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Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 150, 21 December 1940, Page 17

The Christmas Lily

(Prize Story Written by "Grey Owl," aged 14, City.)

THIS is a legend which the good Saint Francis often told to his friends of the woodlands, the birds and the animals. It is the story of how the Christmas lily was created. Once upon a time, nearly two thousand ', years ago, there lived some slaves in a town a fair way from Bethlehem. They, belonged to a Roman house and they came from all parts of the Roman Empire. One night, when all the other slaves were asleep in their hut, the yo.ungest, Mercia, lay awake. She could see. from the open door, right out into the courtyard, over to the dark hills beyond, where the sky was encrusted with frostily-twinkling stars. Then suddenly, she sat up. A sound, like that of music, was stealing through the silence, then the sky became lighter and lighter. As Mercia rubbed her eyes, the heavens seemed to open, and a tall angel stood before her. The other slaves awoke and scrambled to their feet as they beheld the vision. "Fear not," said the angel. "I bring you tidings of great joy. This ; month, in the City of David, a Saviour is born to all men. If you seek Him, th-s star will guide you to Him. . . ." He pointed to a huge star which seemed to hang above them. Then, even as they watched, he vanished, leaving them staring at each other with astonished eyes. "Is it true?" asked one. "Shall we journey to Bethlehem?" "It is a very long way," said another. I Mercia settled the question by putting her few beJongings together and starting across the courtyard. The others followed and they all went out through the gate into the cold air beyond. They seemed to have some new strength, because they did not rest very often on that long journey. For a few miles they went on in silence, then someone said, "What can we give the Child?" Instantly everyone started talking. "I have only a silver piece my master gave me," said one. "I have my bearskin that came from the north," another responded. But Mercia was silent. She had nothing at all. Then suddenly she felt very tired and sad, and tears welled up in her eyes. She dropped out from the group, who did not notice her sitting by the roadside. As they went on she sank to the ground and burst into tears . . . she had no present for the little King . . and now she had lost her friends'. As she lay on the ground she heard the music again, and looking up. she saw the angel before her. "What ails thee?" he asked kindly, and Mercia sobbed, "I have no gift for the Baby, and I—l am so tired!" "Watch!"' replied the angel, and he held up his hand. Immediately soft white flakes began to float from the sky. "Oh, it is snow.'" cried Mercia. "I have seen it in my motherland." She watched, and as they touched the ground the flakes seemed to sway and grow in size. "They are lilies," the angel said. "And you may take them as a present for the Child." When Mercia turned to thank him. she found he had vanished, leaving her amidst the field of swaying lilies. Swiftly she gathered a huge sheaf and began to run down the road that led to Bethlehem. Mercia arrived in the little town just as dawn was breaking. She hurried down the quiet streets, and as she passed a cattle-stall, she saw the soft glow of lamplight and heard reverent voices. She tip-toed in and gazed at the scene in front of her—then knew her search was ended. As she entered the shed the gentle-faced Virgin looked up and smiled at her. Mercia went forward and knelt on one knee as she laid the first Christmas lilies at the feet of the Christ Child. Everyone was very quiet; then slowly the Baby opened His eyes and gazed straight at her. . . . And Mercia's heart leapt with iay as she realised-that He knew she had given Him a-eift;- <■■■■■

Many kings and men, from many a race, Unto the Lord and King of all. The sun rose higher, lightened all the hills, I saw pohutukawa, frothy red, All spilt down valley slopes, like the blood Of innocent children, slain . By order of m a king, for his cruel hate. At this sad sight the sun, behind a cloud, As did our Lord in Egypt, hid himself. Then back he sailed into full view once more — Our Master unto Nazareth had come! It seemed that once again 1 stood And looked from that same hill. Toward eventide it was — The sun was sinking low. In this, as in the Death of Christ, I saw the Hand of God. There is not one who can resist When comes the call of Death. The sun must die at his set time, And Christ the grave must bear. But we know our Lord will come again, Just like the sun.

"HEUREUX NOELI" In vine-rich France men greet the birth Of Christmastide with song and mirth, With prayer and hymn and lavish feast. It does not matter in the least That Santa does not.visit there; Pere Noel, plump and debonair. Fills all good children's shoes—and, shocking, Never stuffs a single stacking!

CHRISTMAS MORNING. (Original.) The morning stars all sing together Clustered above in heaven's blue, Singing I Ah, who can describe their singing? Piercing the heart of you! The waking birds take up the chorus. Filling the air with melody, Pouring out liquid notes, down-dropping, Clearly from bush and tree. The little breezes softly whisper Over the grasses where they play; Up comes the dawn in singing splendour, The dawn of Christmas Day! "WHITE FOX" (16). Auckland. ♦ ♦ * NEW ZEALAND CHRISTMAS. (Original.) Scarlet ratas swing Joyously .... Gleaming redly In the golden sunshine— Worshipping The King. Proud trees sway; Lingering— Sunlight fingering Soft green leaves. They say It's Christmas Day. PAT DOBSON (16). Dannevirke. # * * LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM. (Copied.) Oh, little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The eilent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light, The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in three tonight.

A TALK WITH SANTA CLAUS

(Prize Junior Story.)

"There are no children in this house, so I'd'better leave," said Santa Claus to himself. But Patty and John, who had been hiding, jumped out and cried: "O, please leave us some toys! We hid because we wanted to see you!" "Well, you must promise not to look till the morning," warned Santa, picking up his sack. The children shut their eyes while1 he put the toys into their stockings. "Now I think both of you had better go back to bed, because it's really j very late for you to be up," said Santa patting them both on the head. "O, please can't we come the rest of your rounds with you in your sleigh? It would be fun," said Patty, enthusiastically. "I don't usually allow children with me on my rounds and I don't think I had better try," replied Santa, strok-

ing his long, snowy beard thoughtfully. "Well, if we can't go with you on your rounds will you stay for a while and talk to us?" asked Patty. "Now, that's a thing I very rarely do, but it's a good idea and it would, be a nice rest," replied Santa. He sat down on the floor with the children at his side. "Please tell us where you live and what it's like living there," begged John. "Well, I live at the North Pole with Mother Christmas," said Santa. "AH the year we are busy making toys, and on Christmas Eve, Mother Christmas and I pack my sack full of the toys we have made. Then I go and get the reindeer and get the best harness and harness them to the sleigh. Then off I go on my rounds." "O, it does sound lovely," said Patty. "Wouldn't I love to live in the snow!" "Yes, it is very nice living in the snow, and in a snow house as well," replied Santa. "Have you a workshop with lots of tools and things?" asked John. "Yes, I've a very big workshop with shelves full of toys and boxes full of tools," answered Santa. > "What do you eat at the North Pole?" asked Patty, who was feeling rather hungry. "Well, we usually have plum pudding," answered Santa. "O, Santa, I've always wanted to stroke your beard," said Patty. "Well, my child, if you really want to, you are very welcome," answered Santa Claus. "It feels just like snow, but not so cold," said Patty softly. "Well, I must get on with my rounds," replied Santa Claus, picking up his sack and preparing to climb up the chimney.. "Good-bye, dear Santa Claus," said both children, getting up from the floor. "I hope you get home before Mother Christmas begins to worry about you as I'm sure she sometimes does." '■"■'-■ "O, I think I'll be home before then. Good-bye both of you.?' His merry voice faded away and he was gone. "WIZARD OF OZ" (10). Thorndon.

A CHRISTMAS RIDDLE. My first is in chocolate but not in sweet; My second is in snow but not in sleet;; My third is in doll but not in bear; My fourth is in apple but not in pear; My fifth is in merry but not in gloom; Completed I decorate a festive room.