Today Is Wednesday, December 10, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 I been sending out Christmas Cards. I like share what NIGHT CAFE and CHAT GPT came up. I feel it only fair for me, to claim 10% of the credits.  We design a card, which I had printed off at our local print shop. And also a story to be place in the cards. Week from today. I will share the other card and story. 

The Lantern Council

A Winter Tale Inspired by the Archetypes in Your Card

On the longest night of winter, when the sky was deep as midnight velvet and stars shimmered like scattered silver, three old travelers approached a quiet desert town. Though each had journeyed alone through winds and frost, this night always brought them together. They called themselves the Lantern Council.

The first traveler, Elias the Seeker, followed the heavens. He believed every star carried a message, and the brightest one that night had led him across the dunes. The second, Theron the Keeper, gathered stories instead of possessions, offering them freely to anyone needing comfort or courage. The third, Maeron the Giver, carried a satchel filled with small blessings—herbs, carvings, a warm drink at just the right time.

They reached a low bench near the town gates, set their lanterns down, and rested beside one another. Behind them, their patient camel folded its legs and sighed with contentment. The night was quiet except for the soft hum of lamps being lit in nearby homes.

Elias lifted his eyes. “The star is brighter this year.”

“Light always returns,” Theron replied. “Even when we forget to look for it.”

Maeron produced three steaming cups from his satchel—no one ever questioned how. “And warmth,” he said, passing them around, “is meant to be shared.”

They drank together, letting the warmth chase the cold from their hands. Around them, the town began to glow—families preparing for the turning of the year, the birth of new hope, the return of the sun.

“That is why we come,” Elias said softly. “To follow the light, yes—but also to remember what it awakens in us.”

“And to keep the old wisdom alive,” Theron added. “No one walks the winter alone.”

Maeron set his lantern on the bench. Its small flame brightened, casting a wider circle of gold. “Then let’s leave a blessing for those who pass this way.”

He touched the lantern gently. “May those who seek find guidance.”

Elias added, “May wanderers find welcome.”

Theron finished, “And may every home be touched with peace.”

The words drifted into the cold night, rising like sparks toward the watching stars.

When dawn finally brushed the horizon with pale gold, the three travelers rose. Their lantern remained on the bench—a quiet promise that even in the darkest season, light and fellowship return.

And as the Lantern Council continued toward the rising sun, the star above them gleamed as if in thanks, its glow a reminder that the smallest flame can guide us through the longest night.