Poetry: Bradford resident Donald Neel submitted a Christmas themed poem for all to enjoy.

Old Ned

Old Ned lived all alone

Down by the railroad track.

Nobody knew much about him,

No one would go near his shack.

The time was during the depression,

And Christmas time was near,

There was no work and no money,

There would be no Christmas cheer.

Each family would have a Christmas tree,

But no presents could be found,

Then a man dressed in a Santa suit,

Gathered all the children around.

He told them of why we celebrate Christmas,

And about the baby’s birth in Bethlehem.

About the baby being born in a stable,

Because there were no rooms at the inn.

He told them about the multitude of angels,

That stood by in Heaven above.

How Mary Joseph and Jesus,

To our world brought something called love.

He told them of the bright star in the east,

To show the wise men the way,

To bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh,

To the Christ Child born that day.

The children listened intently to every word he spoke,

Then he told them to close their eyes and count to ten.

Then they found that he was gone,

When they opened their eyes again.

All the Christmas trees in that town

Where there had been no gifts to be found.

Now there were gifts tied with red ribbons,

As the happy children gathered around.

The children knew it was old Ned in that Santa suit,

But they would not give their secret away.

They knew it was God disguised as Santa,

Who came to visit them on that day.

So if you believe in the Holy Spirit,

And the blessings you receive from above,

The greatest present there will ever be,

Is the present known as love.