Lonnie Ellis

The Gift Lonnie Ellis

With the Christmas season quickly approaching, one class of students in a tiny mining town is about to receive an invaluable lesson in gift giving. As a blistering wintry day forces them to remain inside, their teacher, Mrs. Noel, takes the opportunity to teach them about the value of giving by having each of them add to an inspirational story of joy, hope, peace, and love. Having set the title and instructed the students of the rules, Mrs. Noel gently encourages the boys and girls to add a gift, which cost nothing to give and doesn't require materials. She also instructs them "the gift" must make the world a better place to live. Together, the entire class captures the meaning of giving from the heart. The Gift is a timeless message. It encapsulates the best in all of us.