Written by: Unknown author
Submitted By: Melanie Keischer
Edited by: yours truly
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 Santa’s 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…
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my
wish list:
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 the President 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. I’d like to hear 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. 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. Even if people who work at a business 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. 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 and remember :
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Gospel Reflection
In this week’s gospel, John the Baptist gets us excited for the coming of the Christ. He not only tells us to prepare ourselves for His coming, but gives us specific examples on how to do so. He emphasizes the fact that God will never ask more from us than we have the capability to give.
The first example of how we can live our lives better is by giving of what we have and sharing with those less fortunate than us. As I look around the chapel today and see the plethora of gifts we as Marist students have bought and wrapped my heart is filled with joy. It is not always easy to find the time and money to shop for others—especially those we do no know personally, but God calls to us to give from the heart not only this holiday season, but at all times.
John the Baptist tells the tax collectors to “collect no more than is appointed to you.” At first glance, this advice may seem irrelevant to us, but if we look to the deeper Meaning, there is a lesson there for all of us. John is simply telling us to not accept more than we are owed — this could be in terms of money for a service, gratitude for an action, or credit for a project. It is about being honest with both yourself and everyone around you. Don’t ask for more than you deserve, and don’t take from others what they cannot afford to give.
The third way in which today’s reading asks us to prepare ourselves, is one that should be obvious to all of us, and yet one that is probably one of the hardest to adhere to — stay away from violence and create peace. While we may not be violent creatures by nature, it is so easy to lash out and hurt others not only physically, but emotionally through our words and actions.
If only we could all remember that everyone is our brother or sister and that everyone is created in the likeness of God.
The first example of how we can live our lives better is by giving of what we have and sharing with those less fortunate than us. As I look around the chapel today and see the plethora of gifts we as Marist students have bought and wrapped my heart is filled with joy. It is not always easy to find the time and money to shop for others—especially those we do no know personally, but God calls to us to give from the heart not only this holiday season, but at all times.
John the Baptist tells the tax collectors to “collect no more than is appointed to you.” At first glance, this advice may seem irrelevant to us, but if we look to the deeper Meaning, there is a lesson there for all of us. John is simply telling us to not accept more than we are owed — this could be in terms of money for a service, gratitude for an action, or credit for a project. It is about being honest with both yourself and everyone around you. Don’t ask for more than you deserve, and don’t take from others what they cannot afford to give.
The third way in which today’s reading asks us to prepare ourselves, is one that should be obvious to all of us, and yet one that is probably one of the hardest to adhere to — stay away from violence and create peace. While we may not be violent creatures by nature, it is so easy to lash out and hurt others not only physically, but emotionally through our words and actions.
If only we could all remember that everyone is our brother or sister and that everyone is created in the likeness of God.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Waiting
On this first Sunday of Advent, I am going to reflect on something that we as a society are not very good at: waiting. In a world of instant gratification it is hard to be patient. I know that I for one am incredibly easily annoyed by having to wait for others when I want to leave or partake in something. Patience is a virtue not easily attained.
In today's world of the internet, fast cars, and text messaging, it is uncommon that we have to wait for anything. Not sure of an answer? Wikipedia it. Out with your friends? No problem, just text google and wait 0.06 seconds for the response. You can't even blink that fast and the answer is already there for you. Between texing, instant messaging and Facebook seeing who's available to chill takes less time than ever. And with newer and safer standards at the internet we can shop for and purchase practically anything and have it on our doorstep within a week ... within 24 hours if strictly necessary.
And buisnesses are begining to cater to our "here and now" mindset. Stores have two to three times more cash regesiters than ever before. Why? Because as a generation waiting in line is no longer an option. It angers us. It frustrates us. So much so, that there's a possibility that we might leave.
But here we are, on the 29th of November, ready to settle down and wait for what we, as Christians, see as most important - the birth of Jesus. Once the chaos of Thanksgiving dies down and we are able to take stock of our lives, we are able to see clearly what it is we want most - hope, joy, peace, love, family. These are not difficult desires for us to formulate. We crave them more than anything else in the world. And yet, we can't just have it. We have to work for it. Plan for it. Prepare for it. and yes, wait for it.
That is the whole point of Advent. To wait for the coming of the Christ child. We cannot just wake up one morning and be ready for Him. We have to prepare our selves - mind, body and spririt - to welcome Him into our lives. We have to think about what we can change in our lives to make it better for everyone. We have to plannout how we intend to use all the peace and joy Jesus
will bring with Him when He is born. And we need to prepare ourselves by making sure we are the best people we can possibly be.
I think I'll start by learning to be more patient.
In today's world of the internet, fast cars, and text messaging, it is uncommon that we have to wait for anything. Not sure of an answer? Wikipedia it. Out with your friends? No problem, just text google and wait 0.06 seconds for the response. You can't even blink that fast and the answer is already there for you. Between texing, instant messaging and Facebook seeing who's available to chill takes less time than ever. And with newer and safer standards at the internet we can shop for and purchase practically anything and have it on our doorstep within a week ... within 24 hours if strictly necessary.
And buisnesses are begining to cater to our "here and now" mindset. Stores have two to three times more cash regesiters than ever before. Why? Because as a generation waiting in line is no longer an option. It angers us. It frustrates us. So much so, that there's a possibility that we might leave.
But here we are, on the 29th of November, ready to settle down and wait for what we, as Christians, see as most important - the birth of Jesus. Once the chaos of Thanksgiving dies down and we are able to take stock of our lives, we are able to see clearly what it is we want most - hope, joy, peace, love, family. These are not difficult desires for us to formulate. We crave them more than anything else in the world. And yet, we can't just have it. We have to work for it. Plan for it. Prepare for it. and yes, wait for it.
That is the whole point of Advent. To wait for the coming of the Christ child. We cannot just wake up one morning and be ready for Him. We have to prepare our selves - mind, body and spririt - to welcome Him into our lives. We have to think about what we can change in our lives to make it better for everyone. We have to plannout how we intend to use all the peace and joy Jesus
will bring with Him when He is born. And we need to prepare ourselves by making sure we are the best people we can possibly be.
I think I'll start by learning to be more patient.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
