At this time of year, millions of children all over the world write letters to Santa telling him what they want for Christmas. Others, who are older and have figured out who Santa really is, are busy telling parents, grandparents, and spouses what they would like to see under the tree on Christmas morning. Many are dropping all kinds of hints about the types of gifts they are desperately hoping to receive on that special day. In the spirit of the season, may I be so bold as to add my personal wish list to the throng. These are my wishes for every person in the world, and especially for my brethren, this holiday season. I wish..

1. That every person would spend more time reading the Bible during the coming year.
   
   
2. That world peace would not just be a political discussion but come closer to becoming a reality.
   
   
3. That people would be more willing to examine their faith and discuss our differences.
   
   
4. That materialism would be replaced with more fervent desire to be right with God. That people would truly put God first in their lives.
   
   
5. That my brethren would be more spiritual minded, increasing their Bible knowledge and willingness to do more for the Lord's church.
   
   
6. That we all would look to do more for those among us who are going through difficult times-physically and especially spiritually.
   
   
7. That each person would increase the amount of time spent in personal prayer to God, spending more time giving thanks and less making personal requests.
   
   
8. That we all had more desire to attend every service, gospel meetings, and Bible studies; and that we would seek more ways to get the Bible into people's lives.
   
   
9. That each of us would develop a keener understanding of the depth of God's blessings; that we would be more gracious and thankful for those blessings.
   
   
10. That each person would renew his commitments to the Lord and to serving Him.
    
    
11. That each person would increase his understanding of personal duty to those lost and dying in sin in his own personal world.
    
    
12. That we would develop more desire to love, help, encourage, and edify one another; and that we would work diligently to become closer as a family of God's people.
    
    

May God help each of us to remember the wonderful things He has done, and continues to do, for us (James 1:17) Being a Christian is truly the greatest experience and privilege anyone could have in this world. Do I hear a silent AMEN!