A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Six year old Colin kept running from his bed to the window. Christmas Eve was so exciting. He remembered tonight's shoppers at the Mall when his mom had taken him for one last look. All those fancy decorations! Bells, Christmas trees, toys and music had covered him like a magic blanket. Children and adults of all shapes and sizes were hurrying and shouting. Some voices sounded unhappy. "Stop crying," one parent said. Another yelled, "Get over here when I call you!" Even outside, his ears could not shut out the anger. "Hey you! That's my parking spot!" "This should be a happy time," Colin thought, as he stared out his bedroom window. Then why were there so many upset faces? .....he wondered.

Colin scrunched up his own face. "Like that," he said as he looked in the dresser mirror. He kept watching from his window and noticed how peaceful the woods in Victoria Park seemed. The huge park was almost in the center of the town of Truro, Nova Scotia. Colin wished Christmas could be a happy time for everyone. He closed his eyes tightly, and made a wish. In his bed he felt warm and loved. Mommy leaned over and kissed his forehead goodnight. "What special gift do you want for Christmas Colin?" she asked. "Peace on earth," whispered Colin.

"Where did a little boy like you get such a serious thought?" .....his mother asked. His answer was a huge smile before she turned to go. And a monster hug. He had a secret wish he could not share. At least, not yet. She left the table light on because Colin was afraid of the darkness. .....Was that his wish? Sleepy eyes closed as the clock ticked towards midnight. Colin awoke a while later when something made him get out of bed and go downstairs. Scratching sounds came from outside the front door. He opened it a wee bit feeling sorry for some stray this time of night. He could always find the animal a few scraps. Colin almost fell backward as he spotted a huge gray wolf.

A large mouth was half opened with a sort of happy panting. It made Colin smile. For some strange reason, he was not afraid. Maybe this was part of his wish. Boy and animal stared at each other. Colin somehow knew there was no time to stand around. He ran upstairs, put on boots, warm clothes, mitts and a hat. By the time he returned downstairs, three more fully grown wolves were waiting by the front door. He patted the leader on the head and headed down the street. The other wolves walked beside and behind him. Colin noticed a neighbour peering from her window. Within minutes of receiving her phone call, the Truro Police Department sent an urgent message: "Boy kidnapped by wolves!"

Car drivers passing by could hardly believe their eyes. The scene even scared some adults who rushed back to the safety of their homes. Yells and screams could be heard up and down Park and Rosewyn Streets. Colin liked to run and the wolf leader urged him on. Soon they entered Victoria Park and headed up the path towards the Reservoir. By now groups of men, women and children were gathering on the sidewalks. "There they go!" and "I saw them!" were shouts heard up and down the street. Police were joined by others following on foot and in cars. Christmas eve celebrations were now forgotten. Everyone was trying to save a little boy from wild animals. An angry buzz could be heard, almost like hornets trying to defend their nest. The wolves knew the shortest paths and waited often for the boy to catch his breath. Colin rested against a birch tree. How many boys had a chance to run with wolves in the moonlight? .....he wondered.

Colin knew in his heart he was on a special mission and began to run again. The wolves watching over him seemed to know exactly where they were going. Not far behind, angry and scared words followed from a growing crowd of people. Some even had sticks and baseball bats. There was fear in their hearts. Parents afraid to leave their children at home brought them along on the chase. It was as if the whole town was on the move, heading for the woods. They left behind their fancy Christmas treats and pretty decorations. Shopping for presents and even getting ready for Santa was forgotten. After all, what was more important right now than rescuing a little boy on Christmas eve?

Colin and the wolves hid beside the trail watching people fill all the connecting paths. He climbed onto the back of the wolf leader, and was able to move more quickly. As Colin traveled through the woods he noticed many animals standing around. And many flocks of various birds sat on branches. Why weren't they running, or flying away? After all, so many people were coming. "Weren't creatures of the forest supposed to be afraid of people?" he wondered. Suddenly, the wolf leader stopped and raised his snout. His "OWWWOOUUU" call was a signal for the other wolves to join in. Colin climbed down to see what was the matter. He was surprised to see the forest all around him was filled with even more animals and birds. Every tree was covered with Crows and eagles. And canaries, partridges and owls. Every animal and bird he had read about in his library at home was here.

Also, standing proudly behind every shrub and tree were coyotes, rabbits and beaver. And mice and deer. Even bear, moose and others whose names he could not remember. The growing crowd of people was amazed at the sights around them. Their angry words were soon changed to "Oohs" and "Aahs" of wonder. There were so many people of all ages, shapes and sizes. But, there were a lot more animals and birds. As if on a signal, all the adults placed their sticks and baseball bats on the ground. Everyone looked down the path that led to a grassy field, where Colin and the wolves had stopped. It overlooked a small lake that was the town's water reservoir. They listened as the wolves seemed to howl a special greeting. The full moon came from behind the clouds, like a huge flashlight from the sky. Stars glittered as diamonds. Moonbeams shone upon Colin and the wolves. Everyone could see the kidnapped boy was fine. Colin's mom and dad hurried to their son. They were surprised he did not seem fearful of the darkness.

They walked down the slope of the hill to their son, who was befriended by four shaggy wolves. Then very softly, a humming arose from thousands of trees. Flapping wings began to lift slowly. Then more rapidly, as a strange mixture of 'Clapping' and 'Whooshing' sounds echoed throughout the woods. The whole forest seemed to quiver and shake. Utterings from other varieties of birds and animals joined in. Loon melodies lifted majestically into the sky. Deer added 'blowing' sounds meant to soothe their young. And dozens of beaver slapped muscled tails as they dove as arrows into the reservoir of water. Men, women and children gasped in wonder. The sounds their ears captured were enchanting. Melodies spoke of pride in the wilderness. About protecting and sharing the precious forest. And living in peace with one another.

It was a message that touched every human heart. It filled empty spaces held within by an army of anxious people. Some had forgotten their special qualities, of kindness and sharing. It was what the forest animals and birds wanted to remind them. Everyone listened. Movements mingled with sound, drifting peacefully through the trees. The aroma of the outdoors was a sweet scent. Now, strange and beautiful melodies surrounded three figures bathed in moonlight. Mother, father and little Colin. A family joined together. Bringing nature and people into one mighty family circle. It was awesome.

Suddenly, the animals and birds stopped. Their sounds which had reached to the sky and beyond the hills, now silenced. What was going to happen now? As if an unseen baton waved them on, an army of young voices began to sing. Children stood, their own message rising from the forest as if in a huge wave. It was birthed from their own joy and youth and soon joined by all the adults. Their combined songs created a sign of hope as the sweep of time turned from midnight to morning. In a magic moment of time, everyone joined in. Animals, birds and humans came together in a common symphony. Their voices carried a message of love and peace on earth. It was now Christmas!

Plus more by; Richard L. Provencher

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