I know that I will be receiving very little in the way of stuff for Christmas and I'm glad for that. The reason for the season is Jesus and I have Him, as He is the stuff that I need. This world is not my god. Stuff, status, money and control are not my idols.

Jesus -- the son of God who is fully God -- was born of a virgin to eventually die on a cross and pay our sin debt in full. He is now at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven and awaiting the signal to come again.

He loves you so much that He won't force Himself on you. You can choose Him and choose life, or you can choose to go your own way. You can follow this world and fervently pursue all of its stuff or you can follow His light. Stuff under the tree is temporal and fleeting happiness, but Jesus is life eternal and joy everlasting -- especially so amidst our trials. He is the Alpha and the Omega -- the Beginning and the End.

I hope this Christmas is a time of blessings for you. Let it be a time of family and friends gathered together. There will be joy and laughter and needs met, even if wants go unfulfilled. I plan on joy and laughter for Christmas. If I am permitted, I would now like to now post my Christmas want-list:

*If there is an immediate, life-sustaining need by someone in my midst, I would like to give a gift --whether it be spiritual or physical -- that will meet that need.

*If there is a desire for immaterial joy by someone in my midst, I would like to help provide that joy. If that joy would come from an uplifting laugh, I pray that I can provide it -- even if I appear foolish. If that joy would come in the form of a song, then know that I would sing it.

*If someone in my midst is alone and in need of a friend this Christmas, I'd like to be that friend.

*If someone in my midst is distressed, stressed, or brokenhearted -- I'd like to be that shoulder to cry on and that ear to listen. If you'd like to walk the canal towpath and talk about it, I will take that walk with you.

*If anyone is in need of prayer or is truly seeking the Lord, I would be honored to pray for you in your time of need or be of assistance in your journey to the truth that is Jesus. I live to serve as He encourages me and permits me to.

My wish is that you all have a very Merry Christmas. Please remember the glorious reason for this season and hold it in your hearts. The greatest gift of all has been extended to you, and all you need to do is accept it in faith, hold onto it and follow where it leads.