One Of My Earliest Favorite Christmas Books, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 This was one of the earliest Christmas books I remember receiving as a gift. My guess is it came from my paternal grandparents and aunt, who knew my fondness for books, but were also the most devout Catholics imaginable.

                                    Over time, there have been editions of this story, but, for me, the 1946 edition, with the Katherine Evans illustrations, and jacket cover, remains definitive, as far as I am concerned.

                                      I had not consciously planned to write about it, but what got me thinking was my post, from the other day, on "The Little Drummer Boy."  I realized that, in some ways, they are virtually the same story.

                                        Both tell of a young male child, who feels out of step, with the world around him. In the case of the Drummer Boy, that world is on Earth, with the Littlest Angel, it is Celestial. But adjustment troubles are universal!

                                          The Drummer Boy feels, being of low birth himself, he can empathize with the infant Jesus, but that he has nothing fine enough to offer him as a gift. Till he realizes, with Mary's prodding, that the best gift he can give is to share his gift of music, with the Christ child.  Which tells us that however small, the gifts we genuinely share, however inexpensive, are the best of all.

                                                The same can be said for the Littlest Angel.  He does not fit into the Celestial Chorale, he cannot keep his halo on his head, or his appearance impeccable, and is always running from cloud to cloud, just trying to adjust to life in the great Beyond.

                                                 It happens there is a great fuss around this time, midway through the story, as it becomes apparent that a child is to be born on  Earth that will change the course of things.  Everyone--the choristers, the other angels--,is going about, getting their best in order, to present to God, for the fitness and approval of this child on Earth. All but the Littlest Angel, whom everyone poo poos, and who feels he has nothing to offer.

                                                     However, crossing the threshold with him was a box he cherished on Earth.  Inside is a feather, rock, stone.  It has been a long while since I read the entire story, but what I do recall is when the Face of God fell upon these items, the Littlest Angel felt such shame, but not to fear--God is pleased above all with the selflessness of this offering.  And this offering is taken by God and transformed into what is one of the most iconic Christmas symbols of all. The Littlest Angel's gift turns out to be the Star Of Bethlehem, which guides the Three Wise Men on their journey to the Christ child.

                                                       This story is one of the best illustrations of how the most important gifts given are those done so with genuine generosity.  A message that extends well beyond the Holidays.

                                                        Put it another way, girls!   We all love receiving our jewels and garnets!!!!  And there is nothing wrong with that. But let us not forget to bestow some real love on those
who bestow these on us!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         There is no greater gift, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!