The following was shared with me as “A Letter From Jesus,” author unknown. It helped me refocus on keeping peace in my heart, especially when society seems to stir up conflict—sometimes even in the name of the season.

Since joy at Christmastime should never be measured by money spent, but by love and connection shared, let’s be peacemakers. Let’s shift our energy toward things that bring lasting peace and meaning.

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 you live in doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, 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 a need for such a scene on the town square because there would be so many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about people calling the tree a Holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. I made all the trees. You can remember Me any time 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 writing your 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? Then follow up. (It will be nice to hear 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 that has hurt you in the past and forgive them.

6. 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. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hotline: they talk with people like that every day.

7. 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. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

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 presents 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, Salvation Army or some other charity and they will make the delivery for you.

10. 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.

Happy Winter Holidays,

JC

P.S. Don't forget — I am God, and can take care of Myself. You don't have to protect or defend me. Just love Me, mind your own business, and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest.

Mother Teresa lived by these same principles. She once said, "I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there."

I’ve seen this same kind of lesson play out in my own home. If one of my children misbehaves, another will chime in to scold them, then a third jumps in to correct the second for yelling—and before long, everyone’s shouting at each other to be quiet. Oh, the irony.

So with all that said… Merry Christmas.

I’m eternally grateful for the love of God I feel when I try to live as Jesus Christ taught. I celebrate His birth. I glory in His mercy. And I am in awe of His majesty.

May His spirit fill your hearts and homes with love this season.
And may there truly be Peace on Earth, and Good Will Toward Men.

_________________

•   To discover how to start choosing more effectively now, read The Jackrabbit Factor (FREE!)  
•   If you want more step-by-step guidance on creating the life you really want, join me in the Mindset Mastery program.
•   If you want my help overcoming that giant obstacle right in front of you, learn more and sign up for Genius Bootcamp.