I know there are atheists, those of many different religions, and agnostics (to name a few) who are reading this. Being chronically ill has taught me many things, one of the most important being 'live and let others live.' Your beliefs are your own in every way. If you have a problem with my own then for goodness sake act like the adult you are and stop reading before you embarrass yourself. Getting angry over another person's belief, making derogatory comments (especially on Christmas Eve), and acting as though life can never be enjoyed because someone has Christ in their Christmas only amuses this chronically ill gal. I am not going to argue with you on such a wonderful day. I will, however, advise you to do something. Think. Leave behind your anger. Go be with the ones you love. Take it from me, life is precious. You don't have to believe in Christ's love or even the words Merry Christmas to understand what I say. Our time here is a gift so this holiday season use it wisely.
Every year I hear the Christmas story. When I was younger we would have to speak each of our own parts to the people listening. I always got a large part mainly because I had a habit of being very social and no fear of public speaking. My favorite, and typical spoken passages were always from Luke 2. Usually the first several verses as shared here:
Luke 2
New International Version (NIV)
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and
she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and
placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for
them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When
the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to
one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has told us about.”16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
You may wonder why I included the rest of the Christmas story. I did so because I find it one of the most beautiful sections in the New Testament. How wonderful to be able to actually experience the sight of the angels and hear their words in the midst of the night skies. I always wonder what it might have felt like to be there. To hear those words of good news and great joy.
For me Christmas is a time to think on the wonders of faith and the beauty of the 'good news.' I am so happy to be filled with the knowledge of a Savior who has come to save us. Yet sad in also knowing He will have to die for our sins to save us. Man. What a raw deal. I cannot fathom the love it would take to die for people who would rather kill you than hear what you have to say. The more I learn about people, the more I have to marvel at His sacrifice.
I could go on and on this Christmas Eve but alas, I have a lot to do yet today and little time before our Christmas service. So I will wish all of my readers a Very Merry Christmas and Wonderful New Year. No matter what you believe or don't believe I wish you all the very best this evening. Celebrate the precious gift of life and share your love with those around you. Don't wait for tomorrow when the words can be said today.
Lots of Christmas love,
L.Krause
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