We received this in an email... don't know the author, but some of the sentiments are lovely...
How to celebrate Christ's Birthday - From ChristDear children,
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
Santa's 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 & 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.
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 who 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.
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 the Sabbath.
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 & 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 & 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 & a few
gifts & 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 & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all
the rest. Check out the list above & 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.
