The Littlest Angel

It was late. Christmas Day was almost over...

The feast had been eaten, the gifts unwrapped, and all were gathering their children, their bags and their coats...readying to leave. It was hard to hear anything distinct over the din of laughter and the hugs and farewells.

It was then that the littlest one knelt by the tree.

Alone in her world, she touched one of the glittery balls...

And a little bell caught her eye.

She reached in to touch it...

And carefully unwrapped the wire hook...

And gave the bell a little shake...

No one else heard the tinkle that the little clapper made, but there it was. Clear as a bell.

Gently, she placed the bell back where she had found it.

And angels walked among us.