The "First Christmas Joke" Story

It was an ordinary day.  And ….. in our house Christmas is celebrated in many different ways.  The "Festive Way" occurs with the traditional decorated Christmas tree and the Christmas decorations outside our home.  The "Celebratory Way" occurs with the exchanging of gifts that have been placed beneath the Christmas tree or brought by Santa Claus from the North Pole.  The "Inspirational Way" occurs with the traditional family church service at St. James Church and the CDs playing in the car with all the Christmas music.  The "Replenishing Way" occurs with the family gathering round the dinner table to share good food and holiday memories.  And last, but not least" the "Merriment Way" occurs with laughter, fun, joyfulness, pleasure and lastly JOKE TELLING!  Heard any good Christmas jokes lately?  Well, my wife sent me an email from the Parish Resource Center (PRC) today that I just must share with you.  You have to remember that the PRC is a non-denominational place where communities of faith, churches and religious institutions come for learning and leadership.  Since it came from the PRC, the joke must be worthy of its title and calling.  At least I thought so until I read it.  Ready?

First Christmas Joke

Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.

'In honor of this holy season' Saint Peter said, 'You must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven.'
The Englishman fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. 'It's a candle', he said.

 'You may pass through the pearly gates' Saint Peter said. 

The Scotsman reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, 'They're bells.'
Saint Peter said 'You may pass through the pearly gates'.

 The Irishman started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women's panties.

St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, 'And just what do those symbolize?'
The paddy replied, 'These are Carols.' 
And So The Christmas Season
Begins......

 By now most of you probably know that my wife's name is Carol.  She assures me that the punch line has absolutely nothing to do with her, but with Christmas Carols.  "Why would I have forwarded it to you if it did?" she said. Yep!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.