I found these old Christmas Legends a few years ago, on a web site which has since dissapeared. I think that I remember seeing them in a magazine when I was very small. I added the graphics to make this Christmas card, if it is hard to read, I apologize. I wanted it to be in a "pretty" font, and I put several choices in the code hoping a nice one will show up on your computer.
Whiter than shells along the shore
And one has nothing of note, so he
Alas, alas, the little Newborn
Sees in a terrible vision how
For sorrow and shame
"But be of good cheer as ever you can.
Now red, rejoicing, the berries shine
That desolation to joy makes way.
html by Simple at Heart
Merry Christmas!
Legend of the Holly
The holly berry that burns so red
(Raise high the holly!)
Once was whiter than wheaten bread
(As love is better than folly.)
It blooms on its tree by a stable door.
Villagers come there, half-afraid,
Gifts in their hands for Child and Maid.
Fetches a branch of the holly tree.
Has pricked His finger upon a thorn,
Has left His blood on the spiny leaves.
Heavy of heart the holly grieves,
A crown of holly shall bind His brow
When Child is man.
The berries have blushed as red as flame.
Says Mary the Mother,
"Take no blame.
Both foul and fair are the works of man,
"Yet unto man has My Son been lent.
And you, dear tree, are the innocent
"Who weeps for pity what man might do.
So all your thorns are forgiven you."
On jubilant doors as a Christmas sign
(Hang high the holly!)
Holly is the symbol of Christ's Birthday.
(When love shall vanquish folly.)
The manger scene, door, and holly graphics are from a large compilation site,
Mary Snowglobe is also from a large compilation site.
It's much too nice for someone not to own the copyright. If you know who made it email me.
Crown of thorns is a black and white clip art from a free site, which I colored.