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)