December 9, 2009 9:06 AM
Celebrating Jesus at Christmas - keeping things in perspective
Rebecca sent this:
Letter from Jesus about ChristmasIt 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 was. 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. 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 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
I felt a burden lifted when I read it. The world is going to hell in a handbasket and there's little I can do about it until the next election. But I can brighten up my little corner.
What do you think?
Posted in Christmas, Lent | Permalink
Comments
Thank you Barbara, I love this and it is just what I needed this season. I get so weary worrying about where I should shop, what battles I should fight, etc. I never was that fired up about it all anyway, believing as is said in #7 that I am the one who is responsible for teaching my children about the season, not the mall or the stores via their TV commercials. It seems as if Advent and Christmas are becoming more and more a battle than a time for reflection, prayer and anticipation among the people I know. I am no longer willing to fight in the "Christmas War" I am going to spend this time with my family in the way I think is best, with lots of prayer, good reading and showing by example what it means to wait in joyful expectation for the Birth of our Savior.
Posted by: Danielle M. | December 9, 2009 10:52 AM
Thank you for posting that, Barbara. Just what I needed too. Puts things in perspective and, I agree, it lifted a burden.
Posted by: Amy | December 9, 2009 3:12 PM
I believe Jesus would probably have said something along those lines. :)
I, for one, don't like Christmas. It's 30 days of endless commercials about what to buy, Santa Claus movies and people running around with their heads cut off trying to fulfill an agenda. I am a Christian and believe and trust Jesus completely but Christmas is a made up holiday like many others. There is nothing about celebrating it in the Bible. We are to spread the good news of who Jesus is and let Him live through us while we are here.
most of the traditions of Christmas have pagan origins. I think it's sad that most people are so worried about what to buy everyone in their family during this time and make no effort to see or love on them the rest of the year.
I am from Brazil and Christmas time there is synonymous of summer vacation and spending time with family. Only in the last few decades has it become about shopping and all the Santa claus stuff.
I think people make a big fuss out of the nativity scenes, Christmas trees and such stuff. I don't buy anybody anything, don't decorate my house and answer my children with the truth. I tell them like it is just like I do about Halloween, Easter and other holidays.
I give them things all year around. I spend 24 hours a day with them making memories. We craft, decorate and bake because we want to and not because of a man made holiday.
When my children ask me why other people celebrate Christmas, I tell them because they want to. Sometimes we go to Christmas musicals, I sell Christmas cards, we make gingerbread houses, we re-enact the birth of Jesus at home and sing Christmas songs because we want to, not to establish or follow traditions or make a political or religious statement.
The Bible clearly states that whatever is done without Love is in vain. God is Love. We invite Him in and let Him take the lead. We follow as He leads not according to traditions, the media or the neighbors.
anyway... Merry Christmas everybody. :)
Tereza
Posted by: tereza crump AKA MyTreasuredCreations | December 9, 2009 6:22 PM
I'm not certain this especially resonates with me. I did put a Nativity (the Holy Family) on my lawn a couple of days ago. It was stolen today. Mine was the only yard from which a Christmas display was taken. All the other displays are non-religious: Winnie the Pooh characters, inflatable snowmen, reindeer, circus-themes, candy-cane fences, etc.
Posted by: Anne | December 9, 2009 7:10 PM
Love it!
Posted by: Tari | December 9, 2009 7:33 PM
Barbara, I love this.
and, Anne, of course yours was the one stolen, keep up the good fight!
Posted by: Cecilia | December 9, 2009 9:16 PM
