2009-11-10T08:51:00.001-08:00

Joshua was so excited,Christmas was only a few weeks away.
He wished and hoped for a very special gift,but told no one
what he wanted more than anything.

It was turning bitterly cold,
but it was just right
to ride their sleds.

Joshua enjoyed the time
off from school,but the
thought of what he wanted
for Christmas consumed
his every thought.

He didn't know how to let
anyone know what
he wanted because
he knew they just
couldn't get it for him.

No amount of money
could buy him what
he wanted.
It's 'all' he wanted.
He didn't want fancy
toys or new clothes.
He wanted what he
knew money couldn't buy.
He wondered if he
told one of those Santas
in the mall ,maybe,
just maybe....
No , he knew better.

If only there was
a way to get a
message through
to the real Santa.

Joshuas' mom put up
the tree .
And the whole family
helped to decorate it.

After breakfast they all went to
grandmas and grandpas farm.

It was such fun there.
The kids built a snow family.

Joshuas little brother and
sister went inside for
hot cocoa.
But Joshua
stayed outside.

He wandered
into the woods.

There in the path stood
a beautiful girl.

"Where are you going
little one?," she asked.
Joshua just stood there
staring at her.
He was startled
that there was someone
else in the woods.

She said ,"I believe what you
are looking for is around that bend."

As Joshua looked in the direction
that she pointed to, she disappeared.

So, Joshua went on
to see what was ahead.

He froze in his tracks
and wiped his eyes.
Was he really seeing the
'Real Santa' ?

Joshua ran up to Santa and
handed him his letter.

Santa said,"Oh little Joshua,
I don't need to read that.
I know what's
in your heart."

But,I'm afraid I'm not
the one to help you
with this.
Joshua looked very sad
and tears started to well
up in his eyes.
Santa pulled him close
and whispered in his ear.

"All you need to do is
pray , dear one."

So Joshua got down on
his knees and looked up
into the sky.

And he prayed with all his little heart.
And an angel appeared.

He looked at her and whispered,

Then she vanished and in her place
was a golden cross.

Joshua hoped this was a sign that
his prayer would be answered.

Christmas morning came and
Joshua was so excited
to give out his presents.

He got to go to the
Secret Santa Shop
at school and buy
gifts for everyone.

When his mom opened
her gift ,tears fell from
her eyes as she exclaimed
that she never got such a
beautiful gift.

Joshua had placed inside a
beautiful box, four hand
decorated tree ornaments.

Then there was a knock
at the front door.
Joshua jumped up and
said he'd get it,hoping
it might be his gift he
prayed for.
But when he opened the door
in stepped their neighbor,
Mr.Birdwell.

"The Mrs. sent me over
with homemade chocolate
fudge for the kiddies," he said.

Joshuas mom told him to come warm
himself by the fire and told him to
thank Mrs. Birdwell for the lovely gift.

Then Mr.Birdwell turned to Joshua and
said, I do believe I saw a deliveryman
leave something on your back stoop as I
was walking over.

Joshuas heart was pounding
as he ran to the back door.

He prayed one more time,
please Lord..please please...
He slowly opened the door

and there before his eyes
was what he wished for...

His big brother came home from the war....

Joshua ran and jumped into his arms.

This was his BEST Christmas!!!

Connies Christmas Story II