This timely letter from God arrived by e-mail:
Dear 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 any time.
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 some 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 that explains who I am in relation to you and
what each of our tasks are. If you have forgotten that one, look at
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 to 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 some people in your town may
attempt to take their lives this season because they feel so alone
and hopeless?
Since you don't know who those people might be,
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 Sundays, 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. You may already know someone
like that.
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 (and I suspect you don't), buy some food and a
few gifts and give them to the county gift basket, the Salvation
Army or some other charity that 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.
Jesus
P.S.: 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 it is now up to you. I'll do My job, but I
won't do your job. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all
those you love and, remember, I love you.