Letter from Jesus about Christmas

Dear Children, It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folksare taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn'tactually born during this time of the year and that it was some of yourpredecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time ofpagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easilyunderstood by those of you who have been blessed with children of yourown. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth,just Love one another. Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the townin which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just getrid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene onyour own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any needfor such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them allaround town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree aholiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You canremember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: Iactually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation toyou and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, lookup 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 awayfrom 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 George 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 affordand 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 remindthem that I love them.

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

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

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 warmsmile 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 thereon Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd closeand 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 heardMy name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families inyour town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will theyhave any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some foodand a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charitywhich believes in Me 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 youare 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 whomyou love and remember : I LOVE YOU, JESUS

The following is an excerpt from Krista Petty's newly-released concept paper, Strategies for Investing in Your Community: How Externally Focused Churches are Leveraging Their Impact Externally focused churches pour much of what they have--funds, time and people--into the community. But these congregations don't give their resources carelessly. With solutions to community issues becoming more complex and resources becoming more limited, churches are constantly weighing the risks and rewards of community ministry. Those church leaders must invest prayerfully, strategically, and compassionately--all the while making wise plans that yield results. These churches have discovered the following strategies to guide them as they leverage resources to bring about community transformation: 1. Build and Maintain a Reserve to Meet Emergencies.When vandals set fire to a local school playground in 2006, the people of Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) quickly sprang into action. The church took $3,000 from their externally focused budget to replace some of the charred and damaged playground equipment. When the decision to replace the equipment was announced during a Sunday morning worship service, the congregation spontaneously broke into applause. Within days, volunteers came forward and completed the installation of new parts. Because of their existing relationship with the school and the church's heart for the community, Hope maintains a reserve of finances and manpower they can deploy when a need arises. Church members are motivated to respond—both with financial and volunteer resources—because they have been serving the school through tutoring and special projects throughout the year. 2. Develop an Overall Investment Strategy. When the children's ministry at Bethel Church (Richland, WA) grew rapidly, church leaders considered a capital campaign to raise funds for expansion. But as a growing externally focused church, some leaders wondered, "Are we spending more money on ourselves than we are spending on the needs of the community?" That question caused a change in direction for the campaign. The building campaign expanded to a focus on the three major initiatives they called NOW: Next Generation, Our Community and Worldwide. The total amount to be raised--an estimated $6 million--will be shared among the children's area, a recreation facility, community and world outreach programs. The church is well on its way to reaching the financial goals. But the success of the campaign is measured in more than dollars. "This campaign has really brought our ministry areas together," says outreach director Dave Dawson. "It has broken down silos and we are not competing for funds and attention." 3. Selecting a Minimum Initial Investment Determines the Goal a Church Will Achieve.When LifeBridge Christian Church (Longmont, CO) wanted to be more externally focused, they didn't simply start another ministry area that would create additional competing programs for its existing ministries. Church leaders instead asked each ministry team to weave community service into their programming options—even down to the children's ministry level. In October 2006, LifeBridge staff member Stacey Applen coordinated a Saturday morning elementary school service project called Rock Your World. Thirty children in 3rd-6th grade raked, weeded and cleaned out painful stickers that flatten bicycle tires and stick to shoes. Allison Switzer, a 4th grader, participated in the day of service and has dreams of becoming a missionary some day. "It was good to do this because it was hard and I know being a missionary will be hard, too," Allison says. 4. Expect the Unexpected.NorthWood Church (Keller, TX) has built a reputation for serving in the community and around the world. Because of that reputation, glocal ministry pastor Omar Reyes is often asked to begin new community programs. A local school district and hospital called him recently about remodeling a building that would be used for a health clinic in an under-served area. Omar shares, "The church is not in the business of remodeling either and we certainly did not have the $60,000 needed for the project." While "No" seemed to be the obvious answer, Omar didn't shut the door but prayed about the opportunity. Later that same day, Omar went to lunch with NorthWood's small groups pastor and a local builder who wanted to know more about a Habitat for Humanity project. Omar shared the details of his earlier phone conversation regarding the school and hospital. When all was said and done, the building was refurbished through the partnerships of two churches, the builder and others. Omar says that situation taught him a valuable lesson: "Lead with big vision. Don't get caught up in leading with provision. When the Lord is with us, partnership is not 1+1=2, but 1+1=10."