Does this look like hate speech to you?

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Text of the “Letter from Jesus” display that was vandalized and then removed by its owner:”

Dear Christians:

Many of you are upset that folks are taking my name out of the season. I don’t care what the day is called. If you want to celebrate my birth, just get along and love one another.

If town doesn’t allow a scene depicting my birth then get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small nativity scene on your own lawn. If all of my followers did that there wouldn’t be any need for such a scene at town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks was. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give me a present in remembrance of my birth here is my wish list.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way my birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don’t have to know them personally. They need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the president complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, write and tell him that you’ll pray for him and his family this year. Then follow up as it will be nice for them to hear from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can’t afford and they don’t need, spend time with them. Hold them in your arms and remind them that you love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive them.

6. Someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless. Since you don’t know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile. It could make the difference.

7. Instead of stressing about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren’t allowed to wish you a “Merry Christmas” that doesn’t keep you from wishing them one.

8. Support a charity, especially one that takes love and good news to those who have none.

9. There are individuals and entire families in your town who not only have no “Christmas” tree but have no presents to give or receive. If you don’t know them, buy food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to me, then behave like a Christian. Make a statement with your kind actions.

Don’t forget. I am God and can take care of myself. Love and do what I have told you to do. I’ll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work. Time is short. I’ll help you, but the ball is in your court. Do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:

I love you,
Jesus