by R. William Bennett (Author)

What if the person you needed to apologize to the most was the one that deserved it the least?

In a world with diminishing civility, increasing rancor and moral relativism, THE CHRISTMAS GIFT is a simple story about our relation- ships and the values that make them precious.

Told through the experiences of Scott and Ben, two sixth grade boys, THE CHRISTMAS GIFT gently illustrates the power of apology, forgiveness and understanding, and the lasting impact we can have when we reach through the mists of hurt and mistrust to offer a hand of kindness to another.

"It will be impossible for you to read THE CHRISTMAS GIFT by R. William Bennett without being forever changed. 5 STARS!"

- ROBERT BUSKO, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer

"Bill Bennett has given us a marvelous story in THE CHRISTMAS GIFT that illuminates the possibilities that come from giving a little understanding and what compassion could do to change our world. He has given us a lasting gift."

- RON MCMILLAN, NY Times bestselling author Crucial Conversations

DEAR READER,

This is a simple story I hope will touch your heart. My family and I love to read stories at Christmas. Our favorites focus on the small, everyday events and emotions we all encounter that change our character in miraculous ways. One year, we decided to create our own story which would teach some of the principles we value most in life. The result is THE CHRISTMAS GIFT, the tale of a young man who, in his effort to stand up for the victim of a bully, becomes the bully's new daily target. Eventually, having been humiliated and tormented beyond his limits, the young man lashes out and manages to cut to the core of the bully's heart. While attaining near hero status in his school, he is troubled by his conscience. To the complete bewilderment of some around him, he decides to make an apology. What results is a unique relationship between these two most unlikely friends. This friendship, built on understanding and forgiveness, becomes the rock upon which the two boys rely when faced with a crisis that will change them, and generations after them, forever.

I hope THE CHRISTMAS GIFT will draw you closer to the ones you love and help you find others that may need your caring. May the miracles of the heart that spring forth at Christmas fill you all the year long.

Sincerely,

Bill