Christmas!

It's Christmas morning and I'm the only one up. Kathy spent most of the evening into the early hours wrapping gifts and getting the house ready. The kids are both sound asleep but I can imagine they are dreaming of a wonderful Christmas.

As I've been sitting here, I've been thinking about this Christmas season and all that it has given us: many people out of work but not too bad to not help others (as WRAF's "My Christmas Wish" showed), some battles over "CHRIST-mas" or "Happy Holidays", and other things that I think drew us AWAY from the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

A dear friend of mine sent me an email not too long ago that addresses this very sentiment I have, and I would like to share it with you:

A Letter from Jesus

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking my name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If I want you to celebrate my birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE EACH OTHER.

Now, having said that, let me go on. If it bothers you that town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting my birth, then just get rid of a few snowmen and Santas and put a small Nativity scene in your own front lawn. If all my followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene in the town square because there would be many of them all over town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling it a "Holiday" tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all the trees anyway. You can remember me any time you see a tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of your tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give me a present, here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters, write letters of love to a soldier away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home - they just need to know someone still cares.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording in his Christmas cards, write to him letting him know that you are praying for him and his family. Then follow up - it will be nice to hear from you again.
4. Instead of giving you kids a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need - spend more time with them. Hold them and let them know of my love for them.
5. Pick someone who had hurt you in the past and forgive them.
6. Did you know that someone in your town may try to take their life during this time of year - since you may not know who that person is, try to give everyone you might a warm smile.
7. Instead of knit picking what the retailer calls this time of year be patient with them. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" doesn't stop you from wishing them one.
   
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary!
9. There are families in your town that not only do not have a Christmas tree but they don't have presents to give or receive; buy some food and gifts for them. If you don't know them buy them for the Salvation Army and they will make the delivery for you.
10. If you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to me, then behave like a Christian! Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in my presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget, I am God and I can take care of myself. Just love me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Pick one from the list above and get to work. Time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is in your court. And do have the most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS