Object: A "magic" birthday candle (the type that relights itself when it is blown out) inserted in a muffin or cupcake.

Lesson: Light; darkness; love; hatred.

"This morning I'd like you to help me understand the last of the Beatitudes. Jesus said, 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' 'Persecute' is a big word, isn't it? Does anyone know what it means?"

Most of the children sit in silence but one of the older ones suggests that "persecute" means to pester someone. This elicits other responses: to be mean to someone, to be hateful to other people. I agree with the children and point out that the reason people get persecuted is usually because they have ideas which disagree with majority opinion. "That, in fact, is what happen…