As we celebrate Christmas, there is a great deal of emphasis on gift giving. I realize that God showed his love by giving us the best gift — eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is a gift that we will never be able to repay. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life,” John 3:16 says. The word Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ, literally means “Christ’s Mass.” Wise men came from the east to Jerusalem to bring gifts to the newborn king of the Jews (Matthew 2:1). Where are the wise men of today? If I had one wish this Christmas, it would be that all men and women would be free to worship and fulfill their purpose. The level of violence in Chicago is cutting lives short and destroying families. The Tribune has reported there have been 544 homicides this year. The Austin community leads all neighborhoods with 46 homicides. Wouldn’t it be great if we celebrated Christmas every day in our giving and expressions of love? Perhaps humanity would put down weapons of war and work together for peace.    Our children should be free to attend schools where political agendas are not being promoted. Children should be free to pray to God before they begin their school day. Education can help free people from poverty, allow them to reach their full potential and achieve their purpose.   The commercialization of Christmas, the peak selling season for retailers, causes many people to go into debt and stress about buying gifts. Americans spend nearly $1,000 each Christmas, the National Retail Federation found. Two-thirds of holiday shoppers plan to take on debt, a Debt.com survey shows. True freedom cannot be found in gifts under a tree or stockings on the wall; those provide only temporary bliss.  We should celebrate Christmas every day and give gifts with no expectation in return. My conscience guides me to do more to help others. As long as someone is in need, I am compelled to help. We Christians are required to serve others and not ourselves. This Christmas, I will again visit the Cook County Department of Corrections with a group of ministers, and we will encourage those incarcerated and offer hope. In addition, I am giving food gift cards to several thousand people. This year, I have had the opportunity to help hundreds of churches and those recovering from devastating hurricanes in Asheville, North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida. Also, I have visited all the Chicago Housing Authority senior buildings to provide support for our seniors. And yet much work remains to be done. I cannot give enough to repay God for waking me up this morning and giving me the gift of eternal life.  You may not be able to give financially, but we should work to help the poor and needy always. If you are alone during this season, I remind you that Christ is always with you. Perhaps you should take this time to serve others; in doing so, it will lift your spirits. There are opportunities to volunteer at a food pantry, church, synagogue, hospital or shelter. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” He went on to say that life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others? I wish for Chicago a budget that will help the needy and not the greedy. Elected leaders should not raise taxes on the people who can least afford to pay. They must trim the fat in the budget.   The following are suggestions to have a wonderful Christmas: Remember Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas.    Be quick to forgive.  If someone has offended you — forgive them. That person you hate or dislike — forgive them.   Be willing to be wrong, even if you think you’re right. Prioritize Jesus Christ above everything else and share the good news of salvation. Unfortunately, many of us have turned our backs on Jesus Christ. And that is why there is so much turmoil and tumult in our homes, communities and the world. It seems peace and life’s meaning have eluded us. The Bible in 2 Chronicles 7:14 declares: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” The gift of Jesus Christ will give us joy for the journey.  As you share gifts with family and friends, consider sharing the best gift — the good news of Jesus Christ. It does not mean we will not experience difficult situations. Our faith will help see us through. Just knowing that God loved me enough to send Jesus Christ to die for our sins is the greatest gift of all. If you cannot afford to give gifts this Christmas, it is OK to give a smile and say: Merry Christmas.   I write this commentary to make those comfortable with ignoring the best gift of Christmas uncomfortable. To everyone, jingle bells all the way. Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].