| From Spanitz Consulting, Inc. - www.spanitz.com - 888.SPANITZ - 888.772.6489 Northern Michigan Notes Today is December 7, 2007, and the Christmas holiday rant is overdue. Yeah, I know, I posted a holiday rant last month. But this one is really good. I wish I could say I wrote it but I didn't. I don't know who wrote it, but I do know it's making the rounds of the Internet today and I thank my Florida cousins for sending it to me. It says a lot about the state of our world, and my own state of mind, that I agree with the author of this letter (purportedly from a Higher Power). G. W. sitting in the White House is not one of my favorite people. I doubt I'm on his Christmas card list anyway so for those of you who are, part of the column below applies to you. My state of mind? I'm trying not to wish that this holiday season was over. There are parts I'm looking forward to, but then again I know I'm not alone when I wish that we didn't all wait until December 24th and 25th to spend time with our relatives. If there is a spirit of Christmas, might it not exist throughout the year? Not necessarily in the twinkly lights that are left up until July, or the crumpled bows and wrapping paper that are set out on the curb December 26, or the dried up pine needles found between carpet and baseboard inside the house. But, rather, a spirit of Christ--who is, to quote an oft-used cliche, the "reason for the season"? One does not have to run about town spouting Scripture, dousing others in Holy Water, or donning robes and intoning that the end is near to be closer to Christ or to be spiritual. But would it kill us to be a bit nicer to one another, and remember that this holiday is not all about making sure our own needs are met, that we get all the presents on our list, eat all the food we want, see all the people we want to see when we want to see them (though in a perfect world this is how it would be, right?), do all the things we want to do when we want to do them and never miss a holiday party - - but that instead, simply, this holiday is about the birth of Jesus Christ? Does how we celebrate reflect this? Ok, enough of my soapboxing. If you haven't tuned out yet, keep reading. And Merry Christmas.
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. 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 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 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. 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.
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 and remember: I LOVE YOU, Jesus © Copyright 2000-2007 Spanitz Consulting, Inc. - All Rights Reserved |