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It happened early one Christmas time not long ago when winter's first breaths were touching Sunrise Skies, that Nick and Penny began to sense excitement within themselves. Mother Luvvins was hard put to keep patience with them, for her baking and cleaning and decorating and gifting must be done. How could she work with Nick demanding, "Is today Christmas?" and Penny yelling, "May I open my presents today?" Bless her! Her little Wondernells were driving her near to distraction. So she beckoned them into the parlor and sat down with them. "My dear little ones, it is not yet Christmas Day," she said. "But, Mother," Nick interrupted, "our tree is in the corner there." "Yes, Son, but it still isn't Christmas Day." "But, Mother," Penny said, "the air is filled with scents of cedar, cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, and so many sweet smells." "Yes, Daughter, but it still isn't Christmas Day." "Then, Mother, if all these things don't mean Christmas is here, what do they mean?" She smiled as she hugged them close to her. "They mean Christmas is coming soon. But you must be patient. A day as wonderful as Christmas must be awaited." Then she pointed to the mantel above the fireplace. "Look, Nick. See there, Penny. Keep an eye on the Star Clock. When the star carved above the clock's face is lighted, then it will be Christmas Day. "But, Mother, suppose the star forgets to shine," Nick said. "Yes," asked Penny, "then how will we know it's Christmas Day?" "Do not worry, little Wondernells. For many, many years, the Star Clock has shone for Luvvins children on Christmas Day. Your father keeps the clock in spiffy-spaffy working order. Without fail, the star will shine." And so from then on whenever Nick and Penny grew impatient, Mother Luvvins would point toward the parlor. After checking the Star Clock, the little ones would hush for a time. Soon they stopped pestering their mother and began checking the clock on their own. In fact, upon arising each morning, Nick and Penny went straight to the parlor before joining Father and Mother Luvvins in the kitchen for breakfast. So quiet were they on their visits to the parlor that Mother Luvvins, busy as she was, forgot all about her little ones' interest in the Star Clock. |
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