Thought for the Day - 12-25-99

Subject: Thought for the Day - 12-25-99
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Dec 99 - 12:02 AM

It has been shown to me and to my three companions among the Magi -- Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. We have searched the ancient tables of Chaldea and computed the time. It falls in this year. We have studied the sky, and in the spring of the year we saw two of the greatest stars draw near together in the sign of the Fish, which is the house of the Hebrews. We also saw a new star there, which shone for one night and then vanished. Now again the two great planets are meeting. This night is their conjunction. My three brothers are watching at the ancient Temple of the Seven Spheres, at Borsippa, in Babylonia, and I am watching here. If the star shines again, they will wait ten days for me at the tmple, then we will set out together for Jerusalem, to see and worship the promised one who shall be born King of Israel.

Henry van Dyke: The Story of the Other Wise Man

And for the children of those of you celebrating:

The Animals' Christmas Eve

by Gale Wiersum

In the barn on Christmas Eve,
After all the poeple leave,
The animals, in voices low,
Remember Christmas long ago.

One small hen, upon her nest,
Softly clucks to all the rest:
"Little chicks, come, gather near.
A wondrous story you will hear."

Two white doves, on rafters high,
Coo a quiet lullaby:
"Long ago in manger hay,
The little baby Jesus lay. "Three wise men from far away
Came to visit him one day,
For he was born," the doves recall,
To be the greatest king of all!"

Four brown horses in their stalls,
Snug within the stable walls,
Tell of his birth: "'Twas long foretold
By chosen men in days of old."

Five gray donkeys speak with pride,
Remembering one who gave a ride:
Our brother donkey went with them
From Nazareth to Bethlehem."

Six spotted calves now nibble hay
Like that on which the baby lay.
"They put him in a manger bed
So he could rest his sleepy head."

Seven goats, all black and white,
Describe the sky that holy night:
"A star appeared at early morn
To mark the place where he was born."

Eight nestling kittens lick their fur.
They nod their heads and softly purr:
"And he was wrapped in swaddling clothes
To keep him warm from head to toes."

Nine wooly sheep, down from the hill,
On Christmas Eve remember still:
"Shepherds heard the angels sing
Praises to the newborn king>"

Ten soft lambs say Jesus' name.
"He was the Lamb of God who came.
He was the greatest gift of love,
Sent from his Father, God, above."

Eleven puppies listen well,
In hopes that they, in turn, can tell
The Christmas story another year
For all the animals to hear.

Merry Chirstmas, everyone.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - 12-25-99
From: Escamillo
Date: 25 Dec 99 - 11:12 PM

Interesting story, Kat. A fourth wise man, a fifth, who knows how many details of history have been lost in time ? Very Happy Christmas to you and family too !
Un abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - 12-25-99
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Dec 99 - 11:33 PM

Thank you, Andres; either lost in time or deliberately destroyed or mislaid. hope your day was lovely, even though I am sure you missed having Mariano at home.

luvyaKat