STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n C7
www.thecarillon.com n
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas W riting C ontest WINNERS
Not yet a halo by Suzanne Dion WINNIPEG, MB ADULT STORIES I stole the lamb. I spirited it away from the ruffians who were set on tormenting the poor wee thing. While they scrambled for other sticks and stones with which to con- tinue their assault, I led the injured lamb round the corner of the nearest dwelling and into the bushes that effectively hid us. I cannot be seen of course, but if the lamb could refrain from bleating in its fright, we might be safely away. Confused, retrieved ammunition in their raised arms the boys searched up and down looking for their prey, then finally they scat- tered as they saw the men coming in from the fields talking quietly among themselves as twilight settled around them all. The lamb and I slipped out away from the town, toward the meadow headed for the shelter of the caves to get out of the cold wind that slanted the grasses but could hide our escape. There would be a full moon again tonight and that brilliant star that left no hiding shadows on the open fields would be visible soon and we had to be away be- fore anyone saw us. The lamb was obedient to being led, and we made good progress, but finding an empty cave would be a problem. Most shepherds and their dogs sheltered in the caves overnight with their flock nearby on
what was happening. Drawn by the hovering star, over the hills I heard shepherds coming toward the cave with some of their animals trailing them. My ears attuned to heaven I heard a sacred choir singing softly as if in a lullaby. It was a breathtaking scene, but the babe was still shivering visibly. As quickly as I could I slipped under the babe and cradling his small body tenderly under my healing wing, I covered him with the gossamer of my be- ing, wrapping my good wing softly over him and hugged him gently, warming him. I cannot abide seeing anyone in distress. I must help. The warming glow of his cheeks let me know that he would be warm now. I cra- dled him and glanced down at him, my radiated warmth relaxing him and letting him smile gently as he fell asleep in the shelter of my arms. This truly was a bless- ed family I thought as the protective angel above us spread her wings transforming the scene into living tableau. I felt myself shifting lightly into a healing slumber. The star’s glow illuminated the babe’s head and crowned us both with a holy circlet of light. The angel above us softly whispered in my ear, “Well done, Ja-el, you’ve earned your shared halo. Dream well.”
A soft mewling sound came from the bun- dle but my lamb, sensing no danger, tread boldly into the enclosure tucked his legs beneath him, and settled himself near the lady and began to breathe gently at the bun- dle. The lady turned her head toward him and smiled gently. I had never seen such a beautiful smile. Her bundle nestled safely in the straw, she rocked back on her heels and waited as a man stepped forward and took her hand to help her to seat herself on an upturned stump that shepherds had left behind in anticipation of their return in the later night. Suddenly, the shelter was bathed in pure light as the travelling star settled itself over the cave. I felt no warmth from it though, and the couple shivered as the night shifted toward midnight. The bundle stirred in the manger and whimpered coldly. I peered over the edge of the makeshift bed and saw a newborn baby wrapped loosely in a thin, worn swaddling cloth. This was a poor family then came to Bethlehem for the government census and the inns and eating hostels would be bursting at the seams. I knew that there was no longer any available room in the town because of that and although I am an angel and not con- cerned with these things, I am still aware of
the low hills and I hoped we might be lucky enough to find one of their shelters to de- liver them my lamb for healing. My name is Ja-el and I am an earth angel with an injured wing, the result of a former attempt to inter- cept a child being shaken near the steps of the town inn, so I must rest frequently and although humans cannot generally see me, that unearthly star in the sky could make things difficult and uncertain. I wanted to take no chances since I am flight inhibited till my wing heals and I can once again ful- ly take up the important task of earning my halo. Just ahead, I spied a cave with only a don- key sheltering near the opening. There be- ing no lantern glow inside I thought it might be otherwise empty. Still, I led the lamb for- ward cautiously till I could get a good grasp of what lay ahead. Suddenly I heard a soft moan and stopped in my tracks. And then, I heard it again—just a sigh and a quick gasp! What was happening? I could see no move- ment near the entrance to the cave so I crept up closer to check if maybe the animal was in distress after all, and I could help it. In the final dregs of the fading light, I saw a young woman bent over a crude manger lifting a tiny, wrapped package over the wooden wedge that held the straw together.
Happy Holidays!
May the joy of Christ’s birth bring peace and happiness to you and your family. Betty and I wish you a Blessed Christmas, Happy Hanukka, and Best Wishes for the New Year.
Konrad Narth LaVerendrye Constituency info@konradnarth.ca
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