In November, just after Thanksgiving, Woolly Mammoth decided to go on Crusade to England and preach to whosoever would listen to him. He asked Ketrosaurus to remain behind for this mission.
"You recall when we went to the tar pits in California, United States," Woolly Mammoth asked him.
"Yes, of course," said Kentrosaurus.
"Then you also must remember what happened to the prayer garden while we were gone. It was over grown into quite a jungle."
"Yes, indeed," said Kentrosaurus. "It will be my mission to maintain it properly and when you return it will look just as you see it now. As you work for the Glory of the Lord God and Jesus Christ across the Sea, I shall maintain the Garden of the Lord here."
"Very well, faithful servant." said Woolly Mammoth. "God bless you."
"Thank you, Mammoth. You shall remain in my prayers as I eat the Garden."
Thus, Kentrosaurus departed for the prayer garden, and Woolly Mammoth set off for the country of England.
After many days of travel, Woolly Mammoth arrived at England's port of Felixstowe, on the 23rd of December, which he chose as his point of entry because he knew that a majority of the land the port is on was owned by Trinity College, Cambridge, a Godly institution; and also because it was a busy port. It was very busy there as they deal in 49% of England's containerized trade; and there would be lots of souls to save. He had hopes of saving everyone there starting with the port's dedicated police, fire and EMT services. He was a bit disturbed that everyone was so busy they did not seem to notice the sudden arrival of a Woolly Mammoth at the port.
He decided before beginning his sermon to see if he could find any megafauna or dinosaurs of England, seeing only the mammals about, he wanted to seek the company of those with which he could relate before he started his sermon. He stomped forthrightly to the London Borough of Bromley, in the Southeastern part of England, knowing that the Dinosaur monuments were there at Crystal Palace, he was also hopeful of meeting Iguanodon there; he knew this was where Iguanodon had taken up residence because he had heard Kentrosaurus relate an adventure that his cousin Stegosaurus had had here. Woolly Mammoth located the Crystal Palace island, and the Old North Wood nearby. It was there that he found Iguanodon eating the trees there.
"Who there !?!" exclaimed Iguanodon. "My Goodness, there is a Mammoth in the forest !! Have you truly come from South Africa just to visit me?"
"I am here on Crusade, Iguanodon," said Woolly Mammoth. "I am decided to give a sermon on 1st Corinthians 15:58, on Christmas Eve. Will you come to the port of Felixstowe and hear the Word?"
"I would love to hear your sermon, my friend, but it is Christmas Eve, and I will be in the town of Maidstone visiting my family. How long will you be here? I hope longer than one night !! You are welcome to come to Maidstone and give your sermon on Christmas Eve. There will be no one at Felixstowe there on Christmas Eve because it is a holiday. I heartily suggest you choose another day, such as the 27th, after Boxing Day, when business is again bustling there. Perhaps after the New Year, depending how long you plan to stay."
"You make a good point friend Iguanodon. I should plan my Crusade a bit better than I have. But I heartily accept your invitation to visit Maidstone and your family."
"You honor me, my friend. Please come with me to Maidstone. It is East Southeast of London, the largest town in Kent. I am so highly respected there that I have been put on their coat of arms. It is a source of great pride to me and my family. Though I have been estranged from my wife, when I finish dinner here we will stomp forthrightly home, and it will be just in time for Christmas."
"I am so sorry to hear about the situation with your wife. I hope you will pray and search your heart to find the love you once knew. Ask Christ for help." Then, Woolly Mammoth abruptly changed the subject. "I am fascinated by this forest," he observed.
"It IS quite impressive," agreed Iguanodon, for the moment ignoring the comments about his relationship with his wife. "This is a natural oak woodland, our friends the mammals first made reference to the wood during the reign of King Edward II in the year 1272. In those days, it was as large as 830 acres, and the woods have been cleared of timber for economic reasons since the Middle Ages, for the purposes of building ships, for the most part, clearing the forest of its most ancient and largest trees. The well known Vicar's Oak was one that survived near what would become the Crystal Palace Park in the early 19th century; about 30 years before my monument was placed there. That very park was indeed part of the forest long ago. Mammal hermits lived here in the wood as late as 1802, but these days it is only the forest animals and I. Oak is the primary tree; but there are also Hornbeam, and they are quite delicious as well."
Woolly Mammoth and Iguanodon dined heartily and then on Christmas Eve morning, they set off for the town of Maidstone.
Iguanodon related that his children were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Stegosaurus Claus, and they had been good, so he felt they had nothing to fear from Spinosaurus.
"Yet, I feel it would do them good to hear the Word of God."
"I will be glad at once to enlighten them with The Word" promised Woolly Mammoth.
"First, let me give you a short tour of the town of Maidstone. I may have taken up to living in the forests around the Crystal Palace, but Maidstone is my true home."
"Thank you kindly, " said Woolly Mammoth. Mammoth and Iguanodon traveled to Maidstone, and found themselves before the River Medway, which runs through the center of the town.
"Let us drink here before we venture into town." suggested Iguanodon. The two friends paused to drink, and then ventured onward. The River has been instrumental in the mammals' trade for some time; and they have lived here since the Stone Age," explained Iguanodon.
"Fascinating," said Woolly Mammoth.
"Like much of the world however there has been a shift from heavy industry to smaller, lighter industry and a service economy. But again, the mammals have been here since the Stone Age and the first record of it occurs in the year 975 as de maeides stana, or Stone of the Maidens, probably named after a megalith stone in town where mammals still congregate. The Modern name of Maidstone was frist used about the year 1610. The Roman Empire built the first paved road here, but it was the Normans who were the first to set up a shire court for the administration of local Government, particularly to gather taxes for the central Government. I am sure you will find of interest that Religious organizations set up an abbey and a seminary here."
"Delightful," agreed Woolly Mammoth.
"The priest John Ball was imprisoned here for taking part in the Peasant's Revolt of 1381, and this area also saw the Battle of Maidstone in 1649 during the English Civil War, our mayor at the time, Andrew Broughton, was also the Clerk of the Court of Justice, and pronounced an extinction sentence upon King Charles I, which was carried out.
Our weather is rather cooler in the summers than I would like, but we do have mild winters, and this is my home, the place were I was discovered in 1825 the second dinosaur to be discovered after my friend Megalosaurus. What do you think?"
"Oh, it is a lovely town," said Woolly Mammoth; Thank you for bringing me here. Please take me to meet your family."
Within short order Woolly Mammoth and Iguanodon arrived at Iguanodon's cave. Mrs. Iguanodon met them at the entrance.
"Dear husband, I see you have brought us a Christmas guest. Welcome Woolly Mammoth. We are so pleased to have you with us at this Holy time of the year. What brings you to England?"
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Iguanodon," said Woolly Mammoth. " I am here to bring the Word of God to Europe. I am on Crusade, and plan to bring a sermon on 1st Corinthians after the Christmas Holidays. "
It would seem appropriate to preach tonight, and I normally hold a Christmas Eve service at the Holy Pentecostal Church of the Pleistocene Revival, but I am tired from all the travel, stomping from Africa, or swimming in the sea. I encourage us to rest and meditate upon the Glory of the Lord God and the birth of his Most Holy Son, Jesus Christ. I hope you are not disappointed about tonight but I am very tired and encourage you all to come to the sermon on 1st Corinthians 15:58 shortly to take place."
"I understand how you have had a long journey and offer you to rest here with us. We will follow your example." said Iguanodon.
"I was told you had children. May I meet them?" asked Woolly Mammoth.
"I feel it is important they know the Word of God, " said Mrs. Iguanodon, but I have just put them to sleep, they have been very excited, anticipating the visit of Stegosaurus Claus, will you wait to meet them Christmas morning?"
"Of course said Woolly Mammoth. "Now let us pray and meditate upon the Wonder that is Christmas. Great and Wonderful Lord God, Thank you for the blessing of your Son Jesus Christ, His Birth and the miracle of his life and ministry. For the sacrifice he will make our Our behalf, King of Kings who sacrificed everything for the benefit of us, your children, lowly sinners all. Thank you for my groundskeeper Kentrosaurus, and all the congregants and visitors to my Church, the Holy Pentecostal Church of the Pleistocene Revival. Thank you for my gracious hosts, Iguanodon and his lovely family. Amen."
"Amen." said the Iguanodons.
Early Christmas Morning, Woolly Mammoth was awakened by two young Iguanodons who were surprised by the fact that they saw Woolly Mammoth there when they were expecting Stegosaurus Claus.
"Fear not young friends," reassured Woolly Mammoth, seeing the distressed look on their faces. "I am Woolly Mammoth, and I am here to bring the Word of God to you and any other mammal, dinosaur or creature who will hear on this most blessed Christmas morning."
"But, but, where is Stegosaurus Claus? Have we been bad?" asked one of the young Iguanodons.
"You have been good children.... Children of God .... but fear not for Stegosaurus Claus will come to you after you have attended my sermon. I assure you."
The children were again delighted, and immediately ran to find their parents, who shortly appeared.
"Will you be bringing us a Christmas Day sermon?" asked Mrs. Iguanodon. "If so, where?"
"On Christmas Day, yes." said Woolly Mammoth. "Let us go and stomp forthrightly to Boughton Monchelsea, for there I have learned, is the center of your Government, and I wish them to hear me if at all possible. My Christmas Sermon is on Isaiah 9:6, and there at Boughton Monchelsea shall it be said in the prophecy: "....the Government shall be upon his shoulders ..."
"Very well," said Iguanodon, I will take you there, and the crowds who know you will follow. By the time you get there there will be enough mammals and maybe a dinosaur or two to give a sermon to. "
Christmas morning dawned, a bit cloudy, but Iguanodon and his family set off with Woolly Mammoth from their cave to Boughton Monchelsea, filled with the joy and wondrous expectation of the Season.
Within short order they all arrived, the Iguanodons made tea while they waited expectantly and Woolly Mammoth stood in the center of the public square. He knew that it being Christmas, there would be no Government officials at work, but he was absolutely delighted to see how many of the mammals came to hear him speak the Word of the Lord. the children of the Iguanodons were more interested in looking at the sky, and looking into the forests to see if they could find what happened to Stegosaurus Claus. Woolly Mammoth was content that now was the time to begin his sermon.
"Brothers and Sisters in Christ, welcome with me to Boughton Monchelsea this fine Christmas Morning. The Birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am delighted to spend this season on Crusade with you and bring to you the Word of the Lord this morning. It has been a bit cloudy when I left from the home of my hosts, the Iguanodons. But now I see just as I begin the clouds begin to part and the sun appear. This is a sign! A sign from The Lord. A sign that tells me there is truth in today's sermon of Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6. For, we have a newborn day, and the newborn day is symbolic of the newborn Son whose nativity we celebrate this day. The prophets of old, wrote of the day to come, foretold of the arrival of the Prince of Peace to the World of the mammal.
If we turn to the Book of Isaiah we see that it is written in Chapter 9 verse 6, ''For unto us, a Child is born, a Son is given." This Child would grow to change the world entire. His is the example we must follow. In the darkness of the world He is the Light. He is the Hope .... In such times as these it is difficult not to despair. So much evil in so many various forms besets us and attempts to seduce and beguile us. So much darkness surrounding us it is easy even for the most staunch believer to fall prey to doubt and fear from time to time.
When you have fallen prey to this way of thinking do recall that Chapter 9 verse 5 reveals to us thus : "For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire". So cleanse we must, but we would live to see the day of the Christ Child born again. I say again of the verse at the start of my sermon, "For onto us, a Child is born; a Son is given."
"....and though there be no Government officials at work today on a Sunday, I know that you listeners are here and more will come to hear the Word and spread it to those who cannot be here to hear or feel the power of the Word the Love of God Almighty.
Yea, verily, that light will grow and crowd out the darkness replacing fear with the love and hope of the newborn King. Those who follow the Word will be wise leaders, and as Isaiah says, "And the Government shall be upon his shoulder, and his Name shall be call'd Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
"And though these dark times seem to expose the faults of Man's Government, and lead to so much harm, brutality and fear in this, our most WONDERFUL time of the year there is a sign of Hope in that "........ the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."
So to bring about the prophetic Government we must follow the given example and be zealous for the Love and Hope that is the Lord God Jesus Christ. We must BE that zealous and create that which we wish to see most in all the World entire. We can bring it to pass, my brothers and sisters. But our first step is that we must believe. Be among the chosen to recognize when you are called upon by the Lord. When you see that opportunity, that door open, walk through, stomp through, softly, swiftly, insistently, if loudly, that is okay too so long as you get there !!! The Lord God helps them who help themselves; he will show the sign, and it is up to you to see it, or to act upon it when you see it.
Make the choice that will bring hope and peace. Keep your eyes open at all times for you never know unless you consult the Good Book exactly when the Lord will cause this to pass. "It hath lighted upon the Chosen Israel, the Word was sent onto Jacob, and all the mammals shall know and all the dinosaurs and megafauna shall know that the time has come for the Birth of the Savior of all mankind this most Holy of all mornings. My brothers and sisters I say Amen !! Can I get an Amen?"
The number of listeners was growing as they heard the sermon in the distance they arrived one by one, two by two and even three by three. For this, Woolly Mammoth was exceedingly glad as a great majority responded to his request and said, "Amen."
"Now go in peace and love, this fine morning and celebrate the birth in your own cave, your own field, no matter what you are or who or what your past is. This, by dear sons and daughters my brothers and sisters, is for you. Merry Christmas."
And then, while he still had the attention of the crowd, Woolly Mammoth said, "I am a visitor to your country in order to bring a Crusade for Christ into the country. Please come to the Port of Felixstowe on January 6th and hear a sermon on 1st Corinthians 15:58. I embrace you with the Love of Christ Jesus and thank you for your presence here."
The sermon was concluded; and the Iguanodons were inspired; but their small children were distressed for the absence of Stegosaurus Claus. They tried to ease the concerns of their young, but they did not share their anxiety because they trusted the Word of Woolly Mammoth and had faith that Stegosaurus Claus would appear in time as he always had. The Iguanodons were mildly surprised that no mammal was surprised to see them there; but then, the sermon was given by a Woolly Mammoth and if no mammal was surprised by a proselytizing pachyderm, they would not be shaken by the presence of a couple of dinosaurs with young.
Woolly Mammoth had taken his leave of his hosts for the time being, so that they could spend Christmas as a family. He returned to The Old North Wood with their knowledge and thought he'd spend Christmas Day pruning the oak trees there.When Woolly Mammoth arrived at the Old North Wood he was himself surprised and even alarmed at first to see Spinosaurus resting beside Stegosaurus Claus, who had decided, like Woolly Mammoth, to spend Christmas Day eating some Oak Trees. When Woolly Mammoth was reminded of another verse from the Book of Isaiah: 11:6 : The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox." Thus, his fear was evaporated and a great peace fell upon him. He spoke to Stegosaurus Claus.
"I am pleased to see you here, fellow servant of God. Do you mind if I eat Oak Tree leaves with you?"
"I would be pleased to have the company," responded Stegosaurus Claus. "I am eating a meal here in the Old North Wood so that I am not hungry on my way back to Brazil. Spinosaurus has been good this year; protected me on my journey and did not eat any children this year. He went out and hunted something for himself, but I did not ask him the details. For now he sleeps and when he wakes we will return home again. I will go to my workshop in Brazil, and he will return to his favorite lake in South Africa."
"I should like it if he'd stay for my sermon on January 6th. I understand why you could not; you are very busy in preparing for next years' visit to children around the World."
"Indeed," said Stegosaurus Claus. " I am sure if you ask him he will stay for your sermon."
"Have you visited the Iguanodon cave in Maidstone, as I promised the Iguanodon young ?"
"Yes, I have. They have had a peaceful, joyful Christmas filled with love and goodwill. All their desires are met."
"Have you restored their relationship?" asked Woolly Mammoth.
"This is beyond my power; it is a choice that they must make for themselves but I can help them along by spreading the cheer and goodwill that I have at my disposal; this will bring about the forces of good which will heal such divisions in time. But they must make their own choice and work for that destiny themselves."
There were no more words between them but they ate the forest together through the bright dawn of Christmas morning.
