“What would you like this Christmas?” This would probably never be anyone's answer, but quite frankly, it should be every Christian's answer. And that answer is to do what most Christians should have been doing but haven't been doing - God's works.
Realistically, what percentage of Christians are carrying on the works of Jesus? Let's see now. Would it be high? Or would it be low? Without question it's low. How low? A good guess would be in the 20 percent range. There's just too many people who don't embrace ideals Jesus strived for.
Take for instance the treatment of the least of our brethren. Instead of it being improved over the years, it's gotten worse. And Jesus, adamantly stated that as we treat the least of our brethren, so we have treated him.
It's mind-boggling how this doesn't seem to penetrate everyone, especially those in government who time and again, with reckless abandon, completely ignore the plight of the less fortunate and turn their attention totally towards those of power and wealth. How despicably un-Christian and morally, ethically, scrupulously deplorable. Yet, year in and year out there is no public outrage to let government know it's not right.
So where does the blame fall? On everyone who calls himself/herself a Christian. Christians should never be lax when it comes to bringing God's ideals to fruition. The sharing the fruits from the Tree of Life was very important in God's Master Plan for all of his children. It was as important as not eating of the one forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve didn't listen and for not doing so, there was hell to pay.
As Christians we should know right from wrong. We can't keep making up excuses for time and again not obeying God's commands. Christmas should be a time to keep all of our thinking patterns totally aligned to those of Jesus Christ. We need to stop putting God last and ourselves first. That's reality.
Murray Lynch
Auburn
Take for instance the treatment of the least of our brethren. Instead of it being improved over the years, it's gotten worse. And Jesus, adamantly stated that as we treat the least of our brethren, so we have treated him.
It's mind-boggling how this doesn't seem to penetrate everyone, especially those in government who time and again, with reckless abandon, completely ignore the plight of the less fortunate and turn their attention totally towards those of power and wealth. How despicably un-Christian and morally, ethically, scrupulously deplorable. Yet, year in and year out there is no public outrage to let government know it's not right.
So where does the blame fall? On everyone who calls himself/herself a Christian. Christians should never be lax when it comes to bringing God's ideals to fruition. The sharing the fruits from the Tree of Life was very important in God's Master Plan for all of his children. It was as important as not eating of the one forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve didn't listen and for not doing so, there was hell to pay.
As Christians we should know right from wrong. We can't keep making up excuses for time and again not obeying God's commands. Christmas should be a time to keep all of our thinking patterns totally aligned to those of Jesus Christ. We need to stop putting God last and ourselves first. That's reality.
Murray Lynch
Auburn
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karl L wrote on Dec 28, 2007 7:29 PM:
Leon Kapowski wrote on Dec 28, 2007 12:04 PM:
coach7811 wrote on Dec 27, 2007 5:31 PM:
auburndan wrote on Dec 27, 2007 1:55 PM:
I am looking for the meaning in your letter, as a Christian I am lost trying to figure what I have done wrong. Your message as written seems to be one of placing blame for the current state of those less fortunate ( “the treatment of the least of our brethren”) on the Christians. You said and I quote “So where does the blame fall? On everyone who calls himself/herself a Christian.”
From there you create an arbitrary 20% of “Good Christians” and continue with ramblings about non specific topics ranging from the government to Adam and Eve. Perhaps there is more history to your letter that I am missing.
I believe your attempt here was to shed light on the fact that Christians should be remembering the “reason for the season” and keeping “Christ in Christmas.” These days of political correctness, we have allowed the fear of offending others let the true meaning of Christmas become clouded.
Perhaps Mr. Lynch your message would be better received if it were stated as a reminder for self reflection - did you remember the reason for the season?
This message is one brought to us most eloquently 60 years ago in the movie The Bishops Wife – 1947. I think it is a great message of reflection that reminds us why we do what we do - without the finger pointing. And wouldn’t it be great if we could remember that message everyday, not just at Christmas time. Here is the message…
“Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking. Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child’s cry. A blazing star hung over a stable and wise men came with birthday gifts.
We haven’t forgotten that night down the centuries; we celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, the sound of bells and with gifts. But especially with gifts. You give me a book; I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry could do with a new pipe.
We forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled…all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It’s his birthday we are celebrating. Don’t ever let us forget that.
Let us ask ourselves what he would wish for most…and then let each put in his share; loving-kindness, warm hearts and the stretched out hand of tolerance, all the shining gifts that make peace on earth.”
For those who may have forgotten, I am sure your local catholic charities, Christmas Elf, or other community program would welcome your thoughtfulness throughout the holiday season and on through the New Year.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas
"
DD wrote on Dec 27, 2007 11:22 AM: