Christmas Post

Its Christmas time. It is a time of love, peace, and life. We remember the birth of Jesus, the only man born to die, and the mystery of our salvation. Yet the season has been scarred by things like commercialism and fighting over whether one should say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." The most tv specials will admit is that it is not all about getting presents, but giving. The whole Jesus aspect has been forgotten. One of the only references to the Nativity of Christ as the reason for Christmas I have seen recently, oddly enough, is in the Christmas special for the cartoon Ed, Edd, and Eddy (which I think is a pretty funny show). Talk to me later and I'll describe the scene. The point is that we have lost what the season is about.

My mom sent me this email thing which she probably got from her homeschooling emailing group. It may not be 100% on target, but it makes some good points. I'll leave you with the text of the "Letter from Jesus." "God bless us, everyone," and Merry Christmas.

Letter from Jesus about Christmas --

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks aretaking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn'tactually born during this time of the year and that it was some of yourpredecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually atime of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easilyunderstood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own.I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, justGET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in whichyou live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of acouple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your ownfront lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for sucha scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday treeinstead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can rememberMe anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actuallyspoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you andwhat each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wishlist. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday isbeing celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home.They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally.They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards hisstaff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why Icame to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don'tknow who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smileand a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary--especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret thatyou wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do whatI have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom youlove and remember : I LOVE YOU,

JESUS