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When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following: A Recovering American Soldier   c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center   6900 Georgia Avenue,NW  Washington,D.C. 20307-5001
 

We all pretty much know that the Christmas holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus. But do we really have a full appreciation of what Jesus means to us and of what He has done for us? Matthew 1:23 (KJV) says, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." The Lord of glory, The Prince of Peace, The Alpha and Omega, The mighty God robed himself in flesh and came down to our level to minister to us. He lived as we live and was tempted just as we are tempted yet he remained without sin (Hebrews
4:15). He lived his life here on earth as an example to us of what we should be striving for spiritually. He provided the perfect example to us of how we should live our lives in this present world.

God also presented himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He took our place on the cross even though He didn't have to. As surely as we now live, each of us deserved to be on that cross but instead God gave us beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3). As it says in Isaiah 53, He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). He bore our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted (Isaiah 53:4). Think about that for a minute. God came to earth to save us from an eternity in hell and we rejected him, esteemed him not. Jesus was despised and rejected by his own creation. Can you imagine how it would feel if your own children despised and rejected you? And it didn't stop there.

Because of His love for us, He bore upon His shoulders the reproach of all humanity that through him we might have everlasting life (1 John 4:9). He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed
(Isaiah 53:5). He took upon himself all of our grief, sorrow and pain yet we largely reject him. Nevertheless, forgiveness is still ours for the asking, we have but to come to God with a contrite spirit, repenting, then God will be faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9). What a wonderful place this present world would be if we were able to love our friends and neighbors the way Jesus loves us. I pray that we always remember that Jesus truly is the reason for the season and I hope that we never forget what God has done (and is still doing) for us.

 I CORINTHIANS 13 - A CHRISTMAS VERSION

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another
cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!

Christmas war belittles reason for the season
By Leonard Pitts Jr.
lpitts@herald.com

Let me begin by speaking the forbidden words.

Merry Christmas.

There, I said it. So did the sky crack? Did the oceans turn to blood? Is a horde of angry Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and atheists storming the gates, demanding a retraction? Or does the world look much the same as it did before?

I'm betting on the last.

So forgive me if I don't take up arms in the so-called War on Christmas. In case you hadn't heard about it -- in other words, in case you have a life -- let me bring you up to speed.

Recently, conservative and evangelical observers have been loudly complaining about what they call a campaign to de-Christianize Christmas, to unmoor it from its origin as the birthday of Christ. They have a litany of complaints, but seem particularly vexed by word that some retailers have been instructing their sales people to greet customers with ''Happy holidays'' as opposed to ''Merry Christmas.'' This, as a way to avoid excluding people of other faiths and no faith at all.

HEATED BATTLE

It's been a heated battle, and the complainers have not been guilty of understatement.

''A secular and atheistic jihad,'' cries a guy named David Huntwork on the GOPUSA website.

''Frightening,'' declares a traumatized Bill O'Reilly.

''A war on Christians,'' says John Gibson, who wrote a book on the subject.

And a writer on the WorldNetDaily website warns of the possible ``persecution and outright criminalization of Christianity.''

Well, gee golly.

They're putting so much energy into defending Christmas that one feels downright churlish for pointing out that no one's attacking it. All we're seeing here is an ever more pluralistic society struggling to balance the faith of the majority with the rights and feelings of the minority.

Is it an imperfect process? Believe it.

For instance, the 80-foot decorated spruce erected at the U.S. Capitol in early December has been designated the ''holiday tree.'' That's stupid. It's a Christmas tree. And if -- big if -- it's true, as some conservative groups claim, that a Wisconsin elementary school rewrote the lyrics to Silent Night to make them secular, somebody should be poked in the eye with a candy cane. That's stupid, too.

BOYCOTTING STORES

On the other hand, the American Family Association is boycotting Target stores to force them to say ''Merry Christmas'' and that's hardly a sign of intelligence. How is the cashier supposed to know whether a customer is Christian?

More to the point, why is pluralism so hard for these people? Why does it make them feel so put upon? Am I the only one who sends ''Merry Christmas'' cards to his Christian friends and ''Happy holidays'' cards to his other friends and doesn't find it especially taxing?

What's offensive here is not the imperfect balancing of minority and majority. What's offensive -- also surreal and absurd -- is the notion that Christianity, a faith claimed by 76 percent of all Americans, is somehow being intimidated into nonexistence. Some of the earliest Christians were stoned for their beliefs. In some parts of the world today, Christianity is a crime punishable by death. And the AFA is feeling persecuted because a sales clerk says ``Happy holidays?''

That's not persecution. It's a persecution complex.

And it trivializes what Christians claim to uphold: the baby born of a virgin's womb.

Of what importance is a salesman's greeting if you're one of the 76 percent who believe that? The greeting that matters was spoken by angels. The Book of Luke says they appeared before shepherds in a field: ``Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.''

Linus said it best. ``That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.''
© 2005 Herald.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.miami.com

Jesus Is The Reason...  http://home.att.net/~JesusIsTheReason/

It is a Christmas tree.
It is not a Hanukkah bush,
it is not an Allah plant,
it is not a Holiday hedge.
It is a Christmas tree.

Say it... CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas

Yes. CHRISTmas - celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ!!!

If this offends you ...too bad.  Get over it ~

Let's Not Be the Silent Majority!
By Debbie Daniel:

I'm on a "Merry Christmas" mission and I'm in full throttle. My little yellow VW Beetle has turned into a Christmas billboard with Merry Christmas written across the back window. Yes, I've decided to trek off to work everyday on the public highways with a message that seems to offend people.

At stop lights, I even turn my music up a little louder, and to top it off, I sing along with it. Don't I know that stopping at a red light to roll my windows down only to share the joy of Christmas carols on public streets is a No-No? Don't I fear the Christmas Gestapo and those who would have me remove the written message from my car?

I'm sorry folks, but the only person I'm concerned about "offending" during this Christmas season is the Lord himself. LEAVE THAT MANGER ALONE! We've allowed the Baby Jesus to be kicked out of His lowly manger, and those offended by Christmas are still not happy.

I refuse to let this happen. I'm going to do my part to make sure "Merry Christmas" doesn't become extinct. Because like it or not, if the believers in Christmas don't take a stand now, it's gone forever.

Listen folks, the Christian community has been underestimated before; we will have to show ourselves again.

I walked into a Wendy's Restaurant the other day and was rather exuberant with my "Merry Christmas" greeting to the manager. He didn't have much of a response and I said, "Where's your Christmas spirit?" He said, "We're not allowed to use the words "Merry Christmas" when greeting customers. We can only say "Happy Holiday."

This morning I grabbed a quick breakfast at a Whataburger Restaurant. I noticed there wasn't a single decoration in the store. I asked the manager why they weren't decorated for Christmas. He told me the corporate headquarters decided not to send any decorations to any of their stores, and he didn't know why.

After I heard about all the Macy's and Federated Stores taking down their Merry Christmas signs, the Target stores not allowing the Salvation Army to "Ring the Christmas bells," and the many incidents of children, choirs, and bands not allowed to play or sing Christmas carols, I realized it was happening right here in my own little Texas town.

How can this be? Not Texas!

We do, however, have a store, Hobby Lobby, that plays nothing but Christmas carols during the season. On Christmas Day they run a full page ad in our local newspaper. That ad is not to promote the store, but uses the entire page to tell the story of Jesus' birth. Now that's taking a stand. We need to thank them.

When I saw a news report the other evening of children being taught new words to a song we've sung for years - "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" - I was saddened to hear "We Wish You a Splendid Holiday."

I know now that it's just a matter of time that the "Merry Christmas" greetings will be gone. Look around your town. Notice the "Holiday" greetings and not "Christmas." It's happening right before our very eyes.

Start singing the songs; go down the streets of America singing to your heart's content. Get some of those wash-off markers that these kids use to write on their car windows when they're rooting for their hometown football team. It's easy to do, and if a torrential rain washes it off, write it on there again.

We've got to get this message out. "Go Tell It On the Mountain . . . that Jesus Christ is Born." Sing it, speak it, be a billboard for our Lord.

The story of this "Baby Jesus" alone has brought about more goodwill at this time of year than any other day we celebrate. How can we sit back and allow Him to be snuffed out of our lives?

Is it Jesus, or is it His followers that the "offended" don't like? What kind of revulsion galvanizes one to campaign so vehemently against the mere mention of His name, the mere singing of a carol, or the mere visual of a sign that says "Merry Christmas?"

I can listen to my own boss at work use some of the vilest words and follow up with, "Excuse my French." I may cringe inside at his damning of God's name, but I tolerate it. So if you don't like me wishing you a "Merry Christmas," I'll say, "Excuse my joy." You may cringe that I celebrate the birth of Jesus, but just tolerate it.

I cannot be concerned that "Merry Christmas" offends you. If I'm not careful, the day will come when saying I'm a Christian will offend you.

I'm offended that you're offended. How about that?

When we get to a point that we can no longer take part in a tradition we hold dear, we have no choice; we either defend that tradition or we give it up to those who say NO. That's it . . period. So, which will it be?

I'm not giving up my "Merry Christmas" joy to anyone. If I know of someone that celebrates another holiday during this time of year, I will be glad to wish them whatever holiday they want. Just tell me what it is and I'll shout it to the world and wish you a grand celebration.

Just give me Christmas. To you merchants: Stop being so hypocritical and "filling your tills" on the back of Jesus! Who do you think is the symbol of giving at this time of year? It was the wise men bringing gifts to the newborn Christ-child.

You want your coffers full, but have ordered your employees to take down all the Merry Christmas signs. If that's the case, I'll buy gifts at a place that understands my joy.

If you're worried about offending someone, you just did. The most recent Newsweek survey shows that 82% of Americans believe that Jesus is the Son of God. So, in trying not to offend a few, you've offended many.

It's okay to jump into the "Merry Christmas" spirit when it fills your cash register, but let's call it something else . . . and don't stop giving . . . and don't stop buying. . . we'll just change the name and you'll never know the difference.

I know the difference and I'm feeling it greatly. It's hard not to be aware that townships across our country have actually banned the singing of Christmas carols because it might offend someone. And it's not just the religious songs; it's the secular ones too. No more "Jingle Bells" or "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" because they're associated with Christmas. Boy, aren't we getting sensitive?

If we're not celebrating Christmas for the hope it gives with the birth of our Savior . . . there is no hope!

I noticed a few years ago that we changed the name of Abraham Lincoln's and George Washington's birthday so as to be all inclusive regarding the Presidents. Hark, if we should recognize anyone as exceptional. Now it's called Presidents' Day.

Well, if we're going to be so all inclusive, next month I'll have to refer to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as Civil Rights Leaders' Day. We don't want to exclude great Americans like Rosa Parks or Cesar Chavez, do we? And to think that Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton might be left out.

We might need to change Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Grandparents' Day to All Parents' Day. Just lump them all together.

It sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? So what's the difference?

My freedom to celebrate Christmas in the tradition of the Christian religion is as much my right as it is your right to be offended by it. So what are we going to do? Did anyone hear me . . . what are we going to do?

Do we defend a person's right to go forward with a time tested tradition (how about 2000 years?), or do we defend a person's right to end it all because they're offended? As long as we live in this great land and have the freedom to express ourselves and what we believe in, we will always offend someone.

If we try to make everything right for everyone, we won't have anything for anyone.

May you always have Christmas in your heart!

What Debbie Daniel started, let's not let it die here. Let's all do our part. Let's do something ourselves, and then too, let's pass this on to every Christian we know and if enough of us shout it out, maybe someone, somewhere, will hear us and stop this insanity of Atheism from gripping our Country.

Merry Christmas to ALL

A Christmas tale

There was this man who worked for the Post Office and whose job it was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses.

One day just before Xmas, a letter landed on his desk, simply addressed in shaky handwriting to "God".

With no other clue on the envelope, he opened the letter and read, "Dear God, I am an 83 year old widow living on the State pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had £100 in it, which was all the money I had in the world and no pension due until after Christmas.

Next week is Christmas and I had invited two of my friends over for Xmas dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. God, can you please help me?"

The postal worker was really touched, and put a copy of the letter up on the Staff Notice board, at the main sorting office where he worked. The letter touched the other postmen and they all dug into their pockets and had a whip round. Between them they raised £96. Using an official franked Post Office envelope, they sent the cash onto the old lady. And for the rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of the nice thing they had done.

Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter simply addressed to God landed in the Sorting Office. Many of the postmen gathered around while the letter was opened.

It read, "Dear God, How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your generosity, I was able to provide a lovely dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day, and I told my friends of your wonderful gift - in fact we haven't gotten over it and our Vicar is beside himself with joy. By the way, there was £4 missing. I think it must have been those thieving bastards at the Post Office."
 

Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care in hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed. Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with the babe on her lap was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the east there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here!
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of his face made me cover my head. It was Jesus returning just like he said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life, which he held in his hand, was written the name of every saved man. He spoke not a word as He searched for my name; When He said, "It's not here," my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He arose without a sound. While the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late; I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and cried as they rose out of sight; Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear: The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life, and when comes the last call we'll find that the Bible was true after all!!

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes there will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

The story is told of a woman who vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. Cutting back on nonessential obligations, extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending, she intended not to find herself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

Her son, Nicholas, was in Kindergarten. For weeks, he has been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Program." She didn't have the heart to tell him she'd be working the night of his show. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, she spoke with his teacher and learned there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, that morning she found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down, just as many other frazzled parents were doing. The students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas", she didn't expect anything other than fun songs of reindeer, Santa, snowflakes, and good cheer. So, when Nicholas's class rose to sing "Christmas Love", she was slightly taken back by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, all adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row, center stage, held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas", a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy", and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love".

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her, a small quiet girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down, totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and everyone saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, they understood the reason they were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos there was a purpose for our festivities, and why we are reading this now. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"CHRIST WAS LOVE".