setup: [E-Mail Ministry] Remember My Birthday?

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REMEMBER MY BIRTHDAY?

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is
a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be
repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there
are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world
everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think
of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At
first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for
them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the
celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they
don't know the meaning of the celebration.

I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner
table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and
chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many
beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't
invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an
invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left
outside, they closed the door in my face......... and I wanted to be with
them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the
last few years all close their doors to me.

Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any
noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were
some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were
having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red
wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed
drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying : "Santa
Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor !

At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other ; I extended my arms
waiting for someone to hug me and .... do you know .... no one hugged me.
Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with
great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe,
there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody
shared gifts and you did not get one ? I then understood that I was unwanted
at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts,
the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you
allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact
that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for
you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this
with all you heart.

I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party,
I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever
imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.
Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you.
I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you
and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those
on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the
invitation, will be left outside. Do you know how you can answer this
invitation? it is by extending it to others whom you care for... I'll be
waiting for all of you to attend my party this year...

See you soon .... I love you !

-- Author Unknown

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