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“A Letter from Jesus”

photo of Greg preachingSermon by Dr. Greg Knox Jones
given December 23, 2007

I was pouring over a stack of mail the other day, reading some beautiful Christmas cards, when I came upon a letter with no return address and no postmark.  I figured it was another mortgage company offering us a low interest rate loan or an application for a credit card we don’t need.  But, when I gazed inside, I found a letter.  Not just any letter, but a letter from Jesus, regarding how we celebrate his birthday.  I thought I should share it with you.

He writes: “it has come to my attention that many of you are upset that some people are removing my name from this season.  Perhaps you have forgotten that I was not actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate my birthday on the same day as a pagan festival.  I’m not really offended by this, because I appreciate being remembered any time of the year.”1

“Also, I’m not so particular about the name you give to this day, but if you really want to honor my birth, then do this: get along with each other and love one another.”2  I am well aware that this takes a colossal effort with certain individuals, but it is worth it.  It’s good for your soul, and you have no idea how fragile some people are.  Showing them a little loving kindness can make an enormous difference in their lives and can go a long way to reducing the level of stress in the world. 

Having said that, I’d like to comment on the custom of giving gifts at Christmas.  Keep it up!  It helps you learn to be generous and it is a marvelous way to show people you care about them.  Just be careful with the children and don’t over do it.  When they receive too many presents, they begin to think it is a contest of who has the most. Make sure they have the opportunity to experience the joy that comes with giving.  It’s different than the feeling that comes from receiving and it does wonders for their character.

Now, considering the fact that it is my birthday you are celebrating, you may want to consider giving me a few presents.  I hope so, because I have drawn up this list of ten gifts I would love to receive from you.

1. Visit someone who is lonely, even if you do not know them personally.3  I am constantly amazed at how so many people can live in such close proximity and yet have such minimal contact.  Many people would not have their minds constantly polluted by what’s on television if they had a visit from someone who cared about them.

2.  Spend some time with your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Tell them the story of my birth and why I came into the world.  Hold them in your arms and tell them that you love them and remind them that I love them more than they can imagine.4

3. When I was born in Bethlehem, the air was so clear you could see for miles.  The Magi found my family by following a star of intense brightness, but every night you could see thousands of stars.  And the rivers were so pristine, they sparkled.  This marvelous planet is a special gift to you.  Your gift to me is to make sure your grandchildren’s grandchildren are able to enjoy it. 

4.  Bring someone to church with you.  You know people who feel that something is missing in their lives; you know people whose values are confused; you know people who have very little hope.  Bring them to church a few times and they will thank you for it.

5.  You know that I have a special place in my heart for the poor, so please do something for the hungry and the homeless.  The gap between rich and poor has gone beyond anything I ever imagined would happen.  When half of the people in the world live on less than $3 a day, you need to do more to correct this inequity.

6.  Pick someone who has hurt you and forgive him/her.5  I know this is really difficult for some of you, but if you will recall all that I have forgiven you – yes, ALL OF IT – [and he capitalized ALL OF IT] then, you should be able to forgive others.  Besides, when you forgive, it helps to heal you as much as it helps the other person.

7.  Remember that each one of you is special in God’s eyes, so treat everyone with respect.  Whether you are short or tall, brilliant or simple, straight or gay, conservative or liberal, black, white, yellow or brown, you are created in God’s image.  When you cut one another you inflict wounds on me, when you respect one another, you embrace me.

8. You know people who are grieving the death of a loved one.  Send them a note, give them a call or invite them over for a cup of coffee.  Be a patient listener and shoulder part of their burden for them.  When life is painful, true friends make it bearable.

9.  While you are recalling my birth, remember what the angels sang to the shepherds who were out in the fields.  Their basic theme was this: “Peace on Earth.”  I’m sure I do not need to remind you that there is a drastic shortage of peace in families, between friends, within communities and among the nations of the world.  The reason is simple.  Too many people are waiting for someone else to take the first step.  Peace spreads through the world one person at a time, so focus on ways that you can help it advance.  I said it a long time ago and Matthew recorded my words in his gospel.  I would love for it to be emblazoned in your minds: “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.”  That’s what you are – my children – so please act like it.

10.  Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in me, the way you live speaks volumes more than your words.  Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine and you are doing what you can to make life on earth better for all.  Have a most wonderful and blessed Christmas, and always remember: I love you.

P.S. You might forget some of these ten from time to time, so I suggest you put this letter on the door of your refrigerator.  That’s why I enclosed the magnet.

NOTES

    1. This “Letter From Jesus” was inspired by an email I received that had not attributed the letter to its author.  I have footnoted the portions of the original email that I have used in my version of the letter.
    2. From the original email.
    3. This thought came from the original email.
    4. Ibid.
    5. Ibid.

       

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