In the US I worship Jesus because ...I can

To the Editor,

As the holiday season fast approaches it brings back memories of times past as most of you too have many memories of maybe your childhood, growing up spending time with your loved ones on a day where all Christians celebrate as the day our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was born because...I can.

I want to gladly share to everyone that last February 15, 2015, I was saved and accepted Christ into my life when I was baptized by Brother William (Bill) Vail at the First Baptist Church. I have accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior and I pray to him on a daily basis because...I can. It may be a short prayer or it may be a lengthy discussion I have with Christ, but it is done on a daily basis. The reason I do this is not only because he is who he is but most importantly I do this because...I can.

In the world today we see people persecuted and executed for their beliefs in Christ and the self proclaiming of themselves as Christians. The world we once knew is no longer the same. Times have changed in oh so many ways it breaks my heart to see people who are afraid to pray, afraid to speak but most importantly, their fear in believing to the point they become non-believers in Christ.

As most of you know, I am one who will speak my peace in regards to one thing or another and I will send it with my name attached as I am one who also believes if you are going to ridicule something at least have the strength to pen your name to it instead of sending it anonymously...again, something as a free American and Christian I and all of you have the right to do but some want to hide behind a mask and not claim their writings. I will, if asked to, post my address as well or give it to anyone who wishes because...I can. I own property I can protect again, because...I can.

As you noticed I have been saying, "I can", a lot. The reason for pointing this out is because in many places, people cannot display their true feelings, beliefs and affections towards one thing or another but mainly they cannot display their affection for Christ. To see someone use X-mas has always put a bad taste in my mouth because it tells me they are taking the most important part out of the true meaning, "CHRIST". It also breaks my heart to see small children being raised not knowing who Christ is or what he stands for in life. Granted some have different religions and faiths to believe in but in reality, they should all point to the one we know as our King in faith.

I can truly say that since I have accepted Christ my life has been better than it has been in many years past. In no way am I saying my life has been unhappy as I have a beautiful wife, fantastic children and loving grandchildren. I am happier and more outgoing, actually somewhat of what I used to be like when I was younger. I sleep better at night after I pray and I feel extremely good after I leave church after Sunday School. I have more bounce in my step which happens a lot anyways considering I relate a lot of things with food, if you get my drift.

But we do live in a society here in America where we can do all of these things without fear of persecution from others unlike other countries who condemn such things. What I fear the most is knowing our children and grandchildren are seeing this unrest all around the world and fall into a sense of gloom because of this. People, Christ can make you feel so alive and warm you cannot help but feel free. Pass this along to the young people so they too can enjoy not only just freedoms in life, but religious freedoms as well.

God Bless you all and I wish all of you a blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

"I pray that the God of our Lord, Jesus Christ, may give

you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him"

Ephesians 1:17

Roger Burton

Poplar Bluff, Mo.