A Christmas Letter from Jesus

My Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset because folks are taking my name out of the season. I don't care what people call Christmas. The best way to celebrate my birth is to love one another.  

If it bothers you that your city doesn't allow a scene depicting my birth, put a small nativity on your front lawn. If all my followers did, there wouldn't be any need for one on city property. They’d be all over the place.   

Stop worrying about people who call the tree “a holiday tree.” My father and I made all the trees. Remember me every time you see one, regardless of what it’s called. Better yet, decorate a grape vine. I talked more about them than I did about trees.

If you want to give me a present in remembrance of my birth, here is my wish list:   

• Instead of writing letters objecting to the way my birthday is treated, write letters to the soldiers away from home. They are afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell me all the time.  

• Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know I care about them.

• Instead of complaining about your president, why don't you write and tell him you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then do it again. He needs to hear from you more than once.    

• Don’t just give your children lots of gifts you can't afford and they don't need. Instead, spend time with them. Tell them about my birth and why I choose to live with you. Hold them. Remind them how loved they are.    

• Pick someone who has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her. I know that’s hard, but do it for me.

• Someone in your town is planning to take their own life this season because they feel alone and hopeless. Since you don't know who, try giving everyone a warm smile and kind word. You could make all the difference.

• Instead of nitpicking what retailers call the holiday, be patient with people who work there. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas," that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and their employees could spend it with their families. 

• There are people in your town who not only have no Christmas tree, they have no presents to give or receive. Even if you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts. Give them to a charity that believes in me. They’ll be happy to do your deliveries.  

• And finally, if you want to make a statement about your Christian values, behave like me. Don't do anything you wouldn't do if I was standing right next to you… because I am. Let your actions show people what I’m really like.

Now, get going. You have letters to write and people to visit. I'll help, but this only works through you.

And don't forget... I am Lord. I can take care of myself. Just love me and do what I have told you to do. Let me take care of all the rest.

Finally, have a most blessed Christmas with all those I’ve placed in your life. And never forget how much I love you. 

Jesus