My Birthday
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many TV commercials, special songs are heard on the radio, and all around the world everyone is talking about my birthday.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, few seem to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautiful wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside. They closed the door in my face. And I so wanted to be with them and share their table!
One person they did invite was this big fat man all dressed in red with a long white beard. He came into the room yelling "Ho-Ho-Ho!" He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him saying, "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"--as if the party were in his honor! At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other and share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expression. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because every year it gets worse. People only remember the food, the gifts, the parties and they forget about me. This Christmas I would love it if you'd allow me to enter into your celebration. I want you to remember that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life to you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want you to believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration , a spectacular party, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside.
Be prepared, because when all is ready, you will be part of my great party. I love you,
Jesus"
-Unknown author
As you can see this is truly an evangelism tool, a great one at that. Yet I was struck by the true fact of our lives being so caught up in the materialism of Christmas. We have lost the meaning of Christmas and I am sad to say that I am part of that. However, this is a great reminder of what Christmas is all about, not Santa, not presents, not food, not football, not selfishness, not anything else, but the TRUE gift and that being the birth of our precious LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, what He came to do, and the greatest gift He gave. So, I challenge you, as I challenge myself, will you invite Jesus in this year? Or will He be left out of all the memories, laughter, joy, and blessings He desires to be in? My prayer is that you, as I, will celebrate His greatest birth and the gifts He gave! For we truly have been blessed! :)
May The Lord continue to graciously bless you all! Love to you and a
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
2 comments:
ugh...who's that guy on the right?
Merry Christmas, T's! :)
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