Dear Friends,
As you might imagine I get forwarded many emails full of humor, endearing and sentimental messages, and solid biblical insight. This one may fall into all three categories or none of the above, but I wanted to share it with you. I think it’s biblical in a funny, heart-wrenching sort of way.
A Letter from Jesus about Christmas
It 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 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 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 a depicting my birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put a Nativity in your own front lawn and ask your neighbors to do the same. 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.
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 because it describes my relationship with you. You can look it up in John 15: 1
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 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 or hospital. You don’t even have to know them…just let them know you care.
3. Instead of complaining about the wording on the wording in the President’s letters or speeches, write to him and tell him you’ll be praying for him and his family this year. Then do it.
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 among you.
5. 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 a warm smile; it could make the difference.
6. Instead of nit picking about what the retailers call the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a smile and kind word. Even if they aren’t allowed to wish you a “Merry Christmas” that doesn’t keep you from wishing them one.
7. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
8. Support a missionary, one who takes my love and good news to those who have never heard my name.
9. There are individuals and families in your town who not only will have no “Christmas” tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. Buy some food or gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity that believes in me. They’ll deliver them for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief 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’re one of mine.
I love you,
Jesus
*Thursday night at 7pm will be the Blue Christmas prayer service. Worries, Sadness, Decisions don’t stop at the holidays. You don’t have to “Be Merry” 24/7. This brief service will be a time for us to pause and remember, particularly loved ones lost but anything heavy on our hearts. See you there.
*SHARE food distribution is this Saturday, 12/19, 8-11am. We need many hands to pack and distribute the food. 35 extra meals will be given to families in the community.
*2 more caroling opportunities! Tonight, 12/16, 6:45-7:30pm and Saturday, 12/19, 5:30-7pm. On Saturday, we could use help bringing coffee in a carafe or holiday cookies. Contact Pastor Amber
* Did you know CRUMC has its own Christmas angels! We were visited by angels preparing postcards and newsletters, angels power-washing the sidewalk, angels trimming the shrubbery. Not to mention the angels we see every week in worship, the classroom & nursery, Food Pantry, etc. Many thanks to those who have spread good cheer through their hard work.
