Day 17 - A Letter From God

It's day 17 of our Thanksgiving experiment. It's Friday, it's cold and believe it or not I am sitting in front of a roaring fire courtesy of fake logs and natural gas. I'm S.O.A.P.ing up in Romans 12, probably one the most challenging chapters of all scripture. It is a passage that sums up the life of a Christ follower, from my relationship to God, to others, and to the world, to the transformation of my mind, and living with an external focus. Every year during this season of Thanksgiving I am reminded that this life is one that has been changed with an end in mind. It is so easy to make life, including my spiritual journey, all about me.

This morning Gail and I took a couple of minutes to talk about Christmas lists and budgets. In the process we both recognize that the greatest blessings come from giving to those who can not give back or to reach out and touch those that are often among the forgotten. It's not just about money or gifts, but about time and presence. Then as I am pondering all this I got an email for Jim Herrington, mentor and friend ... it was the exclamation on my time with God this morning!

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 you're 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 and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching that explains who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks are. If you have forgot that one, look at 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.

• 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 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.
  
  
• 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. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• If you really want to make a difference, take some time to encourage and support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
  
  
• 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 (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and ask a local charity to help you identify a family. Then, don't just take the gifts and food. Make a commitment to develop a friendship with this family during the coming year.
  
  
• 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.

P.S. 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 you love and, remember, I LOVE YOU.