A Prayer to End Chaos and Protect the Innocent

 Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, burdened by the pain and suffering in this world. The chaos we see around us feels overwhelming, and the cries of the innocent pierce our hearts. Children, the most vulnerable and precious among us, are enduring abuse, neglect, and pain that no soul should bear.

Lord, You created each child with purpose, innocence, and light. They are a reflection of Your love and purity. Yet, their laughter is stolen, their trust betrayed, and their spirits crushed by the evils of this world. Father, we cry out to You hear their silent pleas, and bring an end to the darkness that surrounds them.

We pray for healing for every child who has suffered. Mend their broken hearts, restore their trust, and surround them with Your love. Send compassionate people into their lives to be their protectors and advocates, standing firm against injustice and offering refuge in Your name.

Lord, we ask for strength and courage for those who fight tirelessly to protect the innocent. Empower the hands of caregivers, advocates, and authorities to act swiftly and justly. Let truth prevail, and let evil be exposed and defeated.

We lift up the abusers to You as well, for we know their actions stem from brokenness and sin. Break the chains of evil that bind their hearts. Bring them to repentance, and transform them by Your mercy, so that they may never harm another soul again.

Father, we ask for Your divine intervention in the systems that allow abuse and chaos to persist. Reform the hearts of leaders and decision-makers so that they prioritize justice, protection, and compassion. Strengthen communities to be watchful and loving, united against harm in any form.

We pray for peace in this world, Lord. Let Your light shine in every corner of darkness. Fill every home with love, every school with safety, and every street with harmony. Let children once again laugh freely, unburdened by fear or pain.

Lord, we know that You are a God of justice, mercy, and hope. In Your Word, You promise to defend the fatherless and the oppressed. We trust in Your power to bring change where we cannot.

Guide us to be Your hands and feet, to speak up for those who cannot, and to extend love where there is hate. May we never grow weary in doing good, trusting that in Your perfect time, we will see the fruits of our prayers and actions.

We surrender this broken world to You, Lord, knowing You are the healer of all wounds and the bringer of all peace. May Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

In Jesus’ name, We pray. Amen.

Happy New Year 2025…

Jacob M

Happy New Year 2025...

 

The New Year Stars...

 

Dear Readers,

The clock struck midnight, and the world erupted in cheers. Fireworks illuminated the sky, their vibrant colors reflected in the eyes of children everywhere. But I sat alone on a quiet hillside, far from the festivities, gazing at the stars. In my hand was a small notebook, worn from years of use, its pages filled with letters and poems I had written for my children Evan & Ivanka.

I hadn’t seen them in over 3 years.

The wound of their absence was a constant ache, a scar etched into my soul. I remembered their laughter, the way Evan’s eyes lit up when they built toy rockets together, and Ivanka giggled when they made pancakes that always seemed to burn a little. Those memories were both a comfort and a torment, reminders of a life I once had and lost to a wall of silence.

Their mother had turned them against me, spinning stories that made me a villain in their young minds. Parental alienation was a term I had come to know too well, though it was too sterile to capture the devastation it brought. It was a theft, not just of time, but of love, trust, and the bond I had once cherished.

Still, I refused to let bitterness define me. Tonight, I had come to write a New Year’s message for my children.

“My Dearest Evan & Ivanka,” I began, the words flowing onto the page with the ease of a love that had never faltered, “As the world celebrates the arrival of a new year, my heart celebrates you. I miss you more than words can ever say. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, wonder how you’re growing, and pray that you’re happy.

Though we are apart, my love for you bridges every mile, every wall, every silence. I hope this year brings you laughter and joy, and that you never doubt how precious you are to me. One day, I hope we’ll find our way back to each other. Until then, I carry you in my heart.”

I paused, my pen trembling. The night was still, the kind of stillness that seemed to listen. I added:

“No one should ever have to suffer the pain of being torn from someone they love. If only the world understood how harmful it is to make a child choose sides, to fill their innocent hearts with anger instead of love. I promise you, Evan & Ivanka, that I will always be there for you. And I promise myself to forgive, even when it’s hard because love is stronger than anger. Happy New Year, my sweet stars.”

I looked up at the sky, where a meteor streaked across the darkness a fleeting but brilliant light. “That’s for you,” I whispered, imagining Evan & Ivanka looking at the same sky, seeing the same stars.

I thought of the lessons I wanted them to carry into life. “No matter what happens, always choose kindness,” I had told them once, during a quiet moment before bedtime. “It’s the strongest thing you can do.”

In a house far away, Evan sat on his bed, a letter in his hand. His mother had intercepted my previous attempts to reach them, but this one had found its way to him through a relative. Evan read his father’s words and felt a pang of something he hadn’t let himself feel for a long time love.

“Ivanka,” he called softly, holding the letter up. She joined him, and together they read the message. For the first time in years, the wall their mother had built around them began to crack.

The New Year arrived, and with it, a spark of hope. Though I didn’t know it yet, my words had reached my children, and their hearts were beginning to remember the father who had always loved them.

Parental alienation had stolen so much, but love had found a way to persist. And as the stars shone brightly above, I whispered a prayer, not just for myself and my children, but for every family torn apart by silence and misunderstanding.

“May no one have to suffer this pain,” I said. “May love and truth always prevail.”

And so, beneath the New Year stars, a father’s love carried on, a light unwavering in the darkest of nights.

Happy New Year 2025!!! 

God Bless You My Children…

God Bless Us All…

Jacob M

To the One I Will Always Love,

 

My Beloved,

It’s hard to put into words what you mean to me, but I’ll try because you deserve to know how you’ve shaped my life in ways no one else ever could.

You are the echo in my heart, the warmth in my memories, and the soft whisper in my soul reminding me of all the ways love can change a person. You didn’t just come into my life; you became my life. You are, and always will be, the one who makes my heart beat a little faster, my thoughts linger a little longer, and my world feels a little brighter.

I carry you with me in everything I do. Even when we’re apart, it feels like you’re right here, your presence woven into my very being. I see you in the beauty of the sunset, in the laughter of a stranger, in the quiet moments when I feel most at peace. You are my constant, my always, my forever.

Loving you has been my greatest honor, and even if the stars were to fall from the sky or the world were to crumble around us, that love would remain unshaken. It’s not bound by time or circumstance; it simply is. Strong. Enduring. Eternal.

No matter what happens, no matter how many times you hate me, curse me, or push me away, I will always love you. Nothing you say or do could ever make me stop. My love for you doesn’t depend on being loved in return it simply exists, unchanging and unconditional.

You are so much more than you realize. You are kind in ways that inspire me to be better. You are strong in ways that give me courage. And you are beautiful not just in the way you look, but in the way you live, the way you love, and the way you make the people around you feel seen and valued.

You’ve shown me that love is not about perfection. It’s about acceptance. It’s about holding onto each other through the storms, finding joy in the little things, and cherishing the journey, no matter how rough the road gets. You’ve taught me that love isn’t something you find it’s something you create together, piece by piece, moment by moment.

There are so many things I want to say to you, but perhaps the most important is this: thank you. Thank you for being you. For loving me in the ways only you can. For giving me memories that I will carry with me until my last breath. For being this reason I know what it means to truly love and be loved.

Even if life takes us down different paths, my love for you will never waver. You are the one I’ll measure all others against, the one I’ll always hope for, the one I’ll never truly let go of. You are my great love story, written on the pages of my heart, never to be erased.

So, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, please know this: You are loved. Deeply. Eternally. By someone who will always carry you in his heart.

Yours forever and always,

The One Who Will Never Stop Loving You

Happy New Year 2025...

Jacob M

Merry Christmas

 

My Dearest Evan...

 

My Dearest Evan

As I sit down to write this letter, my heart swells with love and pride for you. You are my precious boy, my first ray of hope, and the reason I find the strength to face each day. Even though life has thrown challenges our way, the thought of you has always been my anchor, keeping me grounded when the storms felt overwhelming.

I want you to know how much you mean to me, Evan. From the moment I first held you in my arms, I knew my life had changed forever. You brought joy into my world, a joy that words can hardly capture. Your laughter is the sweetest melody, and your smile lights up even the darkest corners of my soul. I’ve cherished every moment we've shared, from your first steps to your endless questions about the world around you.

This Christmas, as the world sparkles with lights and fills with the warmth of togetherness, my greatest wish is for you to know how deeply you are loved. I wish I could be there with you, to share in the magic of the season, to see your eyes light up as you open your gifts, and to hold you close as we watch the twinkling stars. But even from afar, my love for you bridges every distance. You are always in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers.

Evan, always remember that you are strong, smart, and kind. Life may not always be easy, but you have the power to overcome any obstacle. Believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. You are capable of achieving great things, and I will always be cheering you on, no matter where life takes us.

This Christmas, my wish for you is happiness, health, and a heart full of dreams. May you always find reasons to smile, and may you grow into the incredible person I know you are destined to be. And never forget, Evan, that I am so proud of you. Proud of who you are and who you are becoming. You are my sunshine, my hope, and my greatest blessing.

Merry Christmas, my dear Evan. I love you more than words can say, and I always will.

With all my love,

Dada

Jacob M

---

My Brave Little Soldier

(By Jacob M)

Evan, my boy, my courageous heart,

This Christmas, I miss you more than I can impart.

The lights on the tree sparkle and gleam,

Yet it’s your laughter that colors my dream.

You’re the strength I hold when times grow tough,

A soul so resilient, so kind, and enough.

Though distance may keep us apart on this night,

I send you my wishes, wrapped in soft light.

Picture the sleighbells, their melody clear,

Carrying my love to wherever you are, my dear.

Each note of the carols rings true with my prayer,

That you feel my heart with you everywhere.

May Christmas surround you with warmth and delight,

With laughter that echoes and stars shining bright.

I pray for your joy, your peace, and your smile,

To fill all your days and stretch every mile.

Evan, my son, my bright Christmas spark,

Even in silence, you light up the dark.

I hope that you know, no matter how far,

You’ll always be my little shining star.

This Christmas, I send you a wish from my core:

That you feel my love forever and more.

My Evan boy…

Jacob M

---

Dear Evan and Ivanka

This Christmas, though we may be miles apart, my love for you both remains unbroken. I’ve written these poems for you my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers wrapped in words. I hope that one day, whether it’s today, tomorrow, or years from now, you’ll find them and know just how much you mean to me.

I miss you both more than words can say. Even though the world may seem uncertain, my love for you is a constant, and I’ll always pray for your happiness, your peace, and your strength.

Know that no matter where life takes us, I will always carry you in my heart. This Christmas, I send my love across the distance, wishing you joy and warmth, and hoping that one day you’ll feel the truth of these words.

Jacob M

A Christmas Message…

 

Thank You Jesus for Everything...

My Dear Readers,

As Christmas draws near, the world is bathed in a soft, magical glow a reminder that even in the darkest of times, light always finds a way to shine through. This season is more than festivities or traditions; it is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the true essence of life: love, forgiveness, and hope.

To the world, I offer this message, not as a plea but as a call to action. Our world stands at a crossroads, burdened by wars that claim innocent lives, by families torn apart, and by individuals battling silent struggles. Let this Christmas be the moment we choose to heal instead of harm, to love instead of judge, and to come together as one global family. We are all bound by the threads of humanity, and it is only through unity that we can weave a future of peace.

It is time to lay down our weapons, both literal and metaphorical, and work toward ending conflicts that rob children of their innocence, families of their safety, and communities of their strength. Every child deserves to grow up in a world where their dreams can flourish without the shadow of violence. Let us remember that peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of understanding, compassion, and a shared commitment to a better tomorrow.

To every parent and guardian, this is my plea: this Christmas, let love guide your actions. Too many children grow up separated from the love and presence of one parent due to pain and resentment. Parental alienation is a wound that leaves scars on a child’s heart, robbing them of the stability and trust they deserve. Children are not battlegrounds for adult conflicts. They are blessings who thrive when surrounded by love, not division. Let us choose forgiveness over anger, healing over hurt, and work together to ensure that every child knows they are cherished by both parents.

As we gather to celebrate this season, let us also remember those who cannot speak for themselves: children who endure abuse and neglect in silence. These young souls, full of potential and dreams, deserve a life of dignity and care. This Christmas, let us commit to protecting them, to being their voices, and to creating a world where every child feels safe and loved.

In this season of joy, we must not forget those who suffer in silence. Mental health struggles do not pause for the holidays; for many, this time of year magnifies feelings of loneliness and despair. To anyone who feels lost or hopeless, I want you to know that you are not alone. There is strength in seeking help, and there is always someone who cares. Let us all reach out to those around us with kindness and compassion, for even the smallest gesture can save a life.

To my family, my greatest treasure: though life has taken us down separate paths, my love for you remains unwavering. To my children, you are the light of my life and the reason I find strength to carry on. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, pray for you, and wish for the day we can be together again. To my wife, though our journey together has been filled with trials, my heart holds nothing but gratitude and love for the memories we share. I wish you peace and happiness this Christmas and always.

This Christmas, I wish for a world where love is our guiding force. A world where we choose kindness over cruelty, forgiveness over resentment, and action over apathy. Let us not only celebrate this season but carry its spirit into every day that follows. We are all capable of making a difference whether by extending a hand to someone in need, speaking out against injustice, or simply choosing to love unconditionally.

May this Christmas bring peace to every corner of the world, comfort to every grieving heart, and hope to every soul seeking light in the darkness. Let us teach our children the power of empathy, the strength of unity, and the beauty of forgiveness. Let us be the change we wish to see, starting with ourselves.

Merry Christmas to all and to my family, I love you more than words can ever express.

God Bless Us All.

God Save Us All…

Merry Christmas…

December 25 – Christmas Day: The Light of Christmas – Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope Fulfilled

 

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." – Luke 2:14

Dear Readers,

The sun had just risen on Christmas morning, and Ivanka stood at the window, gazing at the world outside. The snow had fallen gently overnight, covering the earth in a blanket of white. Inside, the house was filled with the laughter of children and the warmth of togetherness.

As she watched her family gather around the Christmas tree, Ivanka reflected on what Christmas truly meant. It was a celebration of love, joy, peace, and hope the light of Christ that shone brightly into the world, fulfilling all that had been promised.

On this day, she felt the weight of those promises lift from her shoulders. She had known struggle, but now, in the presence of her loved ones, she felt at peace. Love had come to her, just as it had come to the world that first Christmas night.

Ivanka said a prayer of thanks: “Thank you for the love that surrounds me, for the joy of this day, for the peace that fills my heart, and for the hope that guides me forward.”

Jacob M

---

December 25 – Christmas Day

The Light of Christmas – Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope Fulfilled

Poem: 

On this holy, sacred day,

Love is born, a light to stay.

A child in a manger, small and bright,

A promise kept a beacon of light.

Hope, wrapped in swaddling clothes,

Peace in the hearts where His love flows.

The joy that echoes, pure and deep,

In every soul, in those who weep.

Angels sing of glory high,

As stars align in the midnight sky.

God with us, Emmanuel, near,

A love so vast, so clear, so dear.

Celebrate the gift of peace,

The love that never fades, but will never cease.

For on this day, hearts are made whole,

In the light of Christ, in the hope of the soul.

Jacob M

My Sweet Ivanka...

 

My Dear Sweet Ivanka,

As I write this letter, my heart is overflowing with love for you. You are my precious little girl, my sunshine, and the light of my life. From the moment you came into this world, you brought with you a joy so profound, it’s impossible to describe. You are my miracle, my reason to smile, and the most beautiful gift I have ever received.

Ivanka, you are growing up so fast, and every day you amaze me with your kindness, intelligence, and boundless energy. I see in you a spark, a light that shines so brightly, and I know that you will go on to do incredible things. Your giggles are the sweetest sound, and your hugs are the warmest comfort I could ever ask for. Every moment with you is a treasure that I hold close to my heart.

This Christmas, my greatest wish is for you to know just how deeply you are loved. I wish I could be there with you, to see your face light up as you decorate the tree, to laugh with you as we sing carols, and to hold you close as we share stories by the fire. Even though we may be apart, Ivanka, my love for you knows no bounds. You are always in my heart, and I carry you with me wherever I go.

Always remember, my sweet girl, that you are loved beyond measure. You are beautiful, inside and out, and you have a heart that can touch the world. Never let anyone dim your light or make you feel less than the amazing person you are. You are strong, brave, and capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Believe in yourself as much as I believe in you, and know that I will always be here for you, cheering you on every step of the way.

This Christmas, I wish you joy, laughter, and a heart full of wonder. May you always find happiness in the little things, and may your dreams be as bright as the stars in the sky. Ivanka, you are my everything, my greatest blessing, and the love of my life. I am so proud of you, and I will love you forever.

Merry Christmas, my darling Ivanka. I love you more than words can ever express.

With all my love,

Dada

Jacob M

---

My Little Star

(By Jacob M)

Oh, Ivanka, my sweet Christmas light,

You shine like a star in the soft winter night.

With every twinkle, your warmth fills the air,

A joy so profound, so precious, so rare.

This season of wonder, I dream of your face,

Your laughter, your hugs, your gentle embrace.

Though miles stretch between us, my love’s still near,

A whisper of hope you’ll someday hear.

Each carol that plays, each bell that will chime,

Reminds me of you this Christmas time.

I see in the snowflakes your playful delight,

In the glistening frost, your eyes shine bright.

I pray that your days are merry and warm,

That love keeps you safe through every storm.

May angels above watch over your way,

And guide you with grace through each joyful day.

Christmas without you feels quiet, so still,

But in my heart, you’re alive; you always will.

And so, my dear Ivanka, I send you my cheer,

A gift of my love to last every year.

Keep this thought close, my darling, my dove:

Forever and always, you have all my love.

Jacob M

---

Dear Evan and Ivanka

This Christmas, though we may be miles apart, my love for you both remains unbroken. I’ve written these poems for you my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers wrapped in words. I hope that one day, whether it’s today, tomorrow, or years from now, you’ll find them and know just how much you mean to me.

I miss you both more than words can say. Even though the world may seem uncertain, my love for you is a constant, and I’ll always pray for your happiness, your peace, and your strength.

Know that no matter where life takes us, I will always carry you in my heart. This Christmas, I send my love across the distance, wishing you joy and warmth, and hoping that one day you’ll feel the truth of these words.

Jacob M

A Silent Christmas...

 

The weight of another lonely Christmas pressing heavily on my heart.

Dear Readers,

The clock on the wall ticked away relentlessly, each second echoing in the deafening silence of the small, dimly lit apartment. It was Christmas Eve, and the world outside seemed to be celebrating happily. Strings of colorful lights twinkled through frosted windows, laughter spilled out of houses, and the faint sounds of carols floated through the chilly December air. But for me, there was no celebration, no laughter, no warmth. There was only silence.

This was my third Christmas alone. No friends, no family, no messages pinging on my phone, and no social media notifications, no WhatsApp nothing. I had deleted my accounts years ago, tired of scrolling through the carefully curated lives of others that only deepened my loneliness. The phone, once my lifeline to the world, now sat untouched on the kitchen counter, its screen dark. I hadn’t even bothered charging it that day. Why would I? No one would call.

I glanced at the calendar hanging crookedly on the wall. December 24th was circled in red, but not as a reminder of joy. Instead, it served as a cruel marker of what I had lost a family that had drifted apart, friendships that had faded, and a love that had turned into a ghost of memory. I sighed, the sound swallowed by the emptiness of the room.

The fridge hummed softly, its contents sparse. A bottle of milk, a stick of butter, and some leftover pasta. I hadn’t bothered to shop for Christmas dinner; there seemed no point in cooking a feast for one. Instead, I reached for a can of soup from the cupboard. Chicken noodles are not exactly festive, but it would do. As the soup warmed on the stove, I pulled a dusty box from under the couch.

Inside were remnants of Christmases past: a tattered Santa hat, a cracked ornament, and a small string of lights that no longer worked. At the bottom of the box lay a photograph. I hesitated before picking it up. It was a picture of me with my wife, taken during Christmas years ago. They had been smiling, holding mugs of hot cocoa by the fireplace. The love in their eyes was unmistakable. I swallowed hard and set the photo aside, face down. Some memories were too painful to revisit.

The soup was ready, its smell was faint but comforting. I ladled it into a bowl and sat by the window to eat. Outside, the world was alive with celebration. Families walked by carrying gifts, couples strolled hand in hand, and children, bundled in scarves and mittens, dragged sleds behind them. I sipped my soup slowly, trying not to envy them. I had learned long ago that envy was a poison, but on nights like this, it was hard to resist.

As the hours passed, the loneliness pressed down on me like a heavy blanket. I tried to distract myself by reading, but the words on the page blurred as my mind wandered. Memories of Christmas mornings as a child surfaced waking up to the smell of cinnamon rolls, tearing open presents under the tree, and the sound of my mother’s laughter. She had always loved Christmas. But she was gone now, and so was the magic of those mornings.

I lit a single candle and placed it on the windowsill. The flickering flame cast a warm glow, a tiny defiance against the coldness of the night. I thought about going to the midnight mass at the church down the street. Perhaps the company of strangers would ease the ache, but the thought of walking into a room filled with joyful families only deepened my sense of isolation. I stayed put.

At midnight, the church bells rang out, their sound crisp and clear in the still night. I raised my glass of water in a mock toast. “Merry Christmas,” I whispered to no one in particular. My voice cracked, and I set the glass down, blinking away the tears that threatened to spill.

I thought about texting someone. Anyone. But who? My contact list was sparse, filled mostly with numbers I hadn’t dialed in years. I scrolled through it anyway, pausing at names that once meant something. A childhood friend, a former coworker, and my elder sister. I hadn’t spoken to my sister in over a decade. our last conversation had ended in anger, and neither had reached out since. I hovered over the name, my thumb hesitating above the call button. But fear and pride held him back. I set the phone down, the screen darkening once more.

The hours dragged on. I turned on the TV, hoping for some background noise to fill the void. The channels were filled with holiday specials and cheerful commercials. Families opening gifts, couples sharing kisses under the mistletoe, children laughing as they built snowmen. It was all too much. I turned the TV off and sat in the darkness, the candle on the windowsill now burned down to a stub.

Sleep was elusive, as it often was on nights like this. my thoughts spiraled into the depths of what-ifs and if-only. What if I had tried harder to keep my marriage together? What if I had reached out to my sister years ago? What if I had been a better friend, a better son, a better husband? The weight of my regrets was suffocating.

The first light of dawn crept through the window, painting the room in soft hues of gray. Christmas morning had arrived, but it felt no different from any other day. I got up and made myself a cup of instant coffee. I sat by the window again, watching as the world outside came to life. Children dashed outside to try their new bikes and sleds, neighbors exchanged greetings, and the aroma of roasted turkey and baked pies wafted through the air.

For me, there were no gifts to open, no one to wish “Merry Christmas,” and no one to wish me the same. I was a ghost, watching the world move on without me. As I sipped my coffee, I thought about the years ahead. Would they all be like this? The same hollow emptiness, the same aching solitude?

The thought was unbearable. I set the mug down and stared out the window, my breath fogging the glass. Somewhere deep inside, a tiny ember of hope flickered. Maybe next year would be different. Maybe I would muster the courage to reach out, to mend broken bridges, to let someone in. But for now, I sat in silence, the weight of another lonely Christmas pressing heavily on my heart.

Jacob M

**The Empty Manger** Christmas I had been longing for...

Dear Readers,

For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been my favorite time of year. The twinkling lights, the smell of pine, and the crisp air that carried a sense of hope all filled my heart. But what made it truly magical was setting up the Christmas nativity scene with my children. Evan would carefully place the shepherds, and Ivanka, with her tiny, meticulous hands, would position the baby Jesus in the manger. It had been their tradition, something that pulled them all together, every year.

But now, for the third Christmas in a row, I stood alone in his small, dimly lit apartment. The nativity set, once full of meaning and memories, remained tucked away in a dusty box in the corner. I hadn’t touched it in years. Not since the children were taken from me. Without them, there was no Christmas. There was nothing but a space where the joy used to be.

The separation had been sudden, ripping my life apart in ways I hadn’t imagined possible. Circumstances beyond my control had left me isolated and broken, without my kids to fill the days with meaning. Christmas, the time I once treasured most, had become unbearable. There were no lights, no trees, no laughter, and no nativity scene. Without Evan and Ivanka, the holiday ceased to exist.

It was as if a switch had flipped the moment they were gone. The warmth and magic of the season had been drained from my life, leaving me in cold, hollow darkness. I no longer knew the feeling of wrapping gifts or tucking them under a tree, nor the thrill of waking up early to see my children’s excited faces. Christmas songs became too painful to hear, and every time I passed by a decorated window, my heart clenched. What was Christmas without the ones you loved?

I sank into my worn-out chair, gazing at the bare walls. The only light in my apartment came from a small lamp, flickering weakly, as though even it struggled to stay alive. I hadn't heard from my kids in years. I knew they were out there, somewhere, but they felt so far away as if they existed in a different world. And in a way, they did. I imagined them celebrating without me perhaps with someone else, in a new house, with a new tree. It was a thought that twisted the knife deeper into my chest.

Outside, the world moved on as though everything was normal. Families bustled through snow-covered streets, clutching bags full of gifts and groceries, their voices carried on the winter breeze. I pressed my hand to the cold glass and whispered, “Merry Christmas,” but the words tasted bitter on my tongue.

The truth was, that I had forgotten how to celebrate Christmas. Without Evan and Ivanka, it was just another day a day that hurt even more than the others. The emptiness in my home mirrored the emptiness in my heart. For three long years, I had waited, hoped, and prayed that things might change, that somehow, my children would come back to him. That maybe this year, the silence would finally break.

But with every passing December, the hope grew dimmer. I still prayed each night sometimes in desperate whispers that a miracle would bring them back. That this year, I wouldn’t spend Christmas alone. But the days leading up to Christmas were full of reminders of my isolation, and the walls of my small apartment closed in tighter around me with each one.

I glanced at the dusty box in the corner where the nativity scene lay. my hands twitched, aching to open it, to place the figures just like they had before. But what was the point? I couldn’t do it alone. The thought of setting it up without Evan’s careful hands and Ivanka’s bright smile felt like an insult to what they once had.

Still, as the days drew closer, I found myself staring at the box more often. Maybe this year would be different. Maybe this year, he would open it. Maybe this year, a miracle would happen, and Evan and Ivanka would find their way back to him. I didn’t know if I believed in miracles anymore, but what else did I have left but hope?

I whispered a silent prayer, the same one I had been praying for years: that this year, the silence would break. That this year, there would be a knock on my door, and the darkness in my life would be replaced with light once again. But for now, all I could do was wait. Wait, and hope, and pray that somehow, by some grace, this year would finally bring the Christmas I had been longing for.

Jacob M

Whispers of Christmas Eve...

 

Whispers of Christmas Eve

(By Jacob M)

Beneath the veil of winter’s night,

A world transformed by frost's soft bite,

The stars above, like candles, glow,

Casting dreams on fields of snow.

The silent streets hum a sweet refrain,

Of carolers’ songs and jingling chains,

A thousand hearts, both young and old,

Wrapped in warmth against the cold.

In every home, a story weaves,

Of laughter shared on Christmas Eve,

Of stockings hung with tender care,

Of whispered prayers and love laid bare.

The scent of pine and cinnamon’s kiss,

Weaves through the air, a timeless bliss,

A tree adorned in splendor bright,

Each ornament is a shard of light.

The echoes of a sleighbell’s ring,

A memory of the Christ-child King,

Who came to earth, so meek, so small,

A gift of hope, a love for all.

The fire crackles, embers gleam,

Children drift into a dream,

Where sugarplums and reindeer fly,

Beneath the watchful angel’s eye.

Yet beyond the gifts and festive cheer,

Lies something sacred, pure, sincere

The bond of hearts, the strength of grace,

The power of love in every face.

For Christmas is not merely gold,

Nor treasures wrapped in silks of old;

It is the warmth of giving hands,

The peace that flows across the lands.

It’s found in moments, small and sweet,

In stranger’s smile, on a bustling street,

In every hug, in every tear,

In reaching out, in drawing near.

So as the clock strikes midnight’s bell,

And stories of the season swell,

Let us remember what we hold

A love is more precious than the finest gold.

For Christmas lives, not in one day,

But in the kindness we convey,

A spark of joy, a promise true,

The light of Christmas shines in you.

Merry Christmas...

Word for today: Verse: Luke 2:7

Word for today: Verse:   Luke 2:7

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Verse:   Luke 2:7

‘She gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.’

- This is such a busy and hectic time of the year.

- In all the busyness, let us never forget the reason for the season.

- Our hearts can be the place where He finds room and makes Himself real to us.

- Take time to make room in your heart for the Lord – He is waiting.

PRAYER: Lord, I open up the doors of my heart and I ask You to come in and to live within my heart. May this time be different, and may I experience You like never before and may my life be changed as a result. Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Kind Regards

Jacob M

Praying the Christmas Novena! Day 3 - Christmas Novena

Peace be with you!

Praying the Christmas Novena.

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Today, let's pray for all the people who work to uphold the dignity of life in our culture.  Let's pray for their strength, courage and for more people to support them.

Here are the prayers for today:

Day 3 - Christmas Novena

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility is unsurpassed and brings us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, give us the gift of Faith! You, Lord, deserve our complete faith. We pray for deeper and more perfect faith in you this Christmas.

We also pray for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thank you for praying with us!

We are praying for you!

God bless you!

Jacob M

Praying the Christmas Novena! Day 2 - Christmas Novena

 

Peace be with you!

Praying the Christmas Novena.

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Today, let's pray for all expectant mothers. 

Let's pray especially for those who feel pressured to have an abortion. They need so much love and support. 

Let's pray that they may receive the love and support that St. Joseph provided Mary despite there being no room at the inn. 

You can share your prayer intentions with us all here. We're praying for you.

Here are the prayers for today:

Day 2 - Christmas Novena

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility is unsurpassed and brings us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, grant us great humility! You gave us the model of perfect humility in your incarnation, life and death. We pray for a greater Humility this Christmas.

We also pray for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thank you for praying with us!

We are praying for you!

God bless you!

Jacob M

Word for today: Verse: Matthew 1:23

Word for today: Verse:   Matthew 1:23

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Verse:   Matthew 1:23

‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).

- What a joy it is to know that God is with us!

- He will never leave, forsake or abandon you.

- He wants you to know and experience His presence and His love.

- He is with you in every situation and in every season, so let hope arise.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Thank You for Immanuel. You are with me and because You are with me, I can live with a heart that is filled with peace, joy and gratitude. Amen.

Have a blessed Tuesday.

Kind Regards

Jacob M