On Christmas Eve

 On Christmas Eve

God sent a little Angel to the earth:
“How will I go through the spruce forest,”
He asked with a smile, “
Cut down the Christmas tree, and the little one who is the kindest
on earth,
Give to the most affectionate and sensitive
, as a memory of Me.
And the little angel was embarrassed:
“But to whom should I give it?
How to find out which of the children
will have God's grace?
“You will see for yourself,” God replied.
And the heavenly guest went.
The moon had already risen, the path was bright
And led to a huge city.
Festive speeches are everywhere,
Children's happiness awaits everywhere.
Throwing a Christmas tree on his shoulders,
the Angel walks with joy.
Looking into the windows
there is a great celebration!
Christmas trees glow with lights,
As happens at Christmas.
And from house to house the
angel hastily began to move,
To find out to whom he should
give the Christmas tree of God.

And he saw many beautiful and obedient children. 
Everyone at the sight of God's tree,
Forgetting everything, were drawn to it.
Who shout: "I'm standing on a Christmas tree!"
Who reproaches him for that
“You cannot compare with me,
I am kinder than you!”
"No, I'm worthy of a Christmas tree
And more worthy than others!"
The angel listens calmly,
looking at them sadly.
Everyone boasts before each other,
Everyone praises himself,
At the opponent with fear
Or looking with envy.
And out into the street, drooping,
the Angel went out. “My God!
Teach, to whom I could
give Your priceless Gift!
And on the street the
Angel meets the little one,  he stands, looks around the
Christmas tree of God, 
And the eyes burn with delight.
"Christmas tree! He clapped
his hands. "It's a pity that I'm
not worthy of this Christmas tree
And it's not for me.
But bring it to my sister,
Who lies sick with us.
Make her such a joy.
She is worth the Christmas tree!
Don't cry in vain!"
The boy whispered to the Angel.
And with a smile, the Angel
handed the Christmas tree to the child
And then, by some miracle, the
stars broke from the sky
And, sparkling with an emerald,
They dug into the branches of the Christmas tree.
The Christmas tree sparkles and shines.
It is given a heavenly symbol; And the amazed little boy
trembles with delight. And knowing such love, 

the Angel, moved to tears says

""I brought a tidbit of good tidings of God,

As a priceless gift!"

Fedor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky