Christmas

Cat note: I love Christmas. I have a tree up year around in my home. I start celebrating Christmas beginning on Thanksgiving and ending on Jan 6 which is Epiphany . I coordinate an annual Christmas Market for my church as an outreach and fundraiser. Here is a favorite one of many topics on the subject.

Letter From Jesus Christ, concerning His birthdaycelebration.

It has come to my attention that many of you are upsetthat folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybeyou'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 whohave 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 TOGETHER AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me continue: 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 sucha scene on the town square because there would bemany 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 & may remember Mean time 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 are. 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 tothe 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 tellMe 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 forhim and his family this year. Then follow up. Itwill 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 the children in your life 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 andforgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attemptto take their own life this season because they feelso alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who thatperson is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smileit could make the difference. Also, you might considersupporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with peoplelike that every day.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailerin your town calls the holiday, be patient with thepeople who work there. Give them a warm smile and akind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "MerryChristmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.
8. If you really want to make a difference, helpsupport 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 anypresents 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. Checks are nice, too.
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 to support your church and the peopleand programs there. My house is where my people gather to learn of my grace and mercy. Just love Me & do what I have told you to do.I'll take care of all the rest. I'll help you. And do have a most blessed Christmas with allthose whom you love, and remember ..

I LOVE YOU!Jesus