Hunger was a friend to me, you see ... I knew him well,
For where my next meal would come I could never tell.
Water fountains quenched my thirst when I had the need,
The frowning looks from passersby I learnt not to heed.

My army issue sleeping bag fought off the winter chill.
Sometimes I'd get candles from the church up on the hill...
They were used, most half burnt, but some nights kept me warm,
And locked inside my car at nights kept me safe from harm.

It's strange now that I think of it, on any given day,
I never blamed God for my lot... I even used to pray...
Not for food, nor shelter... I wouldn't bother Him for this;
But to save the others starving ...this was my greatest wish.

Then one night, a Christmas Eve, I began to cry...
The pain of this life, of this world, made me want to die;
Alone, cold and hungry, I stared at the stars above...
Praying this time for myself ... "God, I just need love."

Through my tears, a nearby house ...it's Christmas lights aglow,
Blurred into a watercolor looking like a bright halo...
I dried my tears, choked on a sob, to take a closer look;
Lights all hung with such care, --- looked like a story book.

I had so little gas but turned my car on then...
And drove around the block to view the house again.
A wreath hung on the door, with a red velvet bow...
And lights hung in the shrubs sparkled on the snow.

Through the picture window, a tree glowed warm and bright,
Candles glistened on the sill warming me that night.
From inside soft strains of music drifted on the air...
And though they never knew me, I felt glad that I was there.

To this day these strangers, whom I've never even met,
Have no idea how much they gave, the gift that others get.
For on that night I stayed alive because of what they shared,
Their lights said they believe in God, and told me that they cared.

Thank you for sharing Christmas with me that Christmas Eve,
We never met, you don't know me, but I know that you believe...
And this is something I needed then as much as I do today,
To know that people still love God, and still know how to pray.