I'm a Christian. I believe Jesus died for my sins and that His birth is the reason I celebrate Christmas; however, not everyone who celebrates Christmas and especially my friends who celebrate Hanukkah (or Kwanzaa) do not believe that. And, Jesus wasn't even REALLY born at Christmas time!
That is a fact. Christmas gifts are bought by people who do not believe Jesus was the savior of mankind, but they, just like I do, buy gifts and spend a bunch of money that keeps our economy going. So, why is it that so many of my Christian friends get so upset when Macy's and Barnes and Noble and The Pottery Barn wish us "Happy Holidays?" Why is this so offensive? Are there not many, many out there buying gifts and spending large amounts of money this month at their stores that are not celebrating Jesus' birth, but are celebrating a holiday? And, furthermore, wouldn't it be more offensive if these stores used our faith as a marketing ploy to convince us to buy from them when we should all know that presents are not the true meaning of Christmas or Hanukkah. Really, wouldn't you be more upset if you realized that Williams and
I say let them advertise in whichever way they think convinces us to buy from them since that is what they are trying to do - ADVERTISE. I also say let's all settle down with the attitude problem whenever someone says "Happy Holidays" because the fact is that others are just not sure what holiday you are celebrating and really probably aren't in the mood to upset you. Or maybe they have friends celebrating different holidays whom they also love and respect. Or.... maybe they don't care what holiday you are celebrating but want you to be jolly one way or another.
Normally I wouldn't care what others are getting upset about, but this month I have gotten at least 2 emails a day about how offended Christians are that their local cable stations, the department stores and their fire departments want them to have a happy holiday season instead of a merry Christmas. The truth is, regardless of what holiday you celebrate or why, corporate
Did you know:
- We decorate fir trees because the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.
- We hang wreaths on our doors as a symbol of the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.
- We pretend that Santa Clause comes down our chimneys to leave presents because Santa was meant to symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.
- We give Christmas gifts to symbolize the gift God gave to us when he gave us a way to true and everlasting freedom.
- We give out, eat and decorate with candy canes because they represent the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock (more symbolism). The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.
I had posted this and then in the middle of the night I took it off because I was afraid someone would be upset. Then this morning I got an email from my childhood neighbor (Thanks Boonie!) titled "A Christmas Letter From Jesus" and I thought, "here we go again." I read it and here is what it actually said:
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 a 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.
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.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth , here is my wish list. Choose something from it.
- 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.
- Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
- 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.
- Instead of giving a lot of gifts you can't afford and people don't need, spend time with your loved ones. Remind them that they are loved, important and special.
- Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
- 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.
- 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.
- If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary or non-profit group -- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who need it.
- 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 that believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
- Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then just behave like a Christian. Nicely!
Don't forget: I am God and can take care of Myself.
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
