Happy Birthday, Jesus

Sometimes holiday times can be stressful, but try to put all that aside and be happy that Jesus came to earth to die for our sins. It is a joyous time to celebrate Jesus' birth and the reason why He came which was to die and give us eternal life with Him. Stop and take the time to thank the Lord and give Him your life today. Our family each Christmas has a little box on our Christmas tree for Jesus. We each write on a slip of paper what gift we want to give to the Lord for the year. It can be anything from praying more, reading the Bible more often, trying to serve Him more, being more positive in life, or whatever you want to do to change your life that would please God. I encourage you all to try the same thing. It is wonderful to give God a gift after everything that He does for us each day. Here is another sad, but true poem.

                  Happy Birthday, Jesus by Donald Arey Sr.

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                      I had a birthday party, most everybody came. They danced and ate and had a ball
But no one spoke My name.
They gave each other presents, as nice as they could be.
People came from far and near, But no one mentioned Me.
The stores were filled with shoppers,
The restaurants crowded out,
But no one seemed to really know what the party was about.
They talked about a reindeer. I think Rudolph was his name.
Then someone mentioned "Jesus"
And they hung their heads in shame.
You see, it was My birthday. They didn't even know.
That is why from heaven My heart is grieving so.
I came to earth from heaven on that first Christmas day--
Born in a lowly manger From sin to show the way.
I died one day on Calvary, on a cruel Roman cross
To save a world of sinners From a life of awful loss.
When you next have a party, with presents, friends and tree,
Remember Me, your Savior Whose birth has set you free.
-- Jesus
PS: I am coming again soon.

Why Jesus is Better than Santa Claus

This is a poem I found many years ago and I really enjoy reading during Christmas time. Hope you all enjoy it and take the the time to read this wonderful poem.                   Why Jesus is Better than Santa Claus Santa lives at the North Pole... JESUS is everywhere. Santa rides in a sleigh... JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. Santa comes but once a year... JESUS is an ever present help. Santa fills your stockings with goodies... JESUS supplies all your needs. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited... JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited. You have to wait in line to see Santa... JESUS is as close as the mention of His name. Santa lets you sit on his lap... JESUS lets you rest in His arms. Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"... JESUS knew our name before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly... JESUS has a heart full of love. All Santa can offer is HO HO HO... JESUS offers health, help and hope. Santa says "You better not cry"... JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you." Santa's little helpers make toys... JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle but... JESUS gives you joy that is your strength. While Santa puts gifts under your tree... JESUS became our gift and died on a tree... the cross. We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).

Blessings from God...

Another semester has gone by for me at EIU. All my finals are finished. Praise the Lord! I am so thankful for all that the Lord has allowed and helped me through. I know if it were not for Him I would definitely not be where I am today. There were a few times where I just felt like giving up, but the Lord gave me the strength I needed. He placed wonderful people in my life to where I was able to make it through my school. I am grateful for all the people who encouraged me in many ways and also for my friends who were there to help me understand all the information in my subjects. I am very happy to have this Christmas break. Remember to be thankful for what Jesus did as we celebrate Christmas because He is the true reason for the season. If it were not for Him coming to be born of a virgin and then dying for us on the cross we would not have the gift of eternal life in Heaven with Him. This is something to rejoice about and spread the good news to everyone.
Be blessed and encouraged!