Merry X-mas

I came upon this picture last year.  Somewhere, somehow.  I don't remember.  Heck, I can't even remember how I came upon the treasures I found online this morning...let alone a year ago!!!!
I am posting it here today, in this years blog post because I think it captures a "different perspective" of the familiar lament of many Christians this time of year. 
"Christ is being taken out of Christmas." 
"It has become nothing more than a secular holiday." 
I agree, in many way it has. Preston Eby, a favorite author of my husband Keith, thinks "the sons of God" should shun Christmas altogether.  His views are expressed in his writing entitled "Five Reasons Why The Sons of God Should Not Celebrate Christmas"
Among his reasons?

1) Jesus was not born on December 25th!
2) Nowhere in the scripture or by the spirit of revelation has God commanded us to commemorate the birthday of our Lord!
3) Christmas is a Pagan, and not a Christian festival!
4) The Spirit of God has commanded us not to observe the ways or customs of the heathen!
5) "The "Christmas Story" is a lie!

Brian, a cyber friend of mine who has been on several on line groups with me over the past few years has written a post on his blog, The Beautiful Heresy that expresses a different view.  His post is called "Is Christmas Only For Christians?"
During the past few Christmas seasons, an email circulated around the internet, birthed, perhaps, in response to the controversial, much publicized policy of a few national chain stores that decided to eliminate "Merry Christmas" from the vocabularies of their employees...substituting the more generic "Happy Holidays" instead.  Many, many Christians got their panties all in a wad over that...boycotted some of the stores and in general made a big to do about nothing.  Anyway, I am posting the email below because I think it makes some really good points and gives some really good advice to those Christians who were so offended.

Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My Son's name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I didn't send my Son in December, it was some of your ancestors who decided to celebrate My Son's birthday at what was, in ancient times, a pagan festival; although, I do appreciate Jesus 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 Jesus' birth just,
GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My Son's birth, then make room on your lawn for the 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 the trees. You can remember me anytime you see a tree.
Instead of fusing over trimmings and traditions, consider giving My Son one of the gifts below this Christmas…

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 who's hurt you in the past, forgive them, and give them the gift of a future-free from the pain, shame, and guilt of yesterday's yuck.

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. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. 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.

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. You may already know someone like that.

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. Be sensitive to the needs of others. A few cans of food or a simple gift can go along way towards good will on earth.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in 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. Please, if you love me, love my children-all of them, especially the ones that challenge your traditions. I'll take care of all the rest.
Invite others to a Christmas festival that has more to do with eternity than all the trimmings and traditions of December 25th.
"Merry Christmas!" means: "I love you." - God

Wise men still seek him...Merry Christmas.....