As you well know, we are getting closer to the time when people celebrate my birthday.  Every year there is a celebration in my honour and I expect it to be repeated this year.  During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in everywhere people are talking about my birthday 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 be thankful for all that I did for them, but these days, 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 meaning of the celebration. I remember last year there was a great feast in my honour. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. 

 But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited.  I was the guest of honour 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 while I wanted to be with them and share their table.  In truth, that 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 were in his honour!

At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me but no-one did.

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

I 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 you to allow me to enter your life this Christmas.

 I would like you to recognise that about two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you.  Today, I want you to believe this with all your heart.

 I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined - 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 great guest book.   Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Be prepared, because I want you to be there.  But those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside. .

See you soon. I Love you!

Jesus