by Jackie Perseghetti

Susan held her breath. How could she answer Jessica’s question? Her mind raced through all the Sunday school lessons she had learned, but still came up blank.

"Well?" Jessica said impatiently. "I’m waiting for your answer! What’s the big deal about Christmas, except a couple weeks off from school?"

"Well, uh, it’s because . . . because Jesus was born to save the earth."

"Sure," Jessica mocked. "Then how come there’s no evidence of his birth except in Christmas songs? Give me one fact that proves the Christmas story true."

Susan stared hard at her shoes. Evidence? Facts?

"Maybe she’s not answering because she can’t!" Brad taunted. "I believe the whole Christmas story is just that—a story. C’mon, Jess, we’re wasting our time. It’s obvious Susan’s got nothin’ important to say!"

The two turned and left. Susan watched them go, wishing for a second chance to tell her classmates what she believed to be true.

That night during dinner, Susan picked at her food.

What if Jess and Brad are right? she secretly feared. What if the Christmas story is make-believe? What if the Bible is just a bunch of stories? Where’s the proof?

Susan pushed her broccoli to one side and completed the mashed potato dam she had been building.

Finally, her parents noticed Susan’s lack of appetite.

"You must have something pretty important on your mind," her dad said. "Anything you want to share with us?"

Susan looked up and met his gaze. She desperately wanted to tell her parents, yet hesitated. They believed she was strong in her faith. How could she admit to such doubts?

She dug deep inside for courage and soon found herself telling them everything—from the confrontation at school to the nagging questions in her own heart.

"Susan," her mom responded gently, "we’re glad you want to know more about Jesus. Your dad and I learn new things about Him all the time."

"In other words," her dad added, "you need to know what you believe for yourself—not just because you heard it in Sunday school."

"But," Susan whispered, "I thought I did—until today. Not being able to answer Jessica’s question really bothered me."

"When that happens," her dad reassured, "a good place to start is with the facts."

"Facts?! I didn’t think there were any facts."

"Oh, there are facts all right!"

Following dinner, Susan listened to her dad explain things in a way she had never heard.

"Jesus was a real person who really lived on this Earth," her dad said. "Ancient records and written accounts by historians all back it up. Even if people are unwilling to believe the Bible, they can’t deny the historical records.

"But it doesn’t stop there! According to Luke chapter 2, Jesus’ birth fulfilled prophecies written hundreds of years before He even appeared on this Earth!"

Susan leaned forward.

"Isaiah chapter 53 was written 800 years before Jesus’ birth, but it contains 15 specific prophecies," her dad explained, "and Jesus’ life fulfilled each and every one of them! Micah 5:2 predicted Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, and Psalm 16:10 told of His rising from the dead—nearly 1,000 years before it happened."

"Wow!" Susan exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise. She listened closely as her dad talked about archaeological discoveries proving the Bible is true, and then went on to tell about science in the Bible.

"Psalm 8:8 mentioned paths, or currents in the sea—2,000 years before ocean currents were discovered! Isaiah 40:22 stated the world was round—centuries before scientists believed it."

Susan smiled. She had never heard these facts before. She thought science conflicted with the Bible. At least, that’s what she was told in her science class.

"The bottom line is God’s Word is reliable. When it tells us about Jesus—Who He is and how He was born—you can believe it."

The next morning, Susan scurried down to breakfast.

She bowed her head before eating. Lord, I really do want to tell others about You. Please give me the wisdom and boldness to have an answer for anybody who asks me what I believe and why. Oh, and please bless this food. Amen.

Susan ate quickly, grabbed her backpack and raced out the door. When the school bus rumbled to a stop, Susan hopped on and took the first available seat.

"Hey looooooser! I bet you still can’t answer my question!" came a mocking voice from the back. Susan turned around and noticed Jessica and Brad only two seats away.

"Yeah," Brad challenged. "Give us one good reason to believe the Christmas story is true!"

The regular chatter on the bus ceased. Susan’s heart pounded, and her palms grew sweaty. She knew this was the moment she had prayed for. Mustering up courage to speak, Susan turned and looked them both in the eyes.

"As a matter of fact," she began boldly, "I can give you more than one good reason to believe. . . .

	Q: What kind of phone does a turtle use? A: A shell-ular phone. Andy B., 10, Wisconsin Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe