Garfield Junior High School - Gleaner Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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Christmas to You Does it mean candies, cakes and toys ? Does it mean turkeys and other joys ? Does it mean parties and lots of fun? Does it mean days when relatives come ? What does Christmas mean to you? Does it mean a tree burdened with lights? Does it seem just like other nights? Does it mean a day ivhen Santa Comes? Does it mean a time ivhen socks are hung? What does Christmas mean to you? Does it mean the day of our Lord’s birth? Does it mean the time He came to earth? Does it mean a tune of all good cheer? Does it mean a day ivhen none should fear? What does Christmas mean to you? It means to me each of these things, It means a time when we should bring T oys, clothes, and all sorts of food, So those who suffer might feel good, That’s what Christmas means to me. Alice Hyerle, High Seven. Christmas There’s a song in the air just at Christmas, As we dash from school to our play, And we dream of the things that are joyous, That thrill us that one perfect day. The hour of enchantment grows nearer, T he night before Christmas is at hand, And we creep off to bed to continue Our dreams of that far-away land. When the sun peeps over the hilltops, We dash from our beds in great haste, To find side by side from the mantle, The socks bulging, round in their place. And I think of that first Christmas morning, Ot the Star and the Bethlehem Babe, That brought peace and joy to the children, From then, right on down to our age. Patricia Clinton, High Seven.

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THE STAR Around me the snow was swirling frienziedly; the biting cold was piercing through my clothes. Despite the cold, even I, a stranger, could guess that this was Christmas Eve. Nearby, was a cheerful looking house. A wreath was hung on the door; a light was burning within. Tiptoeing up to the window, I peeped in. In one corner stood a Christmas tree loaded with presents and glistening as though a magic wand had caressed it. On the topmost bough was a beautiful star. But as I looked it grew dull, lost its glitter. Why? I turned away, feeling vaguely disappointed. Sadly continuing down the road, I passed other brightly lighted houses but did not stop. Soon I was at the edge of town. There stood a small shack. It held my attention. Drawn by an irresistible impulse, I drew aside the rough burlap sack that was hung at the window. I gasped at the stark poverty of the scene before me. There was no fire on the hearth. In one corner, covered only by an old shawl, lay two sleeping children. On a stool near the hearth sat a woman. Rising, she took from a pocket of her dress two apples. They were evidently her children’s Christ- mas presents. Suddenly I felt unbelievably humble. At this house, though there was no fire on the hearth, there was a stronger fire burning. It was the flame of love, kept alive by sparks of unselfish devotion. Back in the street, I looked about. It was no longer snowing. I was dazzled by the brilliance of a single star that lit up the whole countryside, and seemingly sent its brightest ray straight to the hut I had just left, leaving it bathed in silvery radiance. I caught my breath at such beauty. Audrey Stout, High Eight. Peace on Earth Peace on earth” An angel said Many years ago; U pon a night A star shone bright When Christ was born, you know. Peace on earth ,” An angel said Many years ago, But now this night Men strike and fight, Which brings to them much woe. r Peace on earth,” An angel said Many years ago; Let’s change our strife To love, which might Make peace reign and tear go. Pat Watts, High Eight.

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Christmas Bells I love to hear the bells on Christmas Kinging out so clear, T hey seem to fill me with great joy, From my eye, they draw a tear. T hey tell a tale of long ago When you and I weren’t here, T hey tell a tale of T hree Wise Men Who saw our Savior dear. In the sky they saw a shining star Much brighter than the rest, T hey followed its rays to the little town Which by His Presence was blest. In a manger there He lay On a coarse straw bed, T here were co ws on the floor And pigeons overhead. Think not of yourself on this glad day, But of others as Jesus had, And save your pennies, all of them, And make some other glad. Christmas got its name from Christ Who was born on this glad day, So iv hen you hear the bells a-ringing Kneel down, and start to pray. Thank God for all the things you have, For He alone has giv’n them, And when your prayer is finished say — In Jesus’ name, Amen. Clara Neubauer, Low Eight. The Gift Away off in the distant night Three wise men traveled on, Toward a bright and starry light To reach it ’fore the dawn. For they had heard the prophecy A King will soon be born” And traveled far o’er land and sea To greet Him Christmas morn. Their treasures at His feet ivere laid Then glowed this precious gem T he grandest one of all they gave rr Peace on earth; good will to men.” Elaine Shapero, High Nine.