Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Christmas Message


Christmas would be much better if there were a lot less consumerism and bickering about word usage, and instead a lot more love, tolerance and compassion. Christmas can bring out the worst and most hateful side in people.  Sometimes I am ashamed of what my fellow Christians do over the holidays. 

Do not get caught up in consumerism. If a business is open on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day then that means these workers are not able to spend the holidays with their families. Please boycott these companies. Do you really have to buy something in the middle of the night on Thanksgiving or Christmas?  And do you have to pull out those credit cards? Would Jesus want you becoming “slaves to lenders” on the celebration of his birthday?

And don’t forget the spirit of Santa Clause.  Santa has been turned into a market ploy so people will spend more money. Santa was originally about giving to kids who had nothing. Be Santa for someone this year instead of rushing all over the malls and supporting the Corporate Clause.  Give to a child who will not get something from Santa this year. Instead of focusing on what Santa will bring your kids, remind them about the gift of Jesus.

Please lose the obsession over Christmas vs. Holidays.  I once received messages on a social network from a fellow Christian who was encouraging people to boycott his buddy’s party because it was called a “holiday” party rather than a Christmas Party.  How are you supposed to witness to others if you cannot even attend a party because it is called a “holiday party”? Would Jesus really care what the party is called?  What is it Christians are so afraid of? Are you that weak in your faith that you cannot celebrate the holidays with someone of another faith? How would you feel if a Jewish friend did not show up to your Christmas or Holiday Party because you did not call it a Hanukkah Party?

I am not sure where this originated, but it circulates in email during Christmas.  I found this copy on a blog. This pretty much sums up how feel about Christmas. Please read this “letter from Jesus.” I hope it opens your eyes up to some things.  
A Letter from Jesus about Christmas

My Dearest Loved Ones,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
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 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 the President 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 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't know 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 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.
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 that you 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 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 (Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented (blog).2010)