OK, well & good. Anyone “offended” by this strip, needs a lot more prayer than most of us can give, but if they are open to just a little bit of prayer they’ll find out how much fun an unhardened heart (& head) can be.
Oretka, that’s a wonderful story. I did a similar thing for my lovely female accomplice while I was deployed over there on Valentine’s Day . I had the local TV station deliver some gifts for me which included a day spa visit, annual passes to the local Six Flags (we both love roller coasters), fixings for her favored chocolate martinis, and a couple of other things the station added in. I was unfortunately unable to be there at the end, and instead sent a video greeting. Some of my friends back here happened to see it on the news and told me it went very well.
DebJ4 almost 15 years ago
Another beautiful panel!
Ravenswing almost 15 years ago
(gazes upward) Sheesh. Next thing some idjit will bleeep out GA because it doesn’t adequately address the Islamic view of Jesus’ birth.
Repeat after me: IT IS A CARTOON. NOT a Biblical exigesis. NOT an accurate depiction of 4 BC birthing rituals. A CARTOON.
stringmusicianer almost 15 years ago
Maybe this wasn’t the night he was born. It’s a beautiful depiction, whatever the intention.
EarlWash almost 15 years ago
VERY well said, Ravenswing.
Could that be Nina at the lower center and possibly grandfather Clock at top right?
JerryGorton almost 15 years ago
I agree with Ravenswing. Great drawing with much detail for a cartoon. The sentiments are appropriate.
alondra almost 15 years ago
Technically the wise men didn’t show up for a couple years, not the same night as the shepherds. But we don’t have to be technical all the time. Accept the wishes in the spirit in which they’re given. Merry Christmas everyone!
wittichs Premium Member almost 15 years ago
Nice to see a cartoonist still say Merry Christmas and reflect what the first Christmas was all about !!! Merry Christmas to all and Bah Humbug to the Happy Holidays theme.
Kingoswald Premium Member almost 15 years ago
Quick, hide the Christmas cards. The Authenticity Police are coming!
vasaaaa almost 15 years ago
Absolutely beautiful. Scancarelli outdid himself this time. A beautiful CHRISTMAS to all.
axe-grinder almost 15 years ago
Merry Christmas, devonshade!
willamp almost 15 years ago
“HectorPriam” You did read the other comments right? Anyway I’m glad to see any depiction of Christ at Christmas time since it’s seems to almost get lost in the rampant commercialism everywhere. And my Mom used to have a Nativity scene up every year. Historically accurate? No. But in the spirit of the season? Yes!
imrobert almost 15 years ago
Merry Mithras (smile)
ocean17 almost 15 years ago
As daily positive slices of life go, this one’s a honey. But I don’t think it adequately addresses the Muslim view of Jesus’ birth. And why is his mom showing that lady what’s under his blanket, and why is the lady so happy about it?
ORteka almost 15 years ago
Thanks for the beautiful artwork Jim and especially THANK YOU for saying Merry CHRISTMAS. I believe also it should be Christmas and Not Happy Holidays. Everyone, Merry Christmas !!! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. Now, I have to tell you what happened to me yesterday at work. Yes, I do work on weekends…sigh. A serviceman thats stationed in Iraq had requested our company for $200 gift card that can be used anywhere, for his wife here in Oregon to be used for a shopping spree. He did this online and was to be given to her when she arrived in the limo that he also had furnished for her. I was instructed by my supervisor, that after giving her the gift cards that was sealed in an envelope to also give her a $75 gift tote with all kinds of items. Umbrella, hat, gloves, other gift cards at the other stores at the mall. (I work in the management office at the mall). I was also instructed to have her go to Dress Barn as they also had a VIP party set up for her when she arrived at their store. She did arrive a little late from when she was scheduled to be there, but I was asked to take digital photos of her getting her gift card, her gift tote, and of her with the shopping bags getting back in the limo. It ended up with security having to take the pictures as I couldn’t leave the office. Security was told by her other companion that was with her, that the biggest surprise was awaiting her at the end of the day. After leaving the mall, she was to have dinner in a fancy restaurant in Portland. And the person waiting for her to arrive was her HUSBAND!!! Apparently, he had done all of this while he was in Iraq and was scheduled for a leave. He did not tell his wife, as this was the big surprise. I would of LOVED to have been there. Now that would of been the pictures to take!!
Nighthawks Premium Member almost 15 years ago
so whatever did the happy couple do with the gift of gold their illustrious son received? Maybe that’s how they financed the opening of their carpentry shop in downtown Nazereth
Nighthawks Premium Member almost 15 years ago
and Hector, I get your sarcasm– and I get your reference to you-know-who……nicely done
bmckee almost 15 years ago
As to what Joseph and Mary did with the gift of gold, I recall story recorded (or more likely made up) by a monk from the early period of the church (first millennium anyway) who claimed that Joseph and Mary gave the gold to the poor. Of course I suspect that the flight to Egypt can’t have been cheap.
jpozenel almost 15 years ago
“The clueless one” has a nice ring to it. He always reminds me a little of the “Oracle” in “The Innocents Abroad” by Mark Twain. “Clueless Oracle” maybe?
The Oracle
OldManMountain almost 15 years ago
Susan001, I was wondering if the donkey is Joel’s Becky?
realman almost 15 years ago
Just noting: The overall joy and excitement, yet it’s peaceful. The way clothes drape realistically, like they would on real bodies. The little islands of palm trees floating on the horizon. The extra-small lamb standing on the right. The non-symmetrical intricacies of the stained glass-like border around O Come All Ye Faithful. Other children – rare in nativity scenes – seem perfectly natural. Naturally the focal point is the baby Jesus, but the center of the picture is a little girl. I’m touched by how the traditional visitors are supplemented by another family – with more celebrants from the community on their way. Maybe that’s not an unusual scene in contemporary religious illustration, but I’m surprised by how surprised I am to see it in a comic or in mainstream holiday scenes generally.
noreenklose almost 15 years ago
Merry Christmas to all of you. The comic is beautiful!
shstrng almost 15 years ago
The kid holding the lamb is wearing a Jughead hat! :D
Merry Christmas everybody.
kab2rb almost 15 years ago
GA has this to do again on Christ mas day.
Durak Premium Member almost 15 years ago
They’ll probably run the top panel on Christmas. Or a smaller version. If you look back in the archives, for Christmas, Halloween and other holidays (small H, er, h) you’ll see that’s how he’s done it in the past.
alondra almost 15 years ago
What beautiful stories, Jazzlily and ORteka! Thank you for sharing.
ChuckTrent64 almost 15 years ago
Art has always used “Artistic License” since before the Middle Ages, at least. This is an accurate portrayal of how this CHRISTIAN, family in the COMIC STRIP views Christmas, which is only one holiday at this time of year, but that is OK, well & good. Anyone “offended” by this strip, needs a lot more prayer than most of us can give, but if they are open to just a little bit of prayer they’ll find out how much fun an unhardened heart (& head) can be.
MisngNOLA almost 15 years ago
Oretka, that’s a wonderful story. I did a similar thing for my lovely female accomplice while I was deployed over there on Valentine’s Day . I had the local TV station deliver some gifts for me which included a day spa visit, annual passes to the local Six Flags (we both love roller coasters), fixings for her favored chocolate martinis, and a couple of other things the station added in. I was unfortunately unable to be there at the end, and instead sent a video greeting. Some of my friends back here happened to see it on the news and told me it went very well.
Ed in Toledo Premium Member almost 15 years ago
Excellent artwork! Thank you Mr. Scancarelli.
Maybe in the spirit of Christmas we can all be a little less critical of each other.