A Brass Knuckles Christmas in 2020 … and a Little Shalom

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play, 
and wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Classic Christmas carol I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day based a 1863 poem by Harry Wadsworth Longfellow

Merry Christmas in 2020. One for the history books in so many ways. And one so tough in so many ways for so many people that its fitting I received a brass knuckles coffee mug as a Christmas present. I think it’s the most unique gift I’ve ever received. Yes, it’s a nod to my book—Screenwriting with Brass Knuckles. In case you never read it, I’ll pass last section of how I chose to end the book. Hoping it brings you some peace as we head into 2021 and more uncertainty.

One of the early readers of this book felt like it needed a benediction at the end. So following Bruce’s lead from Springsteen on Broadway where he recited The Lord’s Prayer, I’ve chosen not to reinvent the wheel. Here is a classic centuries old blessing from ancient scripture used in several faith traditions. (One that the family in A Quiet Place could have silently prayed in that scene where they joined hands at the dinner table in their time of great distress.)

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shone upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Numbers 6: 24-26

—Scott W. Smith