Sample Chapters

Since this is a picture book, the entire manuscript is shown below:

Little Angel Eli, God’s Chosen Helper

Written & Illustrated by Greg Cross

©2026 All rights reserved.

 

One day, God called his angels ‘round.

“My new plan is sure to astound.

My only Son’s headed

Below.  I have dreaded

This day, but the lost must be found.”            1

 

The angels by this were distressed.

God’s only Son, perfect—the best.

Why send Him below?

The King of Kings?  No!

God said, “By Him, Earth will be blessed.” 2

 

Among all the angels lived one,

Li’l Eli, so timid and young.

But though he was small,

He thrilled at God’s call.

He knew people needed the Son.                    3

 

Next morning, the skies burst with light.

God gathered His angels from flight.

I’m sending below,

An angel who’ll go

With my Son—to fight the good fight.           4

 

The angels each asked, “Is it me?

I’m mighty as mighty can be.”

But sensing their pride,

“Not now,” God replied.

“I’m calling on the least of these.”                 5

 

Young Eli, you’ll be Jesus’ friend

With Him, every day ‘til the end.

“God… I’m not that strong.

Might You have it wrong,

This weak, little angel to send?”                     6

 

God laughed, gently shaking His head.

“By my Spirit you will be led.

And call on my Son.

For help, He’s the one.

He’ll make you courageous instead.” 7

 

“Wait!  I help, or does He help me?”

God answered, ”Well, both, don’t you see?

Your prayers help My Son

To reach everyone,

While His love makes you brave and free.”   8

 

To Bethlehem that very night

Young Eli made his downward flight.

He prayed hard out loud:

“Help me make You proud.

Your Son’s burden, help me make lighter.”   9

 

The stable, a beautiful scene.

The shepherds, amazed by this King.

So tender and small,

Yet ruler of all.

Three wise men, great gifts did they bring.    10

 

In childhood the Savior grew wise,

With Eli nearby in the skies.

Amazed how He taught,

The church leaders thought,

“Such wisdom in Jesus’ advice!”                    11

 

Then perfect man Jesus became.

Was sinless, so lived without shame.

The devil, though, tried

To tempt Him with lies,

Our King remained pure, all the same.           12

 

The devil tried quoting the Word.

As if he believed it.  Absurd.

The Lord, when attacked,

Just spoke the Word back,

And Eli’s heart so warmly stirred.                  13

 

Much later, on a lonely hill,

The Savior sat, saddened and still.

Prayed, “Your will be done,

So strengthen your Son.”

And Eli prayed, too, for God’s will.               14

 

As Jesus looked up to the sky.

He knew God’s plan meant He must die.

But Father he’d trust.

So loving and just.

He knew his death wasn’t goodbye.  15

 

Then Eli prayed, “Jesus feels bad!

He’s dreadfully lonely and sad.

Oh, God, take this cup

From Christ.  Lift Him up—

Without the cross.  I’d be so glad!”    16

 

The Father, with tears in His eyes,

Looked down from the darkening skies.

“Christ won’t pass the cup,

But Him I’ll lift up.

From death to life, Jesus will rise!”    17

 

And so, with disciples around Him,

Rough soldiers marched in to surround Him.

Young Eli was tearful,

Each follower fearful.

Marched Jesus away when they’d bound Him. 18

 

But Jesus said, “Eli, take heart.”

Be strong.  Let My love do its part.

This wonderful story,

Will bring God great glory.

The cross, see, is only the start.”                     19

 

They doomed Him without a fair trial,

While Satan looked on with a smile.

All seemed to be lost.

Christ carried a cross,

But God had good plans all the while.            20

 

Young Eli was heartsick and grieved,

As his Lord hung next to two thieves.

“But—die if Christ must—

My Father I’ll trust.

In His pow’r and love, I’ll believe!”               21

 

The best miracle of all time,

Much better than water to wine,

Was soon to take place,

Through God’s pow’r and grace—

A feat that forever would shine.          22

 

But first, Christ was laid in a tomb.

His friends cried and feared their own doom.

Nearby, Eli prayed

For three lengthy days.

“God, please let your miracle bloom!”           23

 

At last, Eli’s answer to prayer:

God said, “My Son, Jesus, I’ll spare.

“You’ve fought the good fight.

“Now, filled with My might,

Go roll that huge stone from death’s lair!” 24

 

“Okay, on my way!” Eli said.

Once there, he pushed hard, his face red.

That stone o’er the grave

Rolled far from the cave,

Then crashed to the ground.  The guards fled.25

 

“I knew I could help, if I tried,”

Said Eli, who then peeked inside…

The sealed tomb was bare.

No Jesus in there!

“Has He risen, God?” Eli cried.          26

 

“Oh, yes, indeed,” God said.  “Amen.

My Son’s first of all born again!

Christ Jesus is risen—

Death isn’t a prison.

In Me, dying’s gain, in the end.”        27

 

“Your final task,” God said, “Go, tell

All Jesus’ friends He’s conquered hell.

With Jesus, this hour,

Hell’s lost all its power.

Tell all, ‘He is risen,’ as well!”           28

 

Then God said, “Let kids everywhere

Know, if they feel too small or scared,

Too young to do good,

But wish that they could,

Call “Jesus!’ and—boom—He’ll be there!” 29