It has been my pleasure for the past 13 years to celebrate Christmas with inner-city children. I must say, it has been the most wonderful experience of my life.

Working with the poor has been challenging, but yet, very rewarding. I have taught the children that the true meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with Santa, Christmas trees, snowmen, mistletoe, reindeer and busy department store shopping. Christmas has everything to do with Jesus.

As a Christian, I believe in the birth of Christ. When you take Christ out of Christmas, you end up with X-mas, resulting in greedy Black Friday experiences of pushing and shoving.

However, when Jesus is the reason for the season, love, compassion and generosity is manifested among neighbors.

The Bible promotes peace on Earth, and goodwill toward men. I am committed to teaching the Bible as a gift to all humanity.

This Christmas, let us, as a community, set aside pride, lust and the thirst for power, and replace it with self-denial and humility. We must become willing to give when others take; love when others hate; and help when others abuse.

Together we can assist the poor, visit the sick, and lessen the burden of those carrying heavy loads.

Merry Christmas to everyone, and a blessed New Year.

The Rev. Douglas Taylor, Lewiston