It’s a holiday story of pure heart that has completely melted the community. It’s about a simple, powerful encounter between a 7-year-old boy and Jolly Old Saint Nick.
This isn’t a story about presents; it’s about prayer. Days ago, a little boy named Mack Keller took Santa by the hand and offered a heartfelt, emotional prayer for the man in the big red suit.
It was a moment so profound, it made Santa Claus himself cry.
🏃 The Runner Who Became Santa
The man behind the beard is 55-year-old Mark Finton of Trenton, Tennessee. “I’m a runner,” Mark shared. “I usually stop by the McDonald’s here in Trenton for a drink after my run.”
Days before Christmas, the McDonald’s manager approached Mark with a special request. Could he step in and play Santa during the busy lunch hours? Mark Finton accepted the new, festive gig immediately.
It was December 23rd, and several youngsters lined up eagerly. They were ready to tell Santa what they wanted to find under their Christmas tree the following week.
🙏 Mack’s Special Mission
One of those children was 7-year-old Mack Keller from Humboldt, Tennessee. “Mack told me what he wanted for Christmas,” Mark Finton told us.
But after the last child left the line, Mack stood alone. Mark added, “He looked up at me and told me he wanted to pray for me instead of asking for more.”
Mack’s mother, Brittney, confirmed this selfless trait. “Mack has always wanted to pray for people,” she said, detailing his compassionate habit.
Mack has a history of sharing his faith. He never fails to pray for a local Walmart greeter named Rick, and he once prayed over the police department’s K9 dog that survived an electrocution incident.
😭 The Moment of Truth
Mark Finton—alias Santa Claus—gently held Mack and bowed his head deeply. In that moment, a powerful role reversal unfolded in the busy McDonald’s.
Instead of Santa inspiring a child, little Mack was passionately inspiring Santa.
Mack prayed that Santa would have a safe journey for the rest of his travels. He prayed for Mrs. Claus, knowing she would be worried about him. He prayed for the tired reindeer. And finally, he prayed for children all around the entire world.
“It was one of the most emotional moments of my entire life,” Mark confessed. “I looked up at my wife who was nearby, and I simply cried.”
🎁 The Best Gift of All
Seven-year-old Mack Keller had a wonderful Christmas, and so too did Santa Claus. Mark summed up the unforgettable moment with profound gratitude.
“Here I was trying to make Mack’s Christmas special,” Mark said. “And Mack completely made my Christmas special instead.”
“I never imagined I would be so moved by a 7-year-old kid’s spirit.” Mark concluded, “It was a Christmas I’ll truly never forget for the rest of my life.”
