By Maria ML #3606 8/06

Dear Family,

1. Happy Christmas! For us, Christmas begins pretty early in the year, because we have a big job to do during this season—that of bringing the true meaning of Christmas to the world! And I don't mind celebrating it early either, because Christmas is such a special time, and we're honoring the birth and life of the One Who means the most to us—our precious Savior and Lover, Jesus!

2. It's been a tradition to ask the Lord to speak to us and give us some kind of message every Christmas‚ and this year was no exception. We asked Him what He wanted to say to us, and He gave a number of messages which He called His "Birthday Wish List!" He told us about some of the things that He would like to receive from us this Christmas—ways that we can show Him that we love Him, things that would make Him happiest.

3. Since it's Jesus' birthday, it makes sense that all of us would be thinking about and planning something special to give to Him—just like we often give gifts to our earthly loved ones, or do something special for them on their birthdays. But sometimes it's hard to know what to give to the King of the Universe‚ our Great God and Creator, Who seems to have everything. So in these messages He's letting us in on some of His secrets, and telling us about some of the gifts that He would treasure the most.

4. It might seem a little odd that the Birthday Boy Himself is telling us what He wants for Christmas, because that won't come as much of a surprise, but He said: "I am pleased with your gifts, surprise or not. Know that so much of what you do for Me and others and how you do it is exciting to Me, and although I may know what's in that wrapped box you're bringing to Me, it doesn't take away from the 'ceremony' nor the fun of giving to Me. I love it, and to Me it's the best present in the world and the universe, and more valuable to Me than all the treasures of Earth and Heaven combined!"

5. I'm personally very happy that Jesus has given us so many ideas of things that we can give to Him. That way I don't have to wonder if I'm doing enough for Him, or wonder if I'm giving Him a gift that's going to mean something to Him. We can all know, without a shadow of a doubt, that if we give Jesus one or more of these gifts that He is desiring, we'll be pleasing Him. And, as you'll see, most of them are pretty doable, even in our busy lives. But even if some of them do take a bit of effort, we should be happy to make some sacrifices for our Husband, Who deserves more than we could ever give Him.

6. The purpose of sharing "Jesus' Christmas Wish List" with you is not to give you a big long list of to-dos. These are not mandatory. These are simply things that you can choose to do for Jesus during Christmas if you so desire. They're to make it easy for us to know how to hit the mark in our gift giving, but are not meant to be an extra burden. In fact, you might want to give Jesus something completely different, something He expresses to you He'd like to have, that He hasn't told anyone else about. So just be open to Him speaking to your heart. He said:

7. (Jesus: ) I know that when you look over this list, you might wonder if you'll really be able to do it. The Christmas season seems to go by so fast, and usually you haven't had time to do all the things you planned to do or wanted to do. Usually you really want to spend more time with Me, and you want to give certain special things to Me, but the days quickly speed by, and come the New Year you realize that you hardly gave that much to Me.

8. I know just how it goes for each of My children during Christmas. I see each heart and I know that each one truly does desire to give much to Me, but not everyone reaches their personal goals, and it's easy to get discouraged with yourself afterward. This is why I am listing the gifts that I would like to receive, because this will make it so much easier for you to be good. This way you know without a doubt what will make Me incredibly happy on My birthday.

9. Don't look at it as a chore that you have to take care of, but look at it as if you are a wife who found her husband's secret wish list. By even giving her husband one of these things, she is certain to make his day. This is My birthday wish list that I've allowed you to have. I know how much it means to you to do special things for Me and to find out just what makes Me the happiest. So by giving you this list, I am really making you happy. Now you're able to give Me the best birthday presents I could ever ask for‚ because you have My wish list and you know what I want most of all.

10. Look at it that way, and it will make your giving so much more satisfying for you personally. You will see that instead of marking off the list with a "to-do completed," you'll be marking it with a "heart's desire fulfilled." Isn't that much more gratifying?

11. (Mama: ) Jesus has given us quite a few messages about the gifts He's hoping for, so many that I couldn't fit them all in one "Living Word." So I'll be sharing the rest with you in next month's Link, to spread out the Christmas joy! I pray that they will be a blessing to you, and that you will find your happiness overflowing, and your lives and Homes and hearts filled with blessings, as you make Jesus happy this Christmas!

12. Dear Jesus, this Christmas we want to give Your love to everyone! We want it to pour out of us! We don't want to think of ourselves, only others. That will take a miracle, but You can do that miracle for us, so that many others will in turn feel and be touched by Your love. Come to Earth again this Christmas‚ by living through each of us; take over our bodies completely and use them as a manifestation of Your love! We give You ourselves‚ to use as You will!

With much love and prayer for the Christmas season ahead,
Mama

Christmas Thots

The Gift of Praise!

18. (Jesus: ) Why not give Me the gift of praise this Christmas?

32. (Jesus:) Ah‚ the gifts of praise that are offered to Me in gratitude for the gift I gave you in coming to Earth so long ago! I love to hear you praise Me for that night when I entered the world. I brought the everlasting gift of love with Me, enabling you to live eternally because of My sacrifice. When I hear your continual praises to Me for the many aspects of the first Christmas gift I gave to the world, it brings Me joy, which I in turn fill your heart with.

33. Every time I hear your praises of gratitude for the decision I made to come to Earth, and I hear you testify of the beauty and goodness that I have brought into your life, I'm filled to overflowing with love for you. I don't ever regret having left the halls of Heaven to dwell among mankind; but when I hear your praises to Me for that sacrifice, such appreciation reaffirms to Me that it was the best decision that I ever made, because it has secured you as a part of My heart, and Me as your Eternal Friend, Comforter‚ Lover, and Husband.

34. It would fill Me with such joy if this Christmas you took advantage of every opportunity to praise Me for My first Christmas gift to you—Myself. Praise Me for the love I showed in choosing a life on Earth that would give Me the experience to understand the human frame, where I could go through hardships so that I could be there to comfort you in your times of tribulation. I also knew great joy during My life on Earth‚ and I daily fill your life with goodness, so praise Me for the joys that fill your life every day because you have Me as a part of you.

35. As you strive to praise Me this Christmas in ways both great and small, you'll experience increased happiness and satisfaction each day of this season. There'll be greater contentment within your heart, which will make it easier for you to show My love to others in your actions and words.

36. Thank you for your praises to Me this Christmas season; the dividends will be manifold. They will be the ties bonding your heart with Mine, drawing us closer to one another and making this Christmas the best you've yet experienced. Through your praises I'll fill your heart with greater love and joy‚ and we'll experience a greater unity of heart‚ mind, and spirit.

37. And the goodness that you experience through your praises this Christmas season doesn't have to stop there. As you continue to praise Me for the richness of life I've given you, and the beauty of My goodness that surrounds you each day, you'll come to revel in the wonder of Christmas every day. For every day with Me can be like Christmas, filled with love, laughter, joy, and fulfillment.

Christmas Thots

The Gift of Souls!

42. (Jesus: ) This Christmas there are people that I want you to tell about Me.—Not just so that I can welcome them into Heaven at the end of their lives, but so that I can share their earthly life with them right here and now. There are special people, desperate people, hungry people who need Me so much, but they haven't been shown the way. I want you to point them to Me.—Not just so that I may save their soul, but so that I can live with them for the rest of their lives, helping them, and loving them.

43. As much as I love you‚ I love the rest of the people in the world just the same. I passionately, deeply love the people of this world, but there are still so many that cannot return My love because they don't know that I'm here, or they don't realize how much love I have for them. By giving Me the gift of souls, you bring us together. You put Me in contact with these lonely‚ sad people who need Me so much, and whom I so desperately want to be close to.

44. I know them, I know who they are, and I have had My eye on them, waiting and watching and hoping that I'll be given the chance to intervene in their lives and turn them from so much wrong to so much happiness—and then use them in turn to do some of the great things that I have planned for them. There are people who must come to Me this year, precious ones that I long to know, and it's very important that you reach them. You must find these people and bring them to Me.

45. The gift of souls is the most precious of all gifts you can give Me, because it carries on the work that I began so many Christmases ago. God still "so loves the world," and so do I. But only through those who know and love Me now can I meet My future loves. Don't let anyone miss the chance of not only Heaven forever, but also the chance of knowing Me, loving Me, and having My presence in their life while they're still on Earth. It's the difference between living in darkness and seeing the sun.

The Gift of You!

46. (Jesus: ) It has been rightly said that I have no hands but your hands, no feet but your feet, no eyes but your eyes, and that for everything I want to do in the physical, I must find someone to do it for Me. If you want to give Me a truly wonderful gift this Christmas, lend Me the use of you! Take on My personality and My mind, and be Me to those around you.

47. The world is often such a cold and dark place, and while I am the light of the world, I need someone to shine that light through. I need someone to say the things I want to say, to do the things I want to do, and to be what I want to be to others. If you try to take on more of My nature and be more open to letting Me work through you this Christmas, that will be one of the best gifts you could give Me.

48. You can change your part of the world for the better and improve the lives of those around you. You can be a sample of Me and of My care and love, and you can find tremendous fulfillment in this.

49. When you face those who are sick or less fortunate than yourself, remember that this happy celebration is in honor of My birthday, and let My compassion move you to do what I would do to ease the sufferings of your fellows. When your parents, husband‚ or wife are stressing out and struggling to cope with preparations and arrangements, lend them a helping hand‚ even if it means sacrificing your own time or desires—that's what I would do. When you feel angry or upset at someone who's wronged you, let Me forgive them through you.

50. There are many other ways for you to reflect My presence in your life, and if you make a conscious effort to recognize them, they won't be all that difficult to spot.

Christmas Thots

The Gift of Forgiveness!

56. (Jesus:) A gift that is high on My "wish list" is the gift of forgiveness. In fact, it is in essence what Christmas is all about, and why My Father sent Me on My mission to Earth. I came because of Our love and mercy, to show forgiveness and bring you back to Our fold, to wipe the slate clean, and to make everything right again—not by self-effort, but by love, and a choice to love despite all that had gone wrong.

57. What I'd like to see‚ and what would make Me really happy, is to see you following Our example.—And not only on special occasions, like Christmas, but every day throughout the year. You can start today, this minute, by looking at your world and those around you with kindness and treating them with forgiveness. Often the best way to show forgiveness and put it into action is to start with something small: like a smile instead of a grim look on your face; a kind word in place of embittered remarks; or an unexpected kiss when your mind ponders retaliation.

58. These are the things that I love to see you do, when you rise above your human nature and turn error into love and goodwill. I know you will fail at times, and there will be days when mistakes happen. But then you will see mercy‚ because of the mercy you have shown. And you can look at it as giving to Me, because though I'm not present on Earth in the flesh‚ "Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these, My brethren‚ you have done it to Me" (Matthew 25:40).

59. Give Me the gift of forgiveness. Forgive someone who has wronged you, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Whether the wound runs deep in your heart or it is a smaller scratch, Christmas is a wonderful time of year to make things right. And making things right often starts with you taking the step to forgive someone, even if you feel that person is the one who should be seeking forgiveness. Has someone said or done something that has hurt you? Forgive him. Are you harboring bitterness in your heart toward someone? Forgive him.

60. Forgiveness is a beautiful gift, and one that I treasure very much. You can picture yourself coming before Me with a gift in your hand. Maybe it costs you a lot to take the step to forgive, and when it does, the gift is even more precious to Me. Tell Me you want to give Me something that's on your heart, and then tell Me what the situation is, and tell Me that you forgive this person or persons. I will take this gift, carefully unwrap it, and hold it with tender care. I will then take My hands, place them on your heart‚ and heal the hurt that you feel, making the forgiveness complete.

Christmas Thots

The Gift of Music!

66. (Jesus: ) There is hardly anything more beautiful to Me than hearing My brides lift up their voices in song to Me! I love to hear you sing your love for Me. I love to hear your praises in this way. This is a gift I would love to receive from you: taking time to sing to Me this Christmas.

67. The Christmas carols that speak of Me and tell of My birth, My sacrifice, and love for you are so precious to Me, even if you aren't singing to Me directly. I love the way it makes you remember. It makes your mind dwell on Me and remember the real reason I came to Earth so long ago. And, of course, I love the songs that are direct praises or prayers sung to Me. All this music flows up to Me like a sweet, delicate fragrance that fills My senses with delight. It's thrilling!

68. If you can't play an instrument or can't sing on key, you may wonder how your singing could be beautiful to Me. Well, it doesn't matter. The language of praise and communion with Me transcends all earthly rules of musical notes, melody, and meter.—It's translated in the heavenlies into beautiful song regardless of talent. Your humility in singing to Me, and the love and praise you are projecting to Me in your heart, translates into wonderful heavenly melodies, no matter what it sounds like to you.

69. So don't be shy about singing to Me this Christmas. Close your eyes and let the music translate you into our little corner of Heaven where we can spend sweet time together in communion. I love you. Can't wait to meet you there!

Christmas Thots

The Gift of Commitment!

75. (Jesus:) The gift of commitment means a lot to Me. Why? Because committing is giving not just something, but giving yourself to Me in a special way. When you promise Me something and then faithfully follow through with it, it's more serious and lasting than a temporary pledge or gift. It isn't a one-time gift‚ but something that you maintain or keep doing over and over. And every time you do what you promised, you remind Me and yourself of your love for Me and how you loved Me enough to commit yourself to something, and then to keep your commitment.

76. Commitment is a mature long–term gift that I feel absolutely honored by‚ because I know how much it means to you who are in the flesh, and who are tempted to forget after a while, or to ease up and back down. It also means a lot to Me because I know that it comes from the heart and from a deep desire to give Me something of worth, to prove yourself. Of course‚ you never have to prove yourself to Me, but when you try to give Me something that you know will cost you, and that—more important—means a lot to you, I see your intentions, and it means that much more to Me too.

77. So if you're going to give Me this gift, thank you! It will mean a lot to Me and it'll be a special thing between us, like an oath of love or a shared memory. Besides the gift itself, we'll share a promise and a bond that will endure even longer than your commitment to Me. Because while a commitment may be for a time and then end, whatever you give Me from the heart stays with Me forever. Your intentions live on in My heart and stretch your gift throughout eternity.

Christmas Thots

The Gift of Faith!

83. (Jesus:) Give Me the gift of faith! With so much going on in your Homes, work, and lives, I'm sure that you're hoping for Me to come through for you in many areas. Perhaps you need appointments with certain people, or finances for certain projects, or an increase in your business, or healing and protection from sickness, or safekeeping while on the busy streets, or increased awareness and ability for your work‚ or added strength. You have so many needs, and if you would like Me to fill them, then I'd like you to give Me the gift of your faith.

84. I'd like you to walk through this season with armloads of faith! When needs arise, I want you to press another coin of faith into My hand as you state your need to Me. When something throws your plans for a loop, again, hand Me another coin of faith. At each step in the road, I want you to be giving Me these coins and gifts of your faith. I want you to trust Me more than you ever have during a Christmas season.

85. I know that it's especially easy to give in to worry or pressure or doubt during this time, because the needs seem endless. That's why this gift of faith will mean so much to Me, because I want to fill your needs and prove Myself to you. On My birthday I also want to make you, My closest friends, happy and encouraged. I don't want to enjoy this birthday alone; I want to enjoy it with you by giving you many things to enjoy as well.

86. And by your giving Me the gift of faith, I am able to do all these things for you—I'm able to spoil you! So put your trust in Me! Give Me greater handfuls of faith than you have in years gone by, and watch as I in turn do more for you than you ever expected. Giving Me the gift of your faith is really also a gift to yourself, because through it I am able to bless you in more and greater ways. What an awesome gift! This should certainly behoove you to give of it freely.

The Gift of Rest!

87. (Jesus:) I would like the gift of your rest. I know that Christmas is always such a busy time. There are many more things to do than usual. Your to-do list seems never ending, and the hours in the day seem shorter than normal. Because of this, I know that the tendency to push yourself and to try to accomplish more in the flesh is compounded. It's so much easier to give in to that weakness.

88. This is why I ask for the gift of rest. Through your taking time to rest in Me, to take a little break with Me each day, you will be giving Me a gift that is most pleasing. I would love for each of you to try to find some time each day, or every other day, during this season‚ when you spend a little more time than usual with Me; when you take a break from your work and the mental stress of your day to quietly connect with Me.

89. You can lie down in the physical, to give Me this gift of rest. Or you can lie down in mind and in spirit by putting aside all of your hurried thoughts to just pause and reflect on Me. Either way, you will be giving Me this valuable gift of rest.

90. I know that it will cost you to take this time. Even though you would love to do it for Me, it will cut into some of your work time or your planning time, and that's a personal sacrifice. But those are the gifts that mean the very most to Me—the ones that cost you a little more of yourself, a little more of your preferences and your time. They show Me that I really do mean everything to you. They show Me just how much you love Me, and it touches My heart.

91. And so, this Christmas, I would ask for the gift of your rest and sweet communion with Me.

Christmas Thots

The Gift of Joy!

97. (Jesus: ) I can't begin to describe the joy I feel when I see My children filled with joy and happiness. It makes Me happy to see you happy! It brings Me such great pleasure when you take the time to look around you and realize all the many blessings I have showered on you. I know it's an old saying that becomes trite at times‚ to "count your blessings," but this year‚ this is what I want you to do for Me.

98. I dwell in your praises, and as you take the time to stop and ponder all that I have done this year, yet another year that I have kept you and prospered you, you will find real joy‚ and this joy will not only be your strength, but it will be Mine as well, for it will spur Me on to do more for you in greater ways.

99. This Christmas as you spend time with your families and friends‚ as you reach the hearts of those that are in need, as you shed My light on the world, don't forget to think of all that you have to be joyous about. This is the season of joy, and you can make it a personal season of joy for yourself.

100. Today and during this Christmas season, I wish for you to find this joy within your hearts as something that you can give Me. For as you take the time to reflect and to meditate on what Christmas really means to you, as you let your heart embrace all the love I have for you, you will be filled with the warmth of Christmas. You will have grasped its true meaning. It will come alive to you today and in all that you do during this season.

101. This is the gift that will warm My heart as well as yours. Knowing that the joy of the real meaning of Christmas is alive in you will make that sacrifice I made two thousand years ago when I came from the halls of heavenly splendor, worth it all, all over again. Give Me your hearts filled with joy this Christmas season.

Christmas Thots

The Gift of Listening!

107. (Jesus:) I would love the gift of a listening ear from each of you, My dear ones. This could be a time you promise to hear from Me each day and receive My words for you, or it could be a focused effort to stay more in tune with My voice this Christmas, to hear anything I have to say.

108. I have so much I want to give you that I love it when you take time out of your busy schedule to hear from Me. It doesn't have to be long. It doesn't have to be on any specific subject. Just let Me talk to you this Christmas. I want to lead and guide you this season so that it's extra special for you. I also want to tell you how you can make this Christmas extra special for others too!

109. Most of all‚ giving this gift of being in tune with Me and taking time to hear from Me every day opens the door for Me to pour out My words of love, wisdom, counsel and guidance for your life. The more you do it, the easier it gets. As you practice using your channel, you will find that you have more and more capacity to receive.

110. Soon My Words will be flowing in, and it will be so thrilling! I want to answer any questions that have been on your heart. I want to bring to your attention things you could improve in. I want to encourage you and lift up your spirit, and show you the best way you can show Me to others, through your sample.

111. Won't you open your heart and your ears and listen? I'm ready to pour out to you. You won't be disappointed.

Gifts from the Heart!

114. This can be your song too. Anything that is given from the heart is a treasured gift that you can give to Me and others. I have given each person gifts, talents, and abilities‚ things that they're born with that are unique to them—even if it's just a beautiful smile. These are all precious gifts I've given you to give back to Me throughout your life, and many times the way you give them back to Me is by sharing these gifts with others.

115. Even if you were broke and had nothing, your smile would be something you could give to everyone; or words of encouragement; or a touch of affection to let someone know they're loved; or a listening ear. There are so many things I've given to each person that don't cost you anything to give, but which are priceless gifts that you can't measure in dollars and cents. Some people pay thousands of dollars to go to a shrink. But they can't buy love. They're only buying an hour of someone's time who doesn't even love them; it's just a business transaction.

116. So just like a child singing this song, give what you have, what you're already gifted with, and it will be the perfect present for Me.