Wish List

A Christmas Wish List from God (got this at church last year)

Dear Children,

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.  Although 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 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 or the civic center 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 and may remember me anytime you see any tree.  Decorate a grape vine if you wish:  I actually spoke of that once in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks was.

If you want to give me a present in remembrance of my birth, here is my wish list... chose 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 writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year.  Then follow up.   It will be nice hearing from you again.  
4. 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.
5. Pick someone who has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. D you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this holiday season because they feel so alone and hopeless?  Since you don't now who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile.  It could make the difference.
7. Instead of worrying about what the retailer 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.
8. 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.  You may already know someone like that.
9. 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 gifts to give or receive.  If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or even your parish church and they will make the delivery for you.  
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief and loyalty to me, then behave like it.  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.  

P.S. 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 majority of the work falls into your hands.  Do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love.  Remember I LOVE YOU.