The Christmas Letter.....Monday

"The Christmas Letter' sounds like a holiday movie. But most of us receive at least one such letter each year. I have only written two Christmas letters in my life. Our move across the country to California prompted my first effort.

In that letter I chose the words carefully so as not to brag or complain but only to update on how we were doing and how we had found our new home. It seemed like a good thing at the time but one thing was missing. Our personal message of love, care, and interest to each one.

I know there are a few people who actually want to hear everything the kids have been doing and how everything is going at work. However, if my goal of sending Christmas wishes is to let people know that I love and care about them, then that’s another story altogether. One that I probably won't be able to accomplish with a copied letter.

So, this year, instead of a letter or email ‘all about us’ I am going to reach out to family and friends with individual messages. Whether it is on a card, in an email, or via text my goal is to express affection and appreciation. Hopefully in the process, a drop of God's love will flow through me. Not by preaching at them with scriptures, quoting the latest book or by being unbelievably positive but by telling them that I care about them. 

The emotional effort of writing something personal takes time and thoughtfulness. Although as one who has received such a kindness, I can tell you, it is time well spent. There is nothing more nurturing to a relationship than to share your feelings through words. Whether you send a card, a text or an email I hope you’ll put a little bit of yourself in each of your best wishes this season.

Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach;

 good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.

Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—

you choose. 

Proverbs 18:20-22 (MSG)

So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other.

Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault.

Romans 14:19 (MSG)

Dear Lord, thank You for all of the blessings You have showered upon us this year. Please help us to remember that not everyone is happy. Not everyone feels blessed. Please give us Your words of love as we reach out to those You have brought into our lives. In Jesus name, amen.

 Written by Mary M. Wilkins

Love Them Like Jesus by Casting Crowns