Long Ago and Far Away

 Long ago and far away

Was a baby born in a special way.

The Son of Mary, so meek and mild,

Was also God’s holy, beloved child.

This humble birth in a cattle stall

Was a gift of love for one and all.

Not just for the rich, not only for some,

But for the whole world did this baby come.

God’s love like a bright and shining star

Is for everyone, whoever you are.

Jesus was born so this love we could see,

The greatest gift for you and for me. 

© Connie Arnold

Magical Matthew

Children are fascinated by things that seem magical, and Matthew certainly fits into this category in this delightful book by Penelope Anne Cole. Matthew has a special talent that many people would love to have. When something is broken, he just thinks about it being fixed and it is.

But although Matthew has the magical power to fix objects, he discovers he can't fix everything. His young friend Lily is in a wheelchair and can't walk. He wants very much to make that happen, but he can't. He soon learns a valuable lesson about what can be accomplished without resorting to magic and in spite of handicaps as friends work together for a common goal of helping others and making things better.

The bold and colorful illustrations by Kevin Collier add to the attraction of the story for children, who will likely be asking for this book over and over, enjoying Matthew's gift, thoughtfulness and the surprise at the end.