Little Johnny came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner. His birthday was coming up and he thought this was a good time to tell his mother what he wanted.

"Mom, I want a bike for my birthday." Little Johnny was a bit of a troublemaker. He had gotten into trouble at school and at home. Johnny's mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday.

Little Johnny, of course, thought he did. Johnny's mother wanted Johnny to reflect on his behaviour over the last year.

"Go to your room, Johnny, and think about how you have behaved this year. Then write a letter to God and tell him why you deserve a bike for your birthday."

Little Johnny stomped over to his room and sat down to write God a letter.

Letter 1:

Dear God,I have been a very good boy this year and I would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one.

Your friend,

Johnny

Johnny knew that this wasn't true. He had not been a very good boy this year, so he tore up the letter and started over.

Letter 2:

Dear God,

This is your friend, Johnny. I have been a pretty good boy this year and would like a red bike for my birthday.

Thank you.

Your friend,

Johnny

Johnny knew that this wasn't true, either. So, he tore up the letter and started again.

Letter 3:

Dear God,

I have been an "OK" boy this year. I still would really like a red bike for my birthday.

Johnny

Johnny knew he could not send this letter to God either. So, Johnny wrote another letter.

Letter 4:

Dear God,

I know I haven't been a good boy this year. I am very sorry. I will be a good boy if you just send me a red bike for my birthday. Please!

Thank you,

Johnny

Johnny knew this letter was not going to get him a bike. By now, Johnny was very upset. He went to the kitchen and told his mom that he wanted to go to church.

"Just be home in time for dinner," Johnny's mother told him.

Johnny walked down the street to the church on the corner. He went into the church and up to the altar. He looked around to see if anyone was there. Johnny bent down and picked up a statue of the Virgin Mary. He slipped it under his shirt and ran out of the church, down the street, into the house, and over to his room. He shut the door to his room and sat down with a piece of paper and a pen.

Johnny began to write his letter to God.

Letter 5:

Dear God,

I'VE GOT YOUR MOTHER. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE!

Signed,

YOU KNOW WHO