Object: A Christmas tree pin; any present of special significance to the speaker.

Lesson: Memories; God's presence; love; Christmas.

It is the first Sunday following Christmas. I begin by asking the children if they enjoyed this special holiday. Faces immediately light up with recent memories of this day which is approached with such eager anticipation by most children each December.

"Did any of you get any presents?" Every head nods affirmation.

"Well, don't just sit there so quietly!" This is probably the first time they've been told that in church. "Tell me about some of your presents."

Hands go up; these kids are so polite! I nod to one of the boys who says he got a basketball. Then one of the girls speaks up: "I got this outfit that I'm wearing." All of us pause to admire her new…