Christmas has become an excuse to purchase and receive "stuff" far more than it is a time of serious reflection on the incarnation of our God and His work of redemption. Sadly, many professing Christians have bought into the consumptive mode of unbelievers so that the season isn't even redeemed by those who profess to be so.

Don't misunderstand me. I love this time of the year. I adore Christmas music, the chill in the air, the carols of the Church and the beautiful lights adorning even the humblest of houses. I don't blame those who do not know the Lord for what they have done with Christmas but I am deeply saddened by what the vast majority of us who claim to love Jesus have not done. We have simply drifted on the current of the culture and, for the most part, Christmas has lost its true significance for us as well. Let's ask the "Father of lights" to change that beginning in your home and mine beginning this month and every Christmas season hereafter.

Recently a friend sent this "letter" to me. I read it and thought there was much truth here though I would be the first to tell you that no one can speak for God beyond what He has given us in the Bible. But, it is thought provoking to consider what Jesus would write should He send a letter to every congregation that believes and promotes the true gospel. I must say that the sentiments in this fictional letter from heaven do find Scriptural warrant in numerous passages.

So, in the spirit of a God-centered Christmas, I share this with you in the hope that you will take these suggestions seriously and enact many if not all of them in your home and family for the glory of our God Who gave "His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." May He bless us all as we focus on the Christ of Christmas.

A Letter from Jesus about Christmas

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. However, I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

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

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any 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 our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers 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. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

4. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

5. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

6. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.

7. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

8. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

9. Finally, 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 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. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember: