Editor:

It is the time of year when we celebrate Jesus’ birthday, at least that is what we should be doing. There is so much activity and confusion in our world today. Some of the things that are going on are not what the Lord wants.

Homes are just a place to come home to and there isn’t much communication. So is it any wonder of all the things that are going on in this world? The saying is, as goes the home so goes the nation.

There is such terrible confusion and hate in Washington, D.C. It’s not guns that are the problem, it is taking Jesus out of the schools and everywhere they can. But they can’t take him out of our hearts if we have let him in, and he is in control.

Children are told now they can be a boy or a girl, and it is OK if two men or two women get married. So many children are not wanted, so they kill them before they are born. And then the same people who do this, sell the body parts for money.

No wonder some people don’t even know that a Christian has something they need. Quite a while ago a lady wrote a big article in the Iowa City Press Citizen about being a Christian. She didn’t want to be one. But if she really asked Jesus into her heart and followed him, she would change her mind.

There is a difference in saying you are one and not showing love to those around you. If we love Jesus, then we love people. Not because of the wrong things they do, but because they know that someone cares and wants them to really know who Jesus is.

The other day I was watching our flag flying straight out because the wind was really strong and sometimes it just hangs down when the weather is calm. It is a symbol of freedom for our nation.

I thought we should take it down, but Ray said no. It made me think of when a Christian goes through really hard times, that is when people can really see if we are who we say we are.

In the Bible it says we will suffer, but he will help us through the hard times if we put our trust in him. This is a time to see if our lives are in Jesus and we are free even in hard times.

So this Christmas season I wish everyone a peace-filled life of freedom in Jesus. Show it by our love for everyone around us, not just the ones that are kind. Even the heathen do that.

Pray much for your family and all the people you are with and our nation at this hateful time in Washington, D.C.

Thank you, Jesus, for the way you showed your love for us and that we can have everlasting life with you. Have a wonderful Christmas full of peace in your heart from Jesus.

Ruth Marner

Kalona