The Wall

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“What a dear old wall that is that runs along by the river there! I never pass it without feeling better for the sight of it. Such a mellow, bright, sweet old wall; what a charming picture it would make, with the lichen creeping here, and the moss growing there, a shy young vine peeping over the top at this spot, to see what is going on upon the busy river, and the sober old ivy clustering a little farther down! There are fifty shades and tints and hues in every ten yards of that old wall. . . . It looks so peaceful and so quiet, and it is such a dear old place to ramble round in the early morning before many people are about.” Jerome K. Jerome, “Three Men In A Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)” Ch. 6 (1889)

Santa Luke 2:8-15 (Kringle Jingle Version)

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8 And there were in the same country children keeping watch over their stockings by the fireplace.

9 And, Lo! Santa Clause came upon them; and they were sore afraid.

10 And Santa said unto them: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people who can afford them;

11 for unto you this day will be given feasts of turkey, dressing and cake; and many presents;

12 and this shall be a sign unto you, ye shall find the presents, wrapped in bright paper, lying beneath a tree adorned with tinsel, colored balls and lights."

13 And suddenly, there appeared a multitude of relatives and friends, praising you and saying,

14 "Thank you so much, for it was just what I wanted!"

15 And it shall come to pass as the friends and relatives have gone away into their homes, that parents shall say to one another, "What a mess to clean up! I'm tired, let's go to bed and pick it up tomorrow. Thank goodness Christmas only comes once a year!" And they go with haste to their cold bed and find their rest.

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