Vol. 3 No. 2

It’s the time of year that Americans look forward to more than any other – the holiday season. From Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year, it seems every family is ready for the holidays. It’s natural with all this emphasis on families for us to feel homesick, especially when everyone around us seems to be having fun.

May I make a suggestion? Most Americans are very friendly and would love to introduce you to their holiday customs. Why not ask your international student advisor if your school has a program to match students with Americans for the holidays? You can join an American family for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, and you may even be invited to spend a few days in their home. If you are invited to church on Christmas morning, don’t miss this opportunity to find out why this is such a joyous time of year.

Christmas is not an American holiday, of course. Millions and millions of Christians in every country of the world – including our own China – celebrate the birth of Jesus.

You probably know that Christmas is a time of year to give gifts. You can give yourself the best gift of all by inviting Jesus into your heart. It’s a wonderful way to end 1995, and begin the rest of your life with joy and peace! If you have any questions, please write to me at The Mandate address below. I will answer you.

Your friend,

- Wang Jiapu