A Christmas Tale

Santa loaded up his sleigh; it would soon be time to go The night was cold the moon was bright as he set off through the snow He knew his trusty reindeer would see the journey through They’d made it many times before; the track was tried and true. But Santa wasn’t feeling well as he set off that night To make his annual journey and make this Christmas bright For all the children waiting, snuggled up and fast asleep And those that tried to stay awake, to have a crafty peep. He covered many miles that night, but he felt so tired and worn He knew the time was going fast and soon it would be dawn But he stopped his trusty reindeer; he had no strength at all And rested on the wooden steps outside the Mason’s hall Just then he heard an enquiring voice say, “Can I help you friend” He looked up to see a smiling face, and a friendly hand extend “Oh, I have so much that must be done, so many stops to make” Santa told the friendly stranger, “but I have to take a break”

The stranger listened patiently then helped Santa to his feet He then said come inside with me, there’s some people you should meet As they walked into the foyer all activity stopped dead Men looked in stunned amazement at the figure dressed in red All was hushed in silence as Santa told his tale of woe Of all the children waiting, and the many miles to go The Master said I have a plan, one of the very best Our Brotherhood is worldly spread; let’s put it to the test

And very soon the word went out, to all points far and wide Come to our aid you Masons, and help save this Christmastide To every Lodge throughout the world wherever Masons meet The message travelled onward, along every highway, every street Every Mason everywhere, upon that Christmas night Gladly helped out Santa, to make that Christmas bright Santa was well cared for, his reindeer tended well When he was fully rested, he bid a fond farewell.

The Masons went about their task, delivering all the gifts Instead of using chimneys, they used stairways and the lifts They called on every town and house, they didn’t miss a one And had every gift delivered before the morning sun. Not many know this story, not many people know How the Masons helped out Santa on that Christmas long ago We know that Santa was delighted, for he was heard to say

“Bless you Masons, everyone, for saving Christmas Day”.

Bro J L Bau ©

Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand Page 11