Alfie, The Christmas Tree

Did you ever hear

the story of the Christmas Tree

who just didn't want

to change the show

He liked living in the woods

and playing with squirrels,

he liked icicles and snow.

He liked wolves

and eagles and grizzly bears

and critters

and creatures that crawled.

Why bugs were some

of his very best friends,

spiders and ants and all.

Now that's not to say

that he ever looked down

on the vision

of twinkling lights,

or on mirrored bubbles

and peppermint canes

and a thousand other delights.

And he often had dreams

of tiny reindeer

and a jolly old man

and a sleigh full of toys

and presents

and wonderful things,

and the story of Christmas Day.

Oh, Alfie believed

in Christmas all right,

he was full of Christmas cheer.

All of each and every day

and all throughout the year.

To him it was more

than a special time

much more than a special day,

It was more

than a beautiful story

it was a special kind of way.

You see, some folks

have never heard

a jingle bell ring,

And they've never heard o

f Santa Claus.

They've never heard the story

of the Son of God.

And that made Alfie pause.

Did that mean

that they'd never know

of peace on earth

or the brotherhood of man?

Or know how to love,

or know how to give?

If they can't, no one can.

You see,

life is a very special

kind of thing,

not just for a chosen few.

But for each

and every living

breathing thing.

Not just me and you.

So in your Christmas prayers

this year,

Alfie asked me if I'd ask you

to say a prayer for the wind,

and the water, and the wood,

and those who live there, too.