It’s that time of the year again. I’ve been writing and addressing Christmas cards, and my brain is crying out for a change of pace.
So, I’ve decided to give you my Christmas present a little early.
I’m going to share with you the words of my first book “Nature’s Christmas Story” and then sometime during this Christmas season gather some children around and read it to them.
Granted it will be missing the illustrations which are awesome by the way. Janine Ringdahl Schmidt is my illustrator and if you decide you would like to enjoy the illustrations you are on my website now so you can check out the illustrations too.
So, settle back, get comfortable, possibly a cup of hot chocolate will help set the mood as I present to you Nature’s Christmas Story!
* * * * * * * * *
A strong wind blew across the cold, barren snow-covered land of northern Alaska. The winds carried snow in white clouds across the flat countryside.
Huddled in small groups behind a rock outcrop are many animals of this cold land.
The shaggy musk ox said, “I have never seen a star so large or so bright.”
A small, furry lemming screams, “It is so bright it even lights up my deepest snow tunnel.”
“I wonder where the star has come from?” asked the Arctic Hare.
“Haven’t you heard the news?” questioned the Arctic Fox. “The star announces the birth of a baby in Bethlehem. He is a king whom they say will save the world.”
“Gee, what a wonderful thing to do,” said the ptarmigan as she fluffed her feathers to keep out the cold. “Wouldn’t it be nice to give the newborn baby a gift?”
“Oh, yes!” replied all of the animals as if in one voice.
“But it would have to be a very special gift for such a special baby,” said the ermine.
“I will gladly share my reindeer moss with him,” stated the musk ox.
” I have some stored berries that are very tasty,” exclaimed the lemming.
“No, no,” replied the ermine. “We must give something more special than moss or berries. Think of something that would be a worthy gift for a king – a king who is going to save the world.”
In small groups, they tried to decide what gift should be given to the newborn babe.
No one was able to come up with an idea for the perfect gift.
Finally, the fox shouted, “We do not seem to be getting anywhere. I suggest that we discuss our problem with the Arctic Angel. Surely an angel can help us!”
“That’s a great idea,” cheered the ptarmigan. “An angel will know what gift we should give.”
The Arctic Angel had been sent by God to this cold- north country to guide and protect all of the life that lived there.
The angel lived only a few miles from the rock outcrop in an ice castle that rose majestically into the cold, windy darkness.
The musk ox broke a trail through the drifting snow and the other animals followed.
The Arctic Angel greeted them warmly. Arc-y (the angel’s nickname) thought it was a wonderful idea to present a gift to Baby Jesus.
“I agree with Mr. Ermine,” Arc-y said. “The gift should indeed be special.”
“But we have discussed it at great length, and no one can agree on what the gift should be,” replied the ermine.
Arc-y spoke. “The Baby Jesus is giving himself to the world. Wouldn’t it be fitting for each of you to give yourself to Baby Jesus?”
For just a moment the group of animals was stunned. What a natural way to return the love that the Baby was giving them. Why hadn’t they thought of that?”
“We will give ourselves to the Christ Child.” they cheered.
“Wait a minute!” cried the ermine. “How will we present such a gift to the newborn Babe?”
Arc-y said, “Choose several members from your group to bring the message of your gift to the Christ Child.”
A vote was taken and the ermine, fox, Arctic hare and ptarmigan were chosen to bring the news of their gift to Bethlehem.
The four messengers left for the distant Bethlehem, and the remaining animals returned home. They retired to their beds for welcome rests after the exciting day.
As the animals slept, Arc-y gift-wrapped each of the sleeping animals in a blanket of newly fallen snow.
Meanwhile, the four messengers made the long journey to Bethlehem. The star that marked the manger site grew brighter and brighter. The animals became very excited. Soon the stable was in view.
As the four messengers traveled through the dark night, their journey almost over, the Arctic hare screamed in surprise, “Why, look at us! We have changed color.”
“We have beautiful new coats,” cried the ermine.
“They are so white that, even in the darkness, we can be seen,” said the ptarmigan.
“A gift from the Arctic Angel, no doubt,” murmured the wise Arctic Fox. “Arc-y wanted us looking our best as we delivered our gift to the special child.”
The four messengers did look their best. The ptarmigan’s feathers were dazzling white.
The dull brown and tan fur of the remaining three messengers had also been changed into the purest white.
“Let us deliver the ‘perfect’ gift to the Christ Child.” said the fox.
So, in their new white dress, the four messengers proudly presented their gift to the Christ Child…….. themselves!
