Once upon a time at a dinner party, Charles Laughton, a renowned British actor, recited the 23rd Psalm at a Christmas dinner party, receiving applause. An elderly aunt, however, moved the guests with her simple yet profound recitation of the same passage, emphasizing her deep connection to the Shepherd.
Once upon a time at a dinner party. This is message 557 (day 24 in the New Year Resolution Challenge) and this is dedicated to Pastor Jon Courson of the Applegate Fellowship in Jacksonville, OR. Pastor Courson was who I first heard this story. It comes from the book Reading Out Loud by Terry Pierce.
Charles Laughton, who died in 1962, was a British actor. He was famous for his roles in Shakespeare productions, starting in theater, then film, and became a producer and director in Hollywood. You can search for him on Spotify or YouTube and hear his beautiful English accent. His last name is L-A-U-G-H-T-O-N. He would pack halls where people would listen to him recite Shakespeare, Plato, and even chapters from the Bible.
As a young stage actor, he was invited by a friend to an English manor for Christmas dinner. After enjoying a fabulous meal, they all moved to the parlor where the host announced it was a family tradition on Christmas for each person to share their favorite passage of that reminded them most of the spirit of Christmas. Charles Laughton began by standing and giving a passionate recitation of the 23rd Psalm. When he finished they all cheered and applauded.
They continued around the room until they finally came to an elderly aunt who had dozed off in her chair. They gently shook her and asked if she had a scripture she would like to share. She nodded yes and with a soft voice she began, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want…” When she was finished there was not a dry eye in the room.
Later, as they were saying their goodbyes, the host commented to the actor about the very different response he and the old lady had received. Charles Laughton replied, “The answer is simple. I know the Psalm, she knows the Shepherd.”
Merry Christmas Eve.