I received this in an e-mail today, and it's really good, so I have borrowed it to share with you:
Dear Child,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although, I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood 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, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.
If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a 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 tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish. I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up
John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being 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 his staff 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 I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone thats 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't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile. It could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line. They talk with people like that every day.
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 smile and 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. You may already know someone like that.
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 (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me. 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 that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I 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 you love.
And remember,
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Abundant Blessings!
"Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them....Matthew 18:20"
10 comments:
REALLY cool! Thanks for posting this...helps clarify my feelings for me! I'm praying for you and Joye!
Nice thoughts! X'mas is definitely a matter of liberty; can't believe people actually fight over such things i.e. concerning new moons and holidays!
Have a very blessed X'mas, pastor!
Yours in Christ,
Vincent
a pretty interesting "letter" with some good ideas on how to remember what we are celebrating. it amazes me how ugly people get with each other over things like what to call the tree! and what to say to each other...."merry christmas" or "happy holidays" or whatever. i am struggling with the how to deal with people who have negative attitudes about the whole season. it frustrates me probably because my family has such a wonderful time with it.
Mike, I am not usually a "blog-commentator" but I want to tell you that I truly agree with this one. Thanks for sharing it with us.
OOps, that was from me. I hit "publish" too quickly--sorry!
Darlene,
thanks for the comments. does that mean you don't agree with the other stuff that I write? (just kidding)
Have a great Christmas everyone.
Mike
Thank you for the coffee by the way....thank you for taking the time for this blog. It is so worth coming here....
Heidi
Merry Christmas, Mike!
Kathy,
thank you. I hope you have a great Christmas as well.
Great letter! Hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas.
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