Interview with Debbie Roome, Winner of the Christmas Story Contest

By Jeanice McDade

 

hat a wonderful response to the Christmas Story Contest we had this year.   Our winner this year is Debbie Roome with her story “Mary’s Prayer”.  Debbie was joined by many other fine writers who helped us to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, by contributing their original work for the contest.   We are honored to share some of these works with you in the December issue of JournEzine, along with the following interview with our winning author, Debbie Roome.

 1.       Debbie, it was a real pleasure to read your story, “Mary’s Prayer.”  I loved how your story ended “Emmanuel, God with us”.  What a blessing to understand the true meaning of Christmas and to put it into words as you have.  Thank you so much for participating in the contest this year. How did the idea of this piece come to you?

I was asked to write a prayer for a Christmas play a couple of years ago and spent a lot of time thinking about Mary. I tried to imagine how she must have felt during her pregnancy. Did she ever have doubts, did her family believe her, how did the community treat her… this story is an expansion and deepening of that idea.

 2.       When we choose, “Good News in Bethlehem” we thought of the play on words, Jesus Christ being the Good News—the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14), and the good news of His birth.  What went through your mind when you first saw the topic?

What a wonderful idea! I love to write stories that are completely Christian-focused and this was an ideal opportunity.

 3.       You have a large family, Debbie.  With 5 children and 2 dogs, your life must be quite full!  Were you reflecting on a quiet moment with child in arms as the words flowed from heart to pen?

Not quite! My youngest has just turned 14. However, I did sit and think of my early days of motherhood and all the precious memories of holding a newborn child. I remembered how protective I felt and tried to imagine what it would be like, knowing this child was only on loan for a while.

 4.       Would you like to share a favorite Christmas memory with our readers?

Our first Christmas in New Zealand was very special. We have no family here but our church family embraced us with such love that we didn’t have a chance to feel lonely. We also had a friend staying with us from South Africa – he had just arrived to start work while waiting for his family to join him in the new year. We had great fun going to all the exciting Christmas events in the city and I have many warm memories of that time.

 5.       I’m always fascinated to hear how different families celebrate different holidays.  I am especially curious, since you are in New Zealand.   Do you go through the pre-Christmas stress of shopping and baking and programs and such that many Americans do?

Oh yes. Kiwis love Christmas and the malls are packed to capacity and there’s non-stop entertainment on offer. I’m not very fond of cooking but my two girls are so I leave the baking side of things to them. On Christmas Day, I normally do a turkey and vegetables and finish up with a traditional Christmas pudding. I’ve found Christmas very commercialized in New Zealand but I do enjoy the festivities.

 6.       I’d be interested to know how the rest of your holiday is celebrated.     Do your animals participate in the festivities?

Nelson, one of my Jack Russells adores hi-bounce rubber balls and can sniff them out of any hiding place. On Christmas morning, we hide a wrapped package of balls among our presents and then let him into the room. It’s really funny watching him track them down and rip the paper off.

 7.       During the Christmas season, minds turn to lights and gifts.  Would you share a brief story about a gift that you received or gave that stood out in some way?

We helped raise a young black boy while living in South Africa. His mother worked for us and they lived on our property. One Christmas we collected together masses of clothes and food and took it out to their family home. This was just a cluster of mud huts in a rural area. It was an incredible joy to see their faces as they unpacked everything. In exchange, they slaughtered one of their chickens and insisted we stay and eat it with them. These are people who live in poverty and have very little income. I feel they gave us far more than we gave them.

 8.      Have you found that having a large family adds to or takes away from the focus of Jesus at Christmas time and why?  Do you have any advice for busy moms out there on how to save time for quiet moments of reflection with your family?

I would say it adds to our focus. We have never been able to afford lavish gifts but we value the time we spend together. The children always have a say in what we will eat and do on Christmas Day and attending church is always part of our celebrations. Quiet moments are scarce but I try and connect with each member of the family and spend some one-on-one time with them. These days, the whole family is seldom home at the same time.

 9.       Did you have a favorite Christmas carol?   Why does that one stand out?

Definitely O Holy Night. I love the tune and the words, especially verse three. There is an incredible amount of truth and wisdom wrapped up in this carol.

 10.   If you could give one gift to your community or your family, what would that be?

Peace in their hearts and the ability to forgive one another. To me, that is so much more important than any material possession.

 We are so pleased to be able to share a little bit of “Debbie” with our readers.   We wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas, Debbie.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Is there anything you would like to add or something else you would like to convey to our readers?

Let God be the focus of everything you do. There is nothing more rewarding in life than serving Him and He makes everyday a great adventure.  No matter what your situation, God is always, always there for you.