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Merry Christmas! |
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Location: Blogs Brad's Blog |
 | | Posted by: Brad Miller | 12/23/2009 12:04 PM | Greetings!
As we move quickly toward Christmas Eve and the celebration of the birth of Jesus, I would like to share something with you that was first brought to my attention by Rev. Jennifer. I think it contains both some practical advice about being a Christian in today’s world, and a challenge that all of us could probably take on. I hope you like it, it is called “ A Christmas Letter from Jesus.” Author unknown…or could it really be 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. Whatever, I don’t mind… I 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 feel free to do so at any time by showing love to others as I have shown love to you.
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 a your insurance agent or your dentist or whoever, complaining about the wording on the cards their staff sent out this year, why don’t you write and tell the that you’ll be praying for them and their 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.
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.
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
For an updated calendar and prayer list, please go to www.brookhavenchristian.org
For your prayer list:
Alex Smith was scheduled to go home yesterday! I haven’t heard yet today whether he did or not, but his progress has been great! Here’s wishing Alex and his family an especially wonderful Christmas.
Please pray for all those who travel over the holidays. May they travel safely and return home rested and full of anticipation for the New Year.
Announcements:
Please join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service tomorrow, Thursday December 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care will be available. Be here as we welcome the Christ Child together!
Sunday December 27th will be a special “Praise on Peachtree” service of music and reflection. Come celebrate 11:00 in the fellowship hall.
Your offering envelopes for 2010 are available in the hallway outside the church office. Please do not begin to use these until January!
Due to the upcoming holidays, vacation days, etc., the office will be only sporadically staffed over the next week and a half. You can leave a message on our voice mail at church and we will return your calls as soon as we are able, but if you have an emergency, please call your elder or use the numbers in the directory to contact myself or Rev. Jennifer. Carol and I will be traveling over the holidays – heading to Connecticut on Christmas Day to visit Carol’s sister and family; back early next week and then off again late next week to Charleston to visit my cousin and family. I look forward to seeing you in worship on January 3rd!
Be peaceful and Merry Christmas!
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