Saturday, December 1, 2007

Christmas Letter

I received this email today from Hilda. It made me think. So today I'm using it as my post!!
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Letter from Jesus about Christmas --
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many 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 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 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
Letter from Jesus about Christmas --
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This was a good day! My grandaughter, April, was given a wedding shower by her Aunt Dawn. Dawn did a beautiful job and the happy couple, April and Troy, received many useful and pretty gifts. They will be married December 20th. I wish for then a long life of love and happiness!!
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11 comments:

Karen H. said...

Good Morning Ann,
WOW!!!! This is just beautiful. It really touches the heart. I may have to copy it and print it and then take it to my Church and let them read this story as well. That is if you don't mind. I love Baby Showers. I have had 2 of them before. I love weddings. And having one so close to Christmas is nice. My parents actually got married on Christmas Day many years ago. Well, take care my friend and have a great Sunday. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

Renie Burghardt said...

Beautiful, Ann. Thanks for posting it. It really does make one think!

How exciting about your granddaughter's upcoming wedding. My best wishes to her and her fiancee!

Christmas blessings,

Renie

Donna's chitchat said...

What a great letter from Jesus. Our elementary school had a struggle with this issue and many people were upset about our "holiday" concerts. Its a crazy issue, and if your not a person who celebrates Xmas, it puts you as the "bad" guy. This letter really reflects how to put things in perspective. I will be sharing this letter.

janie said...

It is a shame that Christmas has become a season for bickering, instead of the time for peace and honoring our beliefs as it was when we were children. Thanks for that letter, Ann.

My anniversary is December 23rd. Sometimes our celebration gets kind of lost in the whirlwind of doing for Christmas, but WE always remember. Like our little secret sometimes.....

It was a perfect time to marry, for us. I hope your granddaughter has many happy years of loving marriage.

imac said...

That says it all. How true.


Check out my Symmetrical Post

Mary said...

Ann,

This is a beautiful post filled with love. Every point here should be followed by christians every day of the year, not just at Christmas.

Thank you for sharing this with us. It is poetic and wonderful. Have a great Sunday.
Blessings,
Mary

Little Penpen said...

I love the letter! Thanks for sharing.

Karen H. said...

Ann,
If you don't mind, could you email me that letter? I would love to have it. Take care my friend and have a great Sunday. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

mreddie said...

That was well said and all too true - Christmas has become almost unrecognizable out in the public. ec

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

It's so nice to meet you! And I truly enjoyed the letter from Jesus. I hope you don't mind if I copy it and send it off. With all the other "junk" that is forwarded on computers, I think this one would be a great one to share. Please stop by again - I know I'll be reading your words :-)
Colleen

Alice said...

What a great letter! I hope you won't mind my copying it and sending it to some friends. I know they will appreciate it too.