A Student's Essay on Christmas
| Home Base | Lee's Essay |
| E-mail Bellgamin | Aftermath |
| Introduction |
Here's a brief introduction to an essay written by one of my former Bible students at a Christian High School. Let's call her "Lee."
Lee started attending our school when she was 13. Like so many of our students, she wasn't a Christian when she came to us. A few months later she received Jesus Christ.
Not long after, we were approaching the Christmas season so I assigned Lee's class the task of writing an essay about "What Christmas Means to Me."
The following is an excerpt from Lee's essay, which I asked her to present as a devotional in the school's weekly chapel services. I thought you might like to read it.
|
The Only Gift I Can Give Him by Lee (Nov. 1994) Some folks seem to have forgotten that Christmas is a birthday party for Jesus. It's a strange birthday party because no one gives Jesus any presents, and the most important person seems to be Santa Claus. How would you feel if you weren't even invited to your own birthday? How would you feel if everyone gave gifts to each other but had nothing for you, not even a kind word? And how would you feel if everyone talked about Santa Claus and never even mentioned your name? Have you ever wondered how Jesus feels when we ignore Him on His own birthday? Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for Him at the inn. Today it seems like my family still has no room for Jesus in our home. It's so sad. Sad for Jesus but even sadder for my Mom and Dad who won't believe in the true meaning and joy of our Lord's birthday. I'm a new Christian so this will be the first year when I really know what Christmas is all about. I don't know about you but I plan to wish Jesus a happy birthday just as soon as I wake up on Christmas morning. And then I will sing Him the Happy Birthday song. I feel bad that I haven't any gift to give Him except what I already gave Him -- my heart, my love, my life, and my forever gratitude. |
Aftermath
When Lee finished reading her essay, she quickly headed for her seat. To my joyous surprise a lot of teens stood up and met her in the aisle, to pray with her for her family's salvation.
That was 2 years ago. As far as I know, Lee's family remains unsaved as of today ... but that's not the end of the story, is it?