All I want for Christmas is to recognize clearly that often the problem is not with others but within me.
All I want for Christmas is to understand that even when my actions have the best of intentions, they are still filled with the selfishness that marks the current state of my being (living with a sinful nature in a non-glorified body).
All I want for Christmas is to stop talking about living a simpler lifestyle and actually DOING something about it.
All I want for Christmas is to see myself for who I really am — a sinner saved by God’s grace.
All I want for Christmas is to stop comparing myself with the success of others.
All I want for Christmas is for followers of Christ everywhere to drop any hurtful language when talking to or about any group of people who disagree with them.
All I want for Christmas is for followers of Christ to recognize that part of following Him is to act on behalf of “the least of these” (the poor, the aliens, the orphans, the widows).
All I want for Christmas is for followers and sympathizers of Islam everywhere to recognize that there is a loving, compassionate Father you can relate to personally, who gave us His Son in flesh and blood so we could be reconciled to each other and to our God.
All I want for Christmas is for children everywhere to have a home with a loving mother and father and those who have suffered abuse to be restored totally to the glory God always intended for them to have.
All I want for Christmas is for Christ-followers who suffer in places where they are being persecuted for the name of Christ to experience the defeat of their enemies in their lifetime.
All I want for Christmas is for Christ-followers to realize that though there is a natural offense to the message of the gospel (we have offended a holy God with our sins, we can’t get to God on your own, Jesus is the only way, etc., etc.), they don’t need to add more offense on their own that end up erecting barriers for people who are outside of Christ to consider His claims.
All I want for Christmas is for the glory of God to penetrate every dark corner in this universe.
All I want for Christmas is “Immanuel” (God with us).
Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
Lead Pastor, Grace Church, Lititz, PA
pastor ivanildo 
I’ve been thinking deeply since reading your blog post yesterday. Your list is an admirable one, but at the same time it bears much weight. If not properly lived out, it will crush you.
I understand what that weight feels like (my list is a bit different from yours). And there are two things that I have learned from my time in the Word and being still before God this past year that I think will help us think a bit differently about those lists.
Ecclesiastes 3 says there is a time for everything and season for every activity under heaven. I personally need to be more aware of what time and season I am in. Responding properly to those two things brings life into sharper focus making me more effective in hearing and responding to the Spirit.
Micah 6:8 then expresses what God requires of us mere mortals in regards to our thoughts and actions. To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.
I think if we can do those things we will be able to see ourselves and the world around a lot more clearly. Because at the heart of all of it, is a God who deeply desires us to commune with Him on a much deeper level. It’s not about us and our desires/wants but His desires for us.
I am just beginning to walk this new path and have a lot to learn…
Very wise words, Patti. Thanks for sharing. I appreciate that you took the time to reflect and write your thoughts.