Most of the time I dislike getting forwards but this one was really well-done... not sure who wrote it but it makes some good points!
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Subject: A Letter from Jesus....
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 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
(rather than your words) 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