The Spirit of Christmas is a collection of forty-two stories compiled and edited by Cecil “Cec” Murphey and Marley Gibson. The following is an interview with Cecil “Cec” Murphey.
1. Why did you compile and edit this book?
There are so many Christmas stories out there. People love stories, especially about Christmas. My earlier book called Christmas Miracles did so well my editor wanted another book on Christmas. This book was already in its third printing before it went on sale. That means, the store chains such as Barnes & Noble or Sam’s anticipated higher sales than the publishers.
2. Why do people like Christmas stories so much?
It’s the one time in the year that most people seem to pause long enough to reflect on life and think about others. Christmas also pulls many of us back to the best moments of our childhood.
3. What’s your favorite “best moment” of the past?
Instead of going back to my childhood, I reflect on the Christmas when I was in the Navy, had met and fallen in love with Shirley (and married her the following year). Months earlier I had become a Christian.
A group of us had a special Christmas dinner. Afterward, the others sat around the piano and sang. I stared out the window and thought about my life. “This is my first Christian Christmas,” I said to myself. I felt such a calmness and a quiet joy that I had finally understood the reason for the special date in December.
Just then, my friend John, who had a beautiful tenor voice, sang “O Holy Night.”
And for me, it was a holy night—and a memory that grows richer through the years.
4. What do you look for when you select the stories?
I want true stories with heart—stories that touch my emotions. For example, in the book, there’s a funny story about cats knocking over a Christmas tree. Another takes place in a post office when people were upset over long lines. One act of kindness changed the attitude of everyone there. A third story is about an American living alone in Korea at Christmas who felt alone until others opened themselves to her.