Dear friends and loved ones:
In a few days it will be Christmas 2013. What a special time of the year. A little boy was born over 2000 years ago and His name was Jesus. The world has not been the same since.
Just think of it: Because of Jesus there is Santa Claus, another special man who has brought joy to children and their parents. Parents have memories of seeing their children telling Santa what they want for Christmas. Christmas morning would not be the same without young children getting up early, running down the stairs to see the gifts that Santa brought. All parents cherish those memories and most wish they could relive those unbelievable moments. I know I do. All because of the special gift to all humankind: Jesus.
Without Jesus many of the traditions we look forward to would not occur. No Christmas trees, parades, cookies and all those Christmas songs we listen to each year: “Silent Night”, “O Holy Night” and “White Christmas”. All because of Jesus.
Most, whether they believe in Jesus or not, have time off from school and even work around December 25th. There would be no Christmas parties and all those Christmas cards from our friends without Jesus.
I remember growing up in the Vietnam War era. Even the fighting stopped for twenty-four hours starting on Christmas Eve. Just because of Jesus.
No one person has changed the world as profoundly as the little baby who was born on Christmas day.
So whether one believes the story or not, there must be something to it for one person to make such a great impression on the world, an impression that has lasted over 2000 years.
There is, however, so much more to the story than all the traditions I just mentioned.
First, think of Joseph and Mary and what they must have gone through. How Joseph did not believe her, and what was Mary going to do being pregnant out of wedlock. But yet they believed: They believed in the messages that were coming from God. Even though it seemed impossible, they knew God could do all things if they just believed. I also believe, but I at times am not sure what I would have done if I had been Joseph. What about you?
Why did God choose for Jesus to be born in a stable in Bethlehem? Why couldn’t the King of Kings at least have been born in a house—not in a barn with animals? God was trying to teach all of us that material things are not important. How many people do you know who have everything, yet still are unhappy? Wealth, job titles, degrees and so many other things we seek cannot make us happy unless God is in our hearts.
Finally, God wanted to show all that there are miracles because of Him. We as humans always try to find answers to all our concerns. But nobody could explain how Mary—a virgin—could be pregnant. It is impossible. But because of God there are miracles. There are no coincidences in life.
So my friends, I hope you will enjoy Christmas with all its traditions—Santa Claus, Christmas songs, Christmas cookies and time off from school or work. Remember, however, as you get up on Christmas morning to watch your children or grandchildren open those special presents, that the real gift to us is Jesus. This gift will not grow old. It will give you a lifetime of inner peace, and it will give you eternal life. All because of a little baby boy in a manger in Bethlehem.
I hope you will enjoy this video (click here to watch video). It is about a little boy with his mother at a shopping center. He saw the long line to talk with Santa Claus. He asked his mother where the line was to wish Jesus a happy birthday.
Merry Christmas!!
David
Hi Dr. Wolf,
Very good message sent out by you !
Christmas is a happy time for many, many
reasons & you unfolded them very well.
Merry Christmas to you & your family & a “Happy
New Year”. Holidays are even more special because we all look forward to your written messages !
Sharon Mahon
Dear Sharon, MERRY CHRISTMAS to you. I alway appreciate your special words.
Thank you for this beautiful message and song. Both your words and the words of this song confirm the presence of Jesus in our lives this time of year as well as everyday we live. Many blessing to you, Dr. Wolf and to your family, for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Love, Cathy
Dear Cathy, Thank you for taking time to read my message and send your comments.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Thank you the Christmas message and song. Sharing the wonder of Christ’s glorious birth and his perfect love. May we all be touched by God’s wondrous love. Dr. Wolf wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Darlene
Dear Darlene, Thank you for your words. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Thank you for your message. My church choir presented the Christmas Cantata “The Light of Christmas” this past weekend and it reminded me of how dark my life would be without Jesus, the Light of Christmas. May God bless you and your family at this wonderful season and in the new year.
Sandy Horning
Dear Sandy, MERRY CHRISTMAS to you. I hope your day is special!!
Thank you for your message. My church choir presented the Christmas Cantada “The Light of Christmas” this past weekend and it reminded me of how dark my world would be without Jesus, the Light of Christmas. May God bless you and your family during this special season and in the new yearl
Sandy Horning
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thank you again for such an inspirational message. I wish for all the world to live in peace and to love one another. I would also wish for a cure for all diseases. Most of all, I hope that everyone has made time to spend with family and friends. Those are the only gifts that I want. May 2014 be a good year for everyone. God Bless you and your family.
Judy
Dear Judy, It is alway so nice to hear from you. MERRY CHRISTMAS my friend.
Merry Christmas Dr. Wolf. What a beautiful message. The song is amazing. I am praying for a wonderful 2014 for you and your family.
Love, K.C.
Dear K.C., Thank you for your words. I hope 2014 is special to you and your family. Merry CHRISTMAS. Dr. Wolf
Hope your Christmas was blessed!
Dear Beth, Thank you for reading my message. We had a very special CHRISTMAS. I hope you did. HAPPY NEW YEAR my friend!!
Christmas Blessings Dr. Wolf, I love the message and was thinking the same . And how I could get this information to my 6 th grade Faith formation students, and have I passed this onto my daughter’s, is my 18 year old teaching this to her 4 th grade Faith formation students? Why can’t people see they don’t need stuff, we need to better ourselves and our souls. God’s blessings to you always. Callistia
Dear Callistia, Thank you so much for taking time to read my CHRISTMAS message and comment on it. I hope 2014 will be very special to you.
I watched this again and will not delete your message or the video. I want to see it again, especially at Christmas times.