If "Happy Holidays" Makes You Mad
I get all the email forwards that you probably get and I delete most of them without reading. I think I have forwarded only a couple in my lifetime! But I read one this week that was worth sharing. So rather than forwarding it, I'm posting it :). I have no idea who the original author is, but it is a supposed letter from Jesus to Christians about Christmas:
It has come to my attention that many of you are hopping mad that some folks are taking my name out of the season. Relax. As God, I just don't feel threatened. I see everything, and I know everything. Believe me, there are a lot bigger problems in the world than people who say "happy holidays" instead of "merry Christmas." But if you're still upset, here are a few productive ways you can channel your anger:
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. You don't have to do that, of course -- but if you want a nativity scene, do it at home -- stop getting upset with your town!
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. After all, I created 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. 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 really appreciate knowing 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 the President and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family throughout the next 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. Tell them you love them, and then remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone who has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. 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, the YMCA, Toys for Tots, or some other charity and they will make the delivery for you.
Oh––and one more thing––happy holidays! And of course, Merry Christmas!
Your Friend, Jesus