A Christmas Prayer

by Rian B. Anderson

On Christmas Eve in 1881, fifteen-year-old Matt discovers the joy of giving when his father uses money intended for buying him a rifle to help a needy widow.

Genres: Christmas

10 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Thomas]

All 15 year old Matt wants is a rifle for Christmas. Matt has a from the 1800’s, and lives in an unforgiving pioneer terrain where a rifle is as much a necessity as it is a want. But his father has other ideas. Saddle up the wagon, load it with cut firewood, and pack some food, because Matt’s father is tending to the needs of a local widow, much to Matt’s eye-rolls.

This short story tells the true meaning of Christmas. That if we do unto the least of these, we do unto Christ. Because sometimes getting, just isn’t as important as giving. Especially when lives are on the line!

A story that melts the heart like chestnuts on an open fire!

[Katherine]

This is a great little story. It is a Christmas story, and in a time when everyone is talking about the government being the answer to everyone's problems, this book has simple answers. Give to the poor. Love your neighbor. Be unselfish. Share the Christmas spirit.

My Father-in-law wrote this story and writes a new one every year for Christmas. You can also look for a children's picture book version of this story coming out for the 2010 Christmas season.

[Mark Griswold]

You've seen it posted on social media for years and attributed to "anonymous" but it was, in fact, written by someone and, perhaps surprisingly, not all that long ago. A Christmas Prayer is a short but heartwarming tale about the true meaning of Christmas.

[Rachelle]

The acts of selflessness and service in this story were very touching. A great feel-good story for Christmas time.