On Christmas morning and every morning each and every one of us receives a gift from God. For God has given us his son, Jesus Christ, there is no one who will awake on christmas morning without a gift. Everyone who says yes to Christ, will have life everlasting and a joy that passes all understanding. We talk a lot about what is wrong with the A.M.E church, church growth, youth, who will be the next Bishop and the finances of the church. But the bottom line is that we are in the business of "saving souls for Christ" and when we are about God's business everything is taken care of. We have an incredible denomination that has with stood the test of time, that has flourished that has given new life to all. We have a denomination that has gone to the rural areas and urban areas and preached a gospel of hope and transformation. On this Christmas day and every day let us ask God how we can grow closer to him. Let us look for the good in our denomination and that which is evil let us pray that God removes it. Let us read our Bibles and let us witness for Christ with boldness. For unto this world a child is born to bring light and love and power over evil. Rejoice and fall on your knees for we have been given the greatest gift of all. Please tell someone about Jesus who does not know him yet. If there is something wrong with your church pray unceasingly and above all do not give up for God has not given up on us. I love all of you and if you do not hear from me for awhile, I am fine. I have just decided I can't keep this good news to myself. And we are starting new ministries and planting a new church in 2003. I am proud to be A.M.E and all of you give me strength. Merry Christmas and open your gift for it is christ!

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2002