THE WORTH OF ONE - A CHRISTMAS STORY

 By Tessa Harvey

    "Jesus was born at Christmas." said the principal, firmly ignoring the interruptions. "He is the most important person in all the history of the world."

    Aiden opened his mouth again, but the principal motioned for him to be silent, and he obeyed.

    "Jesus is God.  He came to earth as a baby, grew up, was loved by many and died a cruel death so he could save us from all the bad things we have ever done. And." she added, raising her voice, looking in turn at each child, "every one of us is guilty of lying or stealing, being mean to others, thinking bad things. I know I am."

    The children were silent, waiting. Something caused them to listen. The sun shone through the windows and they could hear the faint roar of the ride-on lawn mower. Still they waited.

    "Jesus died and rose again from the dead. There is no grave for Jesus. He also came to show us the worth of each one of us."

    "What do you mean?" asked Veronica, puzzled. She knew she was not really wanted at home.

    "Jesus would have died just for you if nobody else lived in the world. Just for you! Because you are each special to God and loved by Him.

    "Yes, Aiden?" as the boy raised his arm to ask a question, "when we were running from the Muslims, our granny could not run as fast. The bad men shot her. We saw her fall. If God is real, then why did she die?" his voice broke and Pamela had tears in her eyes also. 

    Now what would Mrs. O'Leary answer, thought Veronica.