Every time a bell rings...

It really is a wonderful life.

Last night I journeyed through cyberspace doing a little reconnaissance work for Santa. He’d asked if I could help determine who’s been naughty and who’s been nice this year. As I traveled from blog top to blog top, I couldn’t help but notice how so many of my friends seem to be going through some trying times right now.

Some of the people I visited seemed to be suffering from the burden of old wounds while others were sagging beneath the weight of daily pressures. Now and again it was a loneliness that cried out and echoed in the Ethernet. It was a melancholy night and my heart ached when I returned to Santa. When I told him of my evening’s journey his eyes twinkled but it was not because he smiled.

“I think it is time to put up the tree.” I said.

“Perhaps you are right.” He sighed.

As I worked on the tree I tried to think of presents I could give that would cheer up my friends, return smiles to their faces and put a carol in their hearts. Alas, I am a poor man and I just couldn’t think of anything to buy that I could share with everyone. By the time I'd finished putting up the lights and hanging the last ornament I was crestfallen.

“Don’t look so forlorn, Dirk_Star.” Santa said with a smile, “I’ve given this some thought and I think I‘ve an idea.” As we stood beneath the stars, bathed in the soft glow of Christmas lights, he explained his simple plan and how it could work in just one single night.

His plan was pure genius and the idea so bright that my spirits were buoyed and my heart filled with light. He laughed and I cried then I ran to his sled and prepared to take flight.

There is so much to be done.

This season is long and there are twenty four more days to go until Christmas. There’s shopping to do and I know it’s no fun. There’s cleaning and baking and no time to get it done. The kids are no help and dad is all thumbs. It comes down to the angels to make sure all is done.

Now, all of you angels, and you know who you are, be you male or female or somewhere in between. Santa knows that you're tired and your burdens are hard. He knows some are lonely and heavy of heart. But Santa really needs us, we've an important job to do because everyone needs an angel and that angel just might be you.

We saw you struggling and toiling so hard we thought wings could help you so here's what we'll do. It's been said that every time a bell rings an angel gets its it wings. Well, I'm going to start ringing, all day and all night and I 'm not gonna stop until the holidays are over and wings are completly out of stock.

God bless the angels,
each and every one of you.

I envy everyone with children this year. You see, it won't be until next Christmas that my wife and I will share this joyful season with our new child.

I can't wait to be her angel...