CHRISTMAS POEM (Heart Gifts)

                                        Heart Gifts

                   Dear Father, at this Christmastide,
                        I ask for gifts that will abide;
      For "Heart Gifts" that will stronger grow
    Throughout the days which come and go.

            Most trusting faith in thee, I need,
               A child-like faith, for this I plead;
            A faith in goodness, truth and love,
              All wrapped in beauty from above.

    Much kindness, Lord, enough to share
  With friends and mankind everywhere;
      For ties that bind all human hearts
      Are loving deeds kindness imparts.

         I'd like to find beneath my tree
          A package marked, "humility,"
and please leave there, some patience too,
         A liberal aum, if You so choose.

         Grant understanding, so I may
      Not judge my brother on life's way.
         Help me to feel another's woe
      And true compassion always show.

     These presents money cannot buy,
         For only You, Lord, can supply
Such "Heart Gifts" that will stronger grow
 Throughout the days which come and go.

Beverly J. Anderson

Ezekiel 11:19  And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender responsive heart.   NLT