Winking candles warm the long evening
And whisper to children the sound of good cheer
An eye to the treetops, and ear to believing
All is so right - Christmas is here!

Mike Oates, North Canton, OH

When sleigh bells ring
and snowflakes fall
and children's voices
deck the halls
with carols clear
and sweet and true
I touch my heart
and think of you.

Sharon Davis, Pownal, ME

Well wishes of riches
Work you love
A roaring fire
A full larder
The warmth of good friends
A place to belong
That special someone
May you have all this and more
both this holiday season
and beyond

Angie Zuber, St Louis Park, MN

Amidst grave sorrow and inescapable destitution,
unimaginable loss and unthinkable hate,
incomprehensible suffering and intolerable pain,
reprehensible crimes and absent justice...
Who could overcome this sorrow, this hate, this suffering?
Who could possibly possess such immense power?
A child.
Innocent, perfect, holy and divine.
Let our gratitude never cease.

Matthew Camrud, Rochester, MN

Four Bells
While hearts still pound
The silent bell
Hope
Shall toll
And yearn to hear
The bell of
Joy
Peace the bell
Completes the chain
So within
The bell of
Love
Might reign

Priscilla Oates, North Canton, OH

Reading this year's entries made me realize 1) there are some strange folks out there, and 2) some folks need to lighten up. With that in mind I shall submit an article I found some years ago tucked away in my father's time capsule of a trunk up in our attic. It was shortly after his death and it being in his handwriting I like to think of it as his work even though it was unsigned.

He was a very cautious man.
He never romped or played.
He never smoked, he never drank
nor even kissed a maid.
So when he up and passed away
insurance was denied.
For since he hadn't lived
they claimed he hadn't died.

Mike Johnston, Dyer, TN

Holiday Toast
May all your lights twinkle
and your tree stand up straight.
May you eat all the goodies
and still not gain weight.
May your cup be filled
to the top with good cheer
And may you keep all your blessings
throughout the next year.
MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIENDS

Julie Schumacher, Amery, WI

May the Light of God's Son shine on you through the year,
May your Christmas be bright, without worry or fear,
May the coming New Year give your spirit a lift,
And may no one give Lutefisk to you as a gift!

John Thomas, Wyoming, MI

To be read sung to the tune and cadence of the Christmas Carol "Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy"
God rest ye Mr. Keillor
Let nothing you dismay.
In praise of public radio
E mail to you doth say
May Prairie Home Companion live
To see another day.
Oh ratings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy.
Oh ratings of comfort and joy.

Matthew Bloomfield, Glouster, OH

The Best Load Ever
Set the alarm for 3 am, it didn't go off - in deep weeds I am.
Scrambled out of bed, get out of my way! Nothing to wear, oh my, what a day.
Out of toothpaste and soap in my eyes, already late and then how time flies.
No time for coffee, cat in, dog out - I knew that I was in for a bout.

Kicked the tires and stubbed my toes - but remembered to have my laptop in tow.
Hit the key and click, click, click. Went to the shed and tripped on a big stick.
Trusty cables in hand, it did quite the trick. On my way now and it was just that quick.

Punched the computer - oh, what a surprise! I've got to go north, is that really wise?
#1 North Pole - where can that be? Keep going north and you will see.
Place all aglow, busiest factory I've ever seen.
Vertically challenged workers, their uniforms were all in green.

They did their work quick. In a flash I was ready.
Many miles to go, gotta run long and steady.

Stopped at a diner to grab a quick bite.
Looked at my bill of lading to check that everything was right.
Millions of drops, can this be right?
Where's my final? It's almost Christmas night!

Checked my laptop - the load is OK.
Gotta get going and be on my way.
Pulled out of the diner and took a sharp right.
All of a sudden, my truck took flight!

Found the address and made my first drop,
Didn't think the truck was ever going to get stopped.
Looked left, looked right and oh, what a sight!
Lumpers were abound to make this load light.

At my final drop, I punched empty and ready,
and astonished my dispatcher - a man named Freddy.
Do you think Freddy knew at the start of this trip
that this ol' truck driver would be St. Nick?

Merry Christmas to all (and to all a Good Night!)

Karen Zander, St. Louis Park, MN