For the night was cold and long, and I cried out, 

“God, why have you abandoned me? For  

So long I have waited to feel loved by your grace, to feel 

Loved by your mercy. But now I sit in this wretched place, with  

The cold of the night biting my skin. I sit here while the rest of the  

World celebrates your love. The same exact love 

That causes me to suffer now. How is it that I must suffer under 

He, who gives me life? Well, now I pray that you take it back, what you 

Gave me so many years ago. Your hopeless child now asks that you take 

His life back, for I wish not to suffer anymore. Throughout my miserable life, I have 

Only ever failed you. Even when I try not to sin, I keep failing, unlike your flawless and  

Begotten children, who do more right than me. You say to have faith, to trust in you and your 

Son. But how could I when I have never known your love? Please God, you know 

That I will never be what you want me to be or fulfill your will. Choose another, God, please,  

Whoever is worthier than me. Another who is righteous and true, one who is faithful and

Believes undoubtedly in you. I cannot do this anymore God, I give up.” And just as I finished, 

In full belief that my life was done, a man I did not know approached me. “Do you know 

Him?” He asked and I shook my head no. As I did, he asked again, “Would you join me? I 

Shall tell you everything you want to know.” As we walked he shared many things I have 

Not forgotten to this day. He told me of the past, filled with sacrifice and love. And of after we 

Perish, the gift to live eternally with God. He shared with me a verse, one I had heard before, 

But this time, in all my woe, I finally understood. It answered all my questions, the fears I 

Have had all my life. And suddenly, for the first time, as he shared God’s gift of 

Eternal life, I was filled with hope and light. The words the stranger spoke to me truly saved my 

Life. Praise God, He who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.  

Now read the first word of each verse.