At this joyous time of the year, when all children and most adults think of Santa, they think of the many wishes he may grant for them on Christmas Eve. However, seldom does anyone consider the possibility that Santa may have a wish of his own. The following poem addresses that very issue in a way which you might want to share with your children at the appropriate time.<\/p>\n
I had the privilege of chatting with the author of this poem, Betty Werth, and learned that she wrote it 21 years ago for her 4-year-old son. At that time she was a reporter for her local newspaper, the Alpena News<\/em>, in Northern Michigan … one of Santa’s favorite locations because it reminds him so much of home!<\/p>\n After appearing for several years in her own newspaper, the poem was also published by Family Circle<\/em> magazine and Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury,<\/em> spreading even more joy and spirit to many grateful families. Thank you Betty for sharing your precious gem with our readers!<\/p>\n Santa’s Secret Wish On Christmas Eve, a young boy with light in his eyes He leaned up and whispered in Santa’s good ear How is it, Dear Santa, that in your pack of toys From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large and small, But the child shook his head, and Santa could see “The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad, “My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff, Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives Are homes filled with peace, and with giving, and love But the prayers are the best gifts, the best gifts indeed, In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day The more that I give, the fuller it seems, It never gets empty, it’s full from the start. Open that sack called your heart, and share “Wait, little boy,” Said Santa, “don’t go. At this joyous time of the year, when all children and most adults think of Santa, they think of the many wishes he may grant for them on Christmas Eve. However, seldom does anyone consider the possibility that Santa may … Continue reading
\nby Betty Werth<\/p>\n
\nLooked deep into Santa’s, to Santa’s surprise
\nAnd said as he sat on Santa’s broad knee,
\n“I want your secret. Tell it to me.”<\/p>\n
\n“How do you do it, year after year?”
\n“I want to know how, as you travel about,
\nGiving gifts here and there, you never run out.<\/p>\n
\nYou have plenty for all of the world’s girls and boys?
\nStays so full, never empties, as you make your way
\naround the whole world, The reindeer pulling your sleigh<\/p>\n
\nFrom nation to nation, reaching them all?”
\nAnd Santa smiled kindly and said to the boy,
\n“Don’t ask me hard questions. Don’t you want a toy?”<\/p>\n
\nThat he needed the answer. “Now listen to me,”
\nHe told that small boy with the light in his eyes,
\n“My secret will make you sadder and wise.<\/p>\n
\nIt holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride.
\nBut although I do visit each girl and each boy
\nI don’t always leave them a gaily wrapped toy.<\/p>\n
\nSome homes are desperate, some homes are bad.
\nSome homes are broken, and the children there grieve.
\nThose homes I visit, but what should I leave?<\/p>\n
\nBut for homes where despair lives toys aren’t enough.
\nSo I tiptoe in, kiss each girl and boy,
\nAnd I pray with them that they’ll be given the joy<\/p>\n
\nIn the heart of the dear child who gets not, but gives.
\n“If only God hears me and answers my prayer,
\nWhen I visit next year, what I will find there<\/p>\n
\nAnd boys and girls gifted with light from above.
\nIt’s a very hard task, my smart little brother,
\nTo give toys to some, and to give prayers to others.<\/p>\n
\nFor God has a way of meeting each need.
\n“That’s part of the answer. The rest, my dear youth,
\nIs that my sack is magic. And that is the truth.<\/p>\n
\nMore love than a Santa could ever give away.
\nThe sack never empties of love, or of joys
\n‘Cause inside it are prayers, and hope. Not just toys.<\/p>\n
\nBecause giving is my way of fulfilling dreams.”
\nAnd do you know something? You’ve got a sack, too.
\nIt’s as magic as mine and it’s inside of you.<\/p>\n
\nIt’s the center of lights, and love. It’s your heart.
\nAnd if on this Christmas you want to help me,
\nDon’t be so concerned with the gifts ‘neath your tree.<\/p>\n
\nYour joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care.”
\nThe light in the small boy’s eyes was glowing.
\n“Thanks for your secret. I’ve got to be going.”<\/p>\n
\nWill you share? Will you help? Will you use what you know?”
\nAnd just for a moment the small boy stood still,
\nTouched his heart with his small hand and whispered, “I will.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"