Cherry Farrington on rejection being healed this Christmas.

She walked up to me and looked me straight in the eyes.

"I don't like you. I wish you'd never moved to this school. I wish you hadn't joined our class."

Then she turned and was gone, whilst I was left stood in the school yard stunned into silence. My stomach turned, my eyes stung with a threatening tear and I clenched my teeth as I stood for a moment frozen to the spot. After seven years of being homeschooled I had returned to school at the age of 13 and although I knew it wouldn't be easy, I hadn't expected to be met with such hostility in my first few days. The message was made clear, I was not wanted.

Over the following weeks I tried to keep out of my classmates' way. I had no idea what I had done wrong, but the confusion and hurt cause by her words caused me to retreat into silence and a fear that my presence wasn't welcome.

Fast forward nine years and I am walking with my friend through the streets of New York. The lights are twinkling, bells are ringing and snow is on its way. My favourite time of year has arrived in full force and my heart is warmed by the festivity all around me. Remembering I need to take a train home soon, I look down to check my watch and realise it's time for me to go. I turn to say goodbye to my friend and they offer to walk me to the station. I hear myself shrug off their offer as unnecessary, as I don't mind walking alone and I don't want to take them out of their way. My friend looks at me quizzically:

"Please can I walk with you to the station? I want the extra time with you. You're a blessing to me."

It was a simple statement, but in a moment it uncovered an old insecurity from my teenage heart and the words that had been spoken over me.

It had been a long time since I'd thought about the incident at school. The classmate who had spoken so harshly to me had in later years become a close friend and all had been forgiven. However, as I stood in front of my friend all these years later, I realised the fear that my presence was not truly wanted still tried to hang on to my heart and dictate how I thought others felt about me. In that moment the power of my friend's words struck me with the truth that, not only am I wanted, but my presence is a gift.

The power of a simple word or action can have the power to either leave us feeling loved and accepted as we are, or complete rejection. So often we hold ourselves back and don't fully express who we are because we fear the rejection of others. Yet, in the midst of the Christmas celebrations this month there is One at the centre of it all who sees you as such a precious gift that He came down to earth from heaven, just for you. Just as you are.

Regardless of what the world around you may say, you are wanted. Your presence is a joy. Your presence is a gift.

Jesus, the Son of God, came for you.

So let the voices of rejection be stilled by our true Christmas gift. Let your heart be healed by the love of our Saviour who gave it all because He saw you and wanted you.

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty saviour. He takes great delight in you. With His love, He will calm all your fears and rejoice over you with songs of joy." Zephaniah 3:17

To find out more about who Jesus is and why we celebrate His birth at Christmas go to www.christianity.org.uk.