PRAYER: Local poet Donald Neal has sent us some Christmas poetry. This one is called “A Little Boy’s Prayer.”

A little boy knelt at the altar in a church,

His little hands clasped in prayer.

He was talking to our Lord Jesus,

Just like he was standing there.

He said ‘I know this is the eve of your birth,

That is why, this day, we celebrate.

I want to thank you for my mommy and daddy,

And ask for a favor, if I am not too late.

There are many little children just like me,

Who can never find happiness.

They live in a place where there is no peace,

Their lives are filled with hopelessness.

They cry because there is no food,

No beds so they sleep on the ground.

They shiver in the cold of night

And there is war going on all around.

If you would please bring peace to the world,

Where there would be no hunger or pain.

Where the children could see a better future,

And never be cold or hungry again.

As for me, I don’t need anything,

And what I have I am willing to share.

I just want other children to be happy,

And to let them know that I care.

Instead of me receiving gifts on Christmas Day.

Give them to some child in another land.

To give them one little time of happiness,

This is what I have planned.

I know this is something you can do,

Would you please do this for me.

If this can be done for all the children.

A better world we are going to see.

A world full of peace and happiness,

And with the children we must start,

We all know the blessings we receive.

Have come straight from our Savior’s heart.’