Christmas Prayer

In a small, rural village on Christmas Eve, 1881, a widow and her young children sit shivering in front of a small fire. With no more wood, little food, inadequate clothing, and no money to speak of, the desperate widow offers up a humble plea to heaven. Two miles away, young Matthew Miles is upset that he won't be receiving the gift he has wanted for Christmas. Even worse, his father has him doing extra chores, on Christmas Eve! What Matthew is about to learn is that the best gifts are those that are given, and that each act of service is a mission from God, an answer to a Christmas prayer.

Rian Anderson has been a sheep herder for most of his life. He wrote this story one freezing night in the desert while pondering true needs and how to share the true meaning of Christmas with his children.

Michael Parker was born and raised in Wyoming where he developed his love of picture making. He graduated from Brigham Young University in illustration and continues to draw and paint. Michael lives in Springville, Utah, with his wife and two daughters.