Letter From a Friend

This is a wonderful letter that was shared with us by one of our parish Priests a little before Christmas. It made quite an impression on me and I want to remember it! I also want to share it with you, my fellow bloggers. There is a note concerning its origin at the bottom of this post.

A LETTER FROM A FRIEND -- MID DECEMBER

As you all know, we are getting closer and closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated.
Streets and houses are decorated with lights. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, daily newspapers, TV commercials, and in very part of the world everyone is saying that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first, people seemed to understand and thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration.
Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don’t know the real meaning of the celebration.

I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious dishes, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were marvelous and there were many, many beautiful wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn’t invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn’t remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside; they closed the door in my face… And I wanted to be with them and share their table.

In truth, that they didn’t surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn’t invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything.

They were having a grand time. To top it all, this Big Fat Man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him saying: Santa Claus, Santa Claus” as if the party was in his honor. At midnight all the people began to hug each other. I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and do you know that no one hugged me.

Then they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great excitement and expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, may be there was one for me. What would you feel; if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one?

I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties to eat and drink and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that two thousand years I came to this world to give my life to you, on the Cross, to save you.

Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn’t invite me their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined and a spectacular party. I’m still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don’t answer the invitation will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party. See you soon.

Yours lovingly,
Jesus Christ


The origin of this letter is unknown to us. If anyone knows, please be sure to let us know. I think this will be read in our home every year. It speaks to us simply, lovingly and directly whether we are 6 years old or 106 years old.

God bless!

Addendum 1-2-08 - I found this today. What an appropriate & complimentary post (by Father Richard over @ Friends With Christ)

I had a dream Joseph. I don’t understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for Our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They’d gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar though, because the presents were not for Our Son.They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows, and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree Joseph, right in their house. They decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was so beautiful. Everyone was laughing and they were very happy. They were all excited about the gifts.They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to Our Son. I don’t think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn’t it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone’s birthday if they don’t know Him? I had the strangest feeling that if Our Son had gone to this celebration, He would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful Joseph, and everyone was so happy, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus not to be wanted at His own birthday party. I’m glad it was only a dream. How terrible Joseph, if it had been real!

Posted by Fr Richard Aladics