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| In the old days, as today, celebrations were held at the time of year when darkness perished and light returned to the world. As the angels flew from the heavens to earth, a spectacular view would unfold before them.... In the north, fires were burned and the lights of Jol and Yule reflected in the sparkling snow and frost. The sacred trees were filled with beads, bells, candles, and bits of food to comfort the fairies through the dark, cold winter. Bonfires burned and lanterns glowed to light the way in the shortened days. The evergreens stood in stark contrast to the white winter snow, and the otherwise colorless world shimmered and sparkled with the crystals of ice and the flickering of flames. And far in the northern forests, the sky answered with ribbons of colors licking the black of night. In the south, lanterns were strung on vines and hung, swinging and sparkling, in city streets and on the outside of homes. Garlands of flowers were wrapped around structures and watered in pots and vases, and these brought cheer until the return of the sun. Festivals were held to recognize the rebirth of light - And the earth sparkled with light like the stars in the sky, and the angels traversed between the two. In these times, the population of the world was innocent and charming. Though crude in some behaviors, the people had not been corrupted with everyday war or mental pollutants. This was when the world was beautiful. And at this time, there were two angels who could not resist the beauty of creation. The angel Cistelos had happened upon a maiden of the north, her furs and blankets welcoming and comforting. She lived in a sparsely populated community, and longed for company. The two became fast friends, and soon more. The beauty of a young woman in Greece, who had all the attractiveness of any goddess in her own right, had distracted the angel Turnas. Her perfection seemed unearthly, and her mind was clear and open. They, too, were soon more than innocent friends. But ancient wars in Heaven seemed only yesterday, and so the Great God called these two angels before Him. "I remind you," said He, "of the fallen angels before you - those banished to the lake of fire. I remind you of my Power." Turnas and Cistelos knew the consequences of mingling with humanity, and were aware of the contamination their heavenly knowledge could cause to the lower race. "Nothing can we hide from you," said Cistelos. "We will face our charges." And Turnas, also being an upright angel, told Him, "We are prepared to face our doom." But before the Great God could display his power, Mercy intervened. "God of Power," said she, "Show compassion on these two, and moreover on their human companions, whose actions have been wrong but whose hearts are pure. The women have conceived, I see, and the unborn are not deserving of a punishment meant for their parents. So the Great God searched the hearts of the mortals and angels and found them to be true. And so with the counsel of Mercy, God decided that he would not banish his angels from the heavens for eternity - it would be the charge of Turnas and Cistelos to return to earth as mortals to rear their children in the ways of Heaven. In this way, the children would be the salvation of the parents. After accomplishing the task of rearing their children, upon their deaths, Turnas, Cistelos, and their mates would be accepted unto heaven. Their halos were taken and dimmed, and Michael escorted the two to earth, where he removed their wings with his sword, and left them as naked mortals. Upon learning of these events, the fallen angel Gnolthid, whose job was to usurp good intentions on earth, sought counsel with the Great God, and claimed the halos of the former angels. It was Gnolthid's keep to test and tempt the families of Turnas and Cistelos. So to the south went Turnas, where a daughter was borne to him at Saturnalia. She was named Anastasia, whose name meant "standing up" or "resurrection" in Greek. Her name was a symbol of what would be to come. To the north went Cistelos, where his son was born during Jol. He was named Claus, which meant "victory." He, too, had a name which foreshadowed future events. |