Hello friends,

I suppose this is my way of sending out a holiday card. I am a Christian and have been for many years but I realize some of you that are receiving this may be of other faiths. Some may have no faith in particular, some may be atheists, some may simply be friends that I thought of at this time just to say "Merry Christmas." I am in no way sending this to proselytize my religion, I am just sending you a happy note to say "Merry Christmas." To me and my faith, the Christmas festival time is the remembrance of the birth of Jesus. I have no idea if they really get the date correct, and it doesn't really matter to me if they did, and I have no wish to argue that point. What I thought I might do is simply show folks where it is in the Bible that it is written about the birth of this baby Jesus. I don't have the money to send you all Christmas cards, and I don't have many of your mailing addresses. But I figured I could send a simple e-mail to say hi, and Merry Christmas in my own way. If you have other faiths, or other beliefs, I would be happy to receive anything from you on any of your special days. I didn't want to leave anybody out, so I sent this to everyone.

I might also take some time to add some of the things I don't think Christmas is about. Like this year when a man was trampled to death the day after Thanksgiving ("Black Friday") at a Wal-Mart store in New York because shoppers were so insistent on getting through the doors first to buy their Christmas gifts on sale. I really don't think Christmas is about buying stuff and wrapping it up in paper. Its not about the stuff, it is a birthday. Retail stores and capitalism have commandeered the holiday for their own means. I don't think that was the original intent of the event. Not at all.

Tonight as I sit in the quietness of my home, I simple reflect on what I believe is the real Christmas Story. It is found in the Bible, in the book of Luke, in the 2nd Chapter, in verses numbered 1 through 20. Or, in abbreviated notation for that location, Luke 2:1-20.

I will sit here tonight and go about my business, and I'll reflect on the day. Tomorrow when I wake up, I do not hand out presents to people, I have not celebrated this day that way for many years. I will be alone with my dog Koko, and it will for the most part be like most any other day. It is not a matter of economics, it is how I do the day. I could buy oodles of gifts if I wanted to, but I don't think I will be feeding into the retail market-ism of the day as many do. To me, and to my personal faith, the day has a much greater significance than can be bought or given away by earthly presents. So, for many years I have bought no gifts. Not because I have a great thing against gift giving, this is just a choice I make for myself.

I think it is a more sober way to honor the person that the Christmas season commemorates. It is also part of my personal belief system, and something I will most likely do the rest of my life. It does not diminish the joy of the season for me, it increases the literal meaning for me, and allows me to make a step closer toward what I believe is the true Christmas Story.

All that said, I wish you all the best. To all people, to everyone on this list, to varying degrees of friendship or aquiantences, to the people I pass by out here in cyberspace.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"



TelephoneMan

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Here is the account of the Christmas Story from the King James Bible:

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Luke 2:1-20

v1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

v2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

v3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

v4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

v5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

v6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

v7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

v8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

v9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

v10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

v11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

v12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

v13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

v14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

v15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

v16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

v17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

v18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

v19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

v20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.



Merry Christmas.

:-)

Merry Christmas One and All

Merry CHRISTmas to you all All!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

Thank you TM.

Merry Christmas everyone and God bless!

Merry Christmas everyone

Merry Christmas to all ...

Merry Christmas all.

A belated Merry Christmas to all...

I hope you enjoyed your holiday season.

I'm looking forward to 2009.

Dont'cha just love it????

that cat is fat...Is he drinking lots of water ?...what him for diabetes...

Beautiful.

I hope everyone enjoyed a blessed Christmas, with a time to reflect on the gift our savior gave us.

Hi sis1968.

Welcome to the Christian Singles Forum.
I had a very blessed Christmas holiday and really am still celebrating with my kids home for the Christmas break. I can hardly wait for the New Year.

Here is a song that I meant to post on Christmas and didn't get around to it....love the song and music.

Mary Did You Know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U2G8wsbXBo&feature=related

Oh yeah, I did it! It is the first time I have done the hyperlink and I wasn't sure if I remembered the directions. Glory.

Just a note Telephone man, I really appreciate your comments.

You are a wonderful brother in Christ.