Well as you know, it's time for my birthday again. Last year, they had a really big party for me and it seems like they will again this year. After all they've been shopping and preparing for it for months now, and there have been announcements and advertisements almost every day about how soon it's coming! They really do go overboard about it, but it's nice to know that at least on one day of the year some people are thinking about me a little.
You know, it's been many years now since they first started celebrating my birthday. Back then they seemed to realize and appreciate how much fun it is for the little children. Just the same, it seems that most folks are missing the point of it all. Like last year, for example, when my birthday came around, they threw a big party, but can you believe it? I wasn't even invited!
Imagine! The guest of honor, and they forgot all about me? Here they had begun preparing for the festivities months in advance, but when the big day came, I was left out in the cold?
Well, it happened so many times in recent years, I wasn't even surprised. Even though I wasn't invited, I thought I'd just quietly slip in anyway. So I came in and stood off to the side. Everyone was drinking, laughing and having a grand time, when all of a sudden in came this fat fellow in a bright red suit, wearing a phony white beard and shouting, "Ho Ho Ho!". He looked like he had more than enough to drink. When he collapsed into a big armchair, all the little children went running over to him excitedly yelling, "Santa! Santa!". I mean, you'd have thought he was the guest of honor and the whole holiday was just for him.
Finally I just had to leave. I walked out the door. It was no surprise that no one even noticed that I had gone. As I walked down the street afterward, I felt about as lonely and forlorn as a stray dog? I could not remember the last time I'd felt that low. Maybe you don't think I cry??The little manger scene you put in the corner of your living room is really touching! It's good that people commemorate my birthday like that. Did you know that nowadays, in some countries, the authorities won't even allow manger scenes to be placed in parks, streets, or public place anymore! Not to mention their schools! I'm not talking about Communist countries! I'm talking about the good, old USA. Imagine! What could be more innocent than a manger scene to remind people of my birthday? Yet it is banned! They've actually passed laws against it and made it illegal! What's this world coming to?
Another thing that amazes me is how, on my birthday, instead of giving me presents, most people give gifts to each other! And to top it all off, it's usually all kinds of stuff they don't even need! Let me ask you, wouldn't you find it odd if when your birthday came along, all your
friends decided to celebrate it by giving each other presents and never gave you a thing?
Someone once told me, "Well, it's because you're not around like other people are, so how can we give you a present?? You know my answer to that one: Then give gifts of food and clothing to the poor, help those who need it. Go visit the lonely! Any gift you give to your needy fellow man, I'll count as if you gave it to me personally! (See Matthew25:34-40)
It reminds me of what happened recently to a friend of mine, a sweet elderly fellow. He's from the poorer side of town, and he's been trying unsuccessfully for years to join the church. It was a very exclusive church for the proper kind of folks, and they just did not think he was good enough to be a member. I found him one day sitting by the church steps with his head on his hands bowed. I asked him what was wrong. He told me about it. I put my arm around his shoulder and told him I knew just how he felt. I've been wanting to enter that same church for twenty years and they've never let me in either!
Well there is an end even to my patience. So I'm going to let you in on a secret. Now, this is something I've been planning on doing for quite sometime. I'll have my own party! How about that? It's going to be the most fantastic feast you could possibly imagine! It might not happen this year, but I'm sending out the invitations now. I know you'll want to come. There is going to be room for billions, for everyone who wants to come! Some really famous old timers and celebrities are going to be there and I'll reserve you a seat of honor right with them! (Mat. 8:11)
So hold on to your hat because when everything is ready, I'm going to spring it as a big surprise!
Many people are going to be left out in the cold because they did not answer my invitation. Let me know right away if you'd like to come. I'll reserve you a place and write your name in large golden letters in my great big Guest Book!
Had only about 3 hours of sleep today. Went early to church to serve 1st service. Now, it's coming 4th service and I'm still around. Am really stoned!
Praise God that I actually sat in throughout 1st service. His word really ministered to me. Peace, not just any peace or world peace but rather the shalom peace. God was actually preparing me to face the answer from her. I was rejected but thank God that we still remain as good friends with a mutual understanding of each other. Sad, but somehow had the kind of peace inside me. Thank You, Abba! I rely on Your grace and wisdom more and more as each day comes. Yes Lord, it's You who cause me to be righteous before You. It's not my good works that make me righteous. Thank You, Abba!
Just got back! had a enjoyable and wonderful time celebrating New Year at Sam's place. Most of the reccomers were there and they brought food for the BBQ too. I brought apple and durian strudel. Watched a DVD movie after that. So funny! It's a corny and lame movie but everyone was enjoying the show. We were watching "White Chicks".
At last, my bookshelf is delivered to me. Praise God! They called just the minute I was about to step out of my house. If not, I would have to come back again from Sam's place and back again to the BBQ. Now, am comtemplating if I should to DIY the bookshelf now coz I'll be serving 1st and 2nd service this morning.
Oh, Abba, I pray that Your favour be upon me! You know my desires for this year forth. It has been fulfilled by You, Abba. In Jesus name, AMEN!
