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This tree was extinct for a thousand years before sprouting again from a 2,000-year-old seed.
"When I had returned to my cave in Colorado from Vermont, I was again glad to take my rest. As I rested with a calming meal of aloe plants, I began to dream about the day that I would evolve. Since my hips are already bird - shaped, I know I am likely to evolve into a bird at some point, ( though I am disappointed that I have not yet been discovered with feathers like some of my contemporaries and not contemporaries.) Sometimes it is frustrating, but it can also be pleasant to dream of the future," said Stegosaurus.
"Sometimes I think it would be nice to evolve into a Red Tailed Hawk. I would have a large range; throughout most of North America including Canada. I would thrive well in deserts, in grasslands such as prairies and / or meadows; as I am now I would be at home in forests ( I think living on the edge of deep, dark old forests is really an ideal situation), farmer's fields, and even the urban areas where the mammals live. I would not live too deep into the arctic areas, but that's okay; I don't do that now. The only problem with this situation is my diet. I would become a bird of prey eating mammals / rodents and sometimes chickens. After 140 million and 15 years I am well adjusted to eating plants. Roots and trees. I even have a degree in horticulture consumption, which would be useless if I started eating chickens".
"So I thought some more. What if I were to evolve into a hummingbird ?? I have watched them from time to time and they are always so bright and colourful; they look so cheerful as they busily zip about hither and yon extracting nectar from flowers. When I have visited the State of California I have seen a particular type of Hummingbird I'd like to evolve into called Anna's Hummingbird. Named after a mammal known as Anne Debelle, Princesse d'Essling. ( 1802 ~ 1887 ) . I would primarily live on the West Coast of the United States, in Southern California or Baja. The mammals have worked hard though to plant ornamental flowers that the Anna's Hummingbird likes and it has allowed their range to expand into Arizona, Nevada and Texas. If you look really hard you can find them in some of the Southern United States. Anna's Hummingbird has been found as far as British Columbia where I would be their "official bird" just as I am now Colorado's "official fossil"".
"Because of the presence of nectar feeders placed by mammals, the Anna's Hummingbirds have in some places even acclimated to colder temperatures. I also might develop a taste for the insects that annoy me so much now. I would have no scales for them to get under but instead beautiful plumage. the male species of the Anna's Hummingbird particularly is so very beautiful. Instead of dull green scales and yellow plates I'd have rainbow coloured feathers to show off as I merrily flew about drinking from flowers. I would be the only male species of Hummingbird to sing a courtship song, and as we all know I do like to sing already. Do you think Hummingbirds know how to sing Questa O Quello ?? There are so many birds to choose from though that I'd like to be I just can't make up my mind".
"I have often thought of evolving into the very common Band-tailed pigeon. I have noted that the Band Tailed Pigeon suits my temperament; I would have some range that would overlap with the Anna's Hummingbird into British Columbia, California and Arizona. I'd also reside in Washington, Utah, Oregon, New Mexico and right here in Colorado. So I wouldn't have to go far from where I am now. My range would also extend into Central America, Mexico and Argentina. I would live in forests among the oak trees and conifers. This is a place I'm already well at home. My diet would consist of acorns, seeds, berries and other small fruits. The Mammals have introduced the Band Tailed Pigeon to English Holly and English Ivy; a modern food I already consume. I would be the largest pigeon of North America but also relatively quiet for a bird. I wouldn't get to sing as much as if I were an Anna's Hummingbird. Rather than a cave, I would live in a nest made of twigs, and fly in flocks of about 50 birds. So I would be quiet but very social".
"But I don't know for sure what I'd like to evolve into I probably have a few million more years to decide. What do you think ?? Have you any suggestions for what I should evolve into?"
This post dedicated to the memory of Seth Williamson ( March 3rd, 1949 ~ October 6, 2011 )
"I passed the Holidays pleasantly at home in my cave," said Stegosaurus. "It was quite relaxing after all the recent traveling I had undertaken. In late January I was delighted to receive word that Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont desired to make my acquaintance. I immediately accepted the invitation, looking forward to the opportunity to discuss our shared Socialist ideals. I warned him it would be a while before I got to Vermont, since I'm a Stegosaurus and we're slow by nature. At best, we can only run 5 miles per hour on average. In mid February I arrived in the State Capitol of Vermont, known as Montpelier, Vermont. I stomped into the North Branch Nature Center, where I hoped to enjoy a nice meal of the local tree specialty before seeking an audience with Senator Sanders.
I started off with a nice meal of Tsuga canadensis, which I was recently familiar with since these trees also grow in the country of Canada. Then I found an Abies balsamea or two, followed by a small grove of Picea abies. Then I was delighted to find one of my favorites, the Acer negundo. After I had had my fill, I explored more of Vermont's capital city. Feeling tired after my meal I found Hubbard Park and slept by a tower in a place called Seven Fireplaces. When I had fully rested I stomped to the Vermont Statehouse to see if I could find Senator Sanders. The communication I had received told me that he'd be in the capitol visiting his constituents.
Of course when I am around, I am hard to miss. I wasn't sure who to ask about Senator Sanders' whereabouts, but as it turned out, he was the one who found me.
It being cold, I was glad to see him bundled up and wearing his mittens.
"I'm very glad to finally meet you, Mr. Sanders, " said Stegosaurus.
I have waited a long time to meet you too," said Bernie Sanders. "You have a mighty reputation that goes back millions of years, and you are loved by everyone, especially small children, everywhere for some reason."
"Yes, a large part of my fan base is made up of very small mammals," said Stegosaurus. "It has been that way for a long while now."
"Furthermore, I understand that in 2008 you ran for Congress on the Green Party ticket," said Bernie Sanders.
"Yes, I did," said Stegosaurus, sighing. "That did not end very well. Not everything is a success."
"Still, I hope we can spend some time together discussing our shared Socialist ideals," said Bernie Sanders.
"One thing I wanted to ask you," said Stegosaurus excitedly, ".....is, do you know a mammal I much admire, Eugene Victor Debs?"
"Ah, no," laughed Bernie Sanders, and then he stopped himself. "I didn't mean to laugh, I'm sorry, Stegosaurus I did not know Mr. Debs, I'm not that old. But, I do admire his contributions to our cause, and share many of his ideals. "
"It's okay, Mr. Sanders, no offense taken. I really feel that Mr. Debs cares about the plight of working mammal and working dinosaur alike that is why every election cycle I stomp to the voting booth and vote for him. I heard that President Harding let him out of prison recently and I really feel that 2024 will be his year .... that is if we can keep that great threat to democracy from running for office again."
"Yes, I know who you mean," said Bernie Sanders. "Donald Trump."
"No, no, I mean that great, true, threat to democracy, Giant Meteor 2024. It was a narrow escape when Giant Meteor 2016 lost the last election," said Stegosaurus.
Bernie Sanders then changed the subject slightly. The elderly Senator and Stegosaurus stenops talked outside the Vermont statehouse about their admiration for Karl Marx, the Castro family of Cuba, Joseph Stalin, and other famous Socialists of America, such as Emma Goldman. They discussed and agreed heartily on methods to successfully bring about a centrally planned economy that worked for everyone. and Then Stegosaurus made a suggestion of going back to the North Branch Nature Center for lunch. Of course, Bernie knew he wasn't going to eat trees, but he liked Stegosaurus and wanted to continue the conversation with his new friend. So, he climbed up on his back and situated himself safely between Stegosaurus' spiff, sexy plates. Stegosaurus stomped forthrightly, and soon returned to the North Branch Nature Center.
Stegosaurus kept offering Bernie trees, but Bernie always declined politely. With Bernie on his back Stegosaurus happily ate Abies balsamea. Acer pensylvanicum, and Fagus grandifolia. Then Stegosaurus was feeling generous and helpful, so he ate some Rhus typhina to help the North Branch Nature Center clear out its weeds. Finally to top off his meal he ate an entire grove of Pinus nigra, which he was surprised to find in Vermont, which is why he eagerly consumed the entire grove. As is the case with the Pinus nigra, it caused Stegosaurus to expound upon sound economic principles.
He abruptly asked Bernie, "Senator Sanders, how would you counter, exactly, the theory of marginal utility? What metric would you use to gauge the satisfaction level of the consumer? What about a proper pricing structure? Every healthy economy needs a method for establishing a pricing structure."
"Well, Stegosaurus, that is silly. They should just be content as we decide what is best, and lower their expectations. We can't end greed until expectations are decreased. Mammals will learn. I've used the example before but there is no good reason why we need more than one shoe company in America. One company is adequate; diversity of choice leads to greed. What would make you think of such a thing all of a sudden ?? You sound like a capitalist."
Stegosaurus sighed. He didn't want to hurt the feelings of the Senator, but whenever he ate Pinus nigra he just couldn't help but become thoughtful about economic matters for some reason. It was too bad that Corythosaurus, his loyal accountant wasn't available to help him articulate something he suddenly knew was a flaw in the Socialist economic model. Why could he never remember this all the time? If only he had a larger brain .........
"I understand now how you lost your Congressional run," said Bernie. "You have a flaw in that your positions are not consistent."
"I blame my brain for being the size of a walnut. Maybe I am only fit for eating trees and digging for roots," admitted Stegosaurus. "This always happens when I eat the Pinus nigra, and today I have eaten an entire grove of them. I hope we can still be friends."
Bernie thought twice about admitting that he was annoyed... for he was worried that if news got out that he disagreed with Stegosaurus, many mammals who loved Stegosaurus would dislike him, and it would cause a scandal. So he said, "Of course we can still be friends, Stegosaurus. No hard feelings. I would advise you to eat less of the Pinus nigra; it would be good for the environment and the future politics of the Country. We can't have a Revolution succeed if people start thinking and questioning things."
Stegosaurus then returned Bernie Sanders to the Vermont Statehouse, and they parted on friendly and cordial terms. Stegosaurus returned to Colorado, having forgotten sensible economic laws by the time he was halfway home.
On January 6th, after celebrating Christmas with the Iguanodon family Woolly Mammoth returned to the English port of Felixstowe where he hoped to encourage the multitudes to follow Christ. He had announced his sermon of course at his arrival on the 23rd of December, but upon moving the date up at the suggestion of Iguanodon, he had more time to promote it ahead of the date and therefore had a reasonable expectation of a much larger crowd than what he had for his Christmas sermon. He had been encouraging everyone to come throughout the holidays; to anyone who entered The Old North Woods; he knew Ignanodon would be there; Iguanodon had promised him he'd tell anyone he saw on the Crystal Palace dinosaur island to come. Spinosaurus had indeed agreed to stay behind when Stegosaurus Claus returned to Brazil; he spent some time in the Old North Wood, and some time at the Crystal Palace as he patiently awaited the sermon.
When the day arrived, Woolly Mammoth was pleased to see even more mammals than before; and he looked over the crowd eagerly seeking dinosaurs or megafauna among them. He saw who he expected to see, but most of the attendees were mammals. Ultimately, he was happy to see anyone arrive. He had firm faith that anyone who hears has the potential to be saved, and this was good enough for him.
So, he began his sermon on 1st Corinthians 15:58.
"Welcome, brothers and sisters, friends and family, mammal, megafauna and dinosaur alike. Here I bring you by the grace and mercy of God almighty, Some background for you on the origin of the sermon I preach today. 1st Corinthians on the whole is an epistle attributed to St. Paul of Tarsus, with some assistance from Sosthenes, circa 53 ~ 54 A.D. The epistle was addressed, as may seem obvious, to the Church in Corinth. It was written during the three year period that Saint Paul lived in Ephesus, and he was writing to address issues he had heard about taking place in that Church which concerned him deeply. It was meant to advise members of that Church how they should conduct themselves. It was not entirely a message of chastisement, for he also answered questions the Corinthians had asked of him, and clarified parts of Church law for them. Although canonically listed as the first, it is actually the 4th of such letters written to the Corinthians; evidence for this is revealed by St. Paul himself, referenced in Chapter 5 verse 9, while an additional letter and a third now lost, referenced in 2nd Corinthians, So we know of at least 4 throughout history. Yet today we focus on part of the canonical first. I encourage you to be strong in your faith, as St. Paul encouraged the Corinthians. Build upon the joy which we have experienced in the Christmas season and waver not upon the course that leads the way to Christ and life eternal.
As the verse reads, I tell you : "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." "Verily, be ye steadfast, stand ye like a rock, unmovable and certain in your faith, faith abounding, to attend with exuberance your work for the Lord Jesus Christ. For your labor is not in vain !! Indeed there is no time to become extinct when you work for the Lord. Praise your Master and give your all to work for the Kingdom. You will be rewarded in Heaven your good deeds speak to the aspirations of the heart. We have victory over extinction in our Lord Jesus Christ.
As Saint Paul tells us. Flesh and blood may not inherit the Kingdom of God. Nor fur, nor scale, nor claw. neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep but we shall be changed !!
You will be surprised if I tell you this, having experienced meteors and comets, but behold, I tell you the truth .... we shall be saved ... for hark !! Hear the trumpet !!! The Last Trumpet shall sound, and there will be no extinction ever more. When we are changed with grace we will ascend to the Lord, the grace we have earned in working for The Kingdom. You will not need to wait for the mammals to find you and dig you out of the earth; you shall not remain unlabeled in a box waiting to be named and reassembled. It will happen .... In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet !! The trumpet shall sound, and the extinct will be raised incorruptible. And we shall be changed.
In this state no longer shall we fear extinction, nor predator or any foe. There will be abundance in this heavenly land for all who seek the blessings of the Lord Jesus and work for The Kingdom. Verily, my brothers and sisters, I say onto thee ....... For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
We must shed this mortal life, without fear of loss, our life here is only a pale mirror of what awaits the faithful. So again I say it as Saint Paul wrote to those of Corinth be steadfast and unmoveable. And this way, I guarantee you, we will defeat extinction with the grace of the Lord. When we embrace that gift, the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ, never will we have to fear extinction. Not by predator, not by tar pit, not by meteor or comet. We shall be victorious warriors of Christ !! So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Can you imagine this ? It is not impossible, I tell you. I tell you all we can live forever in the Light of Christ and never fear extinction again. For when we, the weak mortals embrace the Love of Jesus and put on incorruption, we shall be invincible ..... nothing can harm the warrior of God who believes in the Blood of Christ.
As is written, let it be spoken, that extinction is swallowed up in victory and the faithful shall be one with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We must find our way through the narrow path with all its brambles to the Love of each other. in kinship, in fellowship, we seek our way out of the darkness, knowing the full truth with all Glory to Jesus the Christ is ours for the asking. With humility and supplication we give Thanks to The Lord God for the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ. Let us go together, brothers and sisters, and we will be together in that eternal land of peace where death is unknown. I entreat you to follow me ... follow me, let us all stomp to Glory everlasting ! Amen !!"
And this, Woolly Mammoth's sermon ended, he looked about the crowd to see how large the crowd was, and he hoped many had remained til the end. He especially was hoping that the dinosaurs he saw in the crowd before his sermon began were still there. Again he saw Iguanodon and his family. Spinosaurus was still there, as Stegosaurus Claus had told him he would be. But he also saw a couple of dinosaurs that he had never seen before talking to Iguanodon and Spinosaurus, and he felt he must go immediately to them and introduce himself, pleased that he had helped to draw unknown souls to the Grace of God. Woolly Mammoth stomped right away to speak to the strangers.
"Hello, Iguanodon, and Spinosaurus !" He exclaimed as he approached
"Hello, Woolly Mammoth, you have given a fine sermon this morning. Thank you," said Iguanodon.
"Thank you, I hope you found it meaningful. I see Spinosaurus here; Thank you for remaining past your Christmas duties," said Woolly Mammoth to Spinosaurus.
"I am still on my good behavior Christmas rules," said Spinosaurus; "Stegosaurus Claus asked me to remain, for he told me it was important to you that I hear your sermon. All bets for good behavior are off once I return to my lake in South Africa. Just being honest. "
"God be with you," said Mammoth. "Now I see we have two new friends here among us, please introduce yourselves; I am pleased immensely that you have chosen to spend your Sunday morning listening to my sermon. I am on Crusade, and hope to bring the joy of Christ to the people of England."
One of the dinosaurs was a Hadrosaur; the other was from the Ankylosaur family. The Hadrosaur spoke up first. "I was just recently discovered in Japan; my name is Yamatosaurus. I am pleased to meet you. I was discovered in May, 2004 on Awaji Island, in the Kita-Ama Formation by a team of paleontologists, all but one native Japanese mammals. I just a little over 71 million years old. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, and want you to know I found your sermon to be quite moving and inspiring."
"I am very pleased, and hope you will come to hear more while you and I are here in England. What brings you to England from Japan?" asked Woolly Mammoth.
"I was just recently discovered, and after so many millions of years laying in the Earth unknown I decided it was a good time to take a tour of the World and see what was new."
"Congratulations on your discovery," said Woolly Mammoth. "And your friend, with you. My brother in Christ, are you also from Japan?"
"No, good Mammoth. I am named Stegouros. I was discovered in Patagonia, which is in Chile, about 3 years ago, in 2019. My name gives you the impression that I am somehow related to Stegosaurus, but as you can see, I am more closely a relative of Ankylosaurus. I lived about the same time as Yamatosaurus, 71 to 75 million years ago. I am not from Japan or England, but decided to see the World about the same time as Yamatosaurus for the same reasons. Curiosity and adventure. How exactly have things changed is a question I felt could not be answered remaining in my native land. I love my home, but I want to see the rest of the World after so many years. As recent discoveries, we decided to travel together and have arrived here in England just in time for your sermon. We have missed Stegosaurus Claus, which is unfortunate I would have liked to meet a Stegosaurus to discover our similarities. I gather that be both have dangerous looking, cool, spiky tails. But we were drawn in when we saw the Iguanodon family and Spinosaurus here."
"I am pleased to meet you both and am sure that you will meet Stegosaurus before too long. I pray you will come to more of my sermons in England, and you are both welcome to travel to South Africa and visit my Holy Pentecostal Church of the Pleistocene Revival. My groundskeeper Kentrosaurus is one of Stegosaurus' cousins. I am sure you will get along very well."
"I am pleased to keep my word and attend your sermon, Woolly Mammoth, " interjected Spinosaurus. "I must however now beg my leave as I must find something to eat that I haven't promised not to kill. It's my nature as a meat eater, and as you must know, a long trip from here back to South Africa. I would also like to take my leave before I am tempted to eat my new friends here."
"By all means, Spinosaurus, take your leave as you will. I appreciate your remaining for my sermon and also appreciate your honesty. Thank you for not eating any of us today. May the Grace of Lord Jesus be with you today and always. Have a safe journey back home, and I hope to see you there when my Crusade is over. "
"Thank you, Woolly Mammoth," said Spinosaurus, and he took his leave.
"I'd like to help him, but I am a plant eater and only know where the best plants to eat are," said Iguanodon.
"It is probably best to keep your distance until he can find and satiate his hunger. You don't want to be so helpful that you end up *being* dinner." observed Yamatosaurus.
Good point, my new Hadrosaur friend. Good point." agreed Iguanodon.
"Might I suggest we all go out to eat at the Old North Woods," suggested Mrs. Iguanodon. "We can also visit the Crystal Palace Island. My husband and I will be glad to show you the best of England, and we can have a good cup of Tea, as well, if you'd like."
"I agree this is a good plan," said Woolly Mammoth, smiling at the Iguanodon young, who had gathered at his feet.
"Let us go, and we shall get to know each other over a good meal," said Stegouros.
And with that, they all left the port of Felixstowe, Woolly Mammoth was finding it a bit odd that none of the Mammals spoke to him after gathering to hear him speak, but he was pleased to meet new Prehistoric friends, and spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying a meal and making their acquaintance. He could hardly wait to tell Kentrosaurus when he returned to the Church.
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.
