Great Gift Idea - Under $1

‘Tis the Season

A harried woman with two small children and armloads of packages squeezes her way onto the crowded elevator at the mall. To no one in particular she remarks, “Whoever came up with this Christmas idea ought to be taken out and executed.” A quiet voice from the back of the elevator responded, “Don’t worry they already crucified Him!”

Why do we give presents at Christmas time anyway? Some will respond ‘tis the season’. Some might remind us of the pagan rituals surrounding the birth of the New Year at Winter Solstice.

‘Christians’ might respond with various replies. We are commemorating the birth of Christ. We are emulating the ‘Wise Men’ from the Bible who brought gifts to Christ. Some will relate the Christmas story of the birth of Christ and the angels, and the manger.

All of these are ‘correct’ answers. The truth is we DID co-opt ‘Christmas’ from pagan rituals. There have for many generations been peoples that celebrated the Winter Solstice, and rebirth of the New Year. The ‘Wise Men’ did bring gifts to the baby Jesus. God did give us a great gift in giving His Son to live among us.

Let us look at the ‘Christmas Story’.

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”” Luke 2:1-11

The real ‘gift’ of Christmas is in verse 11, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

God gave us a Savior. The ‘real’ Christmas gift is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is our Savior. John 3:16 explains, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Hebrews 10:10 & 12 tells us, “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,”

We rejoice at Christmas, that God gave us His Son to live among us… That was an awesome gift. Jesus Christ was a great teacher and philosopher. More than that, His death on the cross was the sacrifice for all our sins - forever.

While celebrating the birth of Christ, we should also recognize His greatest gift to us, eternal life for all who believe. Jesus Christ suffered an agonizing death to pay the penalty for our sins - so that we are judged righteous before God.

That is the true ‘PRICELESS’ gift of Christmas - yet it costs us less than $1. To receive this great gift, all we have to do is believe…

Christmas is an opportunity to receive the greatest gift ever given, and to share that gift freely with all our family and loved ones…

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

‘Twas the Night Jesus Came

Author Unknown*

‘Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house

Not a person was praying, not one in the house.

The Bibles were left on the shelf without care

For no one thought that Jesus would come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And mom in her rocker with baby in her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the east there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and lifted the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here!

The light of His face made me cover my head.

It was Jesus returning, just as He said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;

When He said “It’s not here.” my head hung with shame.

The people whose names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without a sound,

While the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;

I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.

I stood and cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh, If only I’d known that this was the night.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;

The coming of Jesus is now drawing near.

There’s only one life and when comes the last call,

We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!

* This poem came to me through one of my sisters. She in turn received it from a lady in nursing home named Myrtle. Myrtle identified the author only as her 'second daughter'.

What is Wrong With This Picture? A Public Service Announcement

Recently I received an ‘unsolicited’ email. It was not a ‘comment’ on one of my blogs, instead an email directly to me at my blog email address.

The writer (we will call him ‘Sam’) made a disturbing and heart wrenching appeal.

Sam claimed to be a Christian from Nigeria. He said he was ‘marooned’ in Morocco (a decidedly Muslim country). According to Sam, two years ago he illegally traveled across the Sahara desert some 1600 kilometers in an attempt to ‘immigrate’ to Spain.

However, upon reaching Morocco, Sam ran into some trouble. He did not have a passport, visa or any other form of identification. The Moroccan police, Moroccan nationals, and the Spanish civil guard of Melilla (a Spanish town on the Moroccan northern coast) constantly persecute him for his Christianity. He cannot find a Christian church, missionaries, or any other ‘Christian’ aide.

Sam begs for food and clothing. He begs ‘to sustain a living’, he says. He hides in the mountains when he can. He has been ‘captured’ by the police on numerous occasions and taken to the Sahara Desert to die.

Now, I am a bit of a skeptic. I wondered how a persecuted beggar had access to the internet, an email account (@yahoo.co.uk), and access to ‘search’ the internet for my email address. While I do not ‘hide’ my email address - it is not 'published' - one actually has to look for it. I also wondered why he was not deported. I wondered why Sam did not go to the Nigerian embassy. I also wondered why he did not seek asylum at the U.S. embassy, the U.K. embassy, or a church.

Sam responded to my query. First, as he was in the country illegally without identification, the Nigerian embassy told him to ‘go home’ the same way he got there. According to Sam, he is able to ‘sneak’ into a cyber-café when he ‘gets lucky’ begging so that he can use the internet.

Sam did not tell me why he did not go to any other embassy or why he did not seek assistance from any Christian or Catholic Church in Morocco (there actually are some). It ‘begs’ credulity though that an indigent man under constant persecution and ‘eking’ out without proper food, shelter or clothing could ‘sneak’ into a cyber-café to gain internet access… I decided to ask Sam what he wanted from me, since his initial request was to “see to my situation”. [By the way, the initial email was a ‘form’ email addressed to ‘brothers and sisters’ in the Lord.]

Sam does not want help finding fellow Christians in Morocco.
Sam does not want help finding a Christian or Catholic Church in Morocco.
Sam does not want help finding missionaries or Christian aide people in Morocco.
Sam does not want help finding any or getting sponsorship through any embassy in Morocco.

Sam wants MONEY! Sam not only wants money - he wants CASH!

Originally, Sam wanted help getting to Spain, but as the tableau unfolded through the emails, Sam wants to go home to Nigeria.

I wanted to know how Sam ‘wanted’ to get the ‘cash’. He responded that I could send him cash through Western Union. Now, as a skeptic, I investigated this. There were two ‘little’ problems with Sam’s request.
First, to receive money through Western Union, one must provide a picture ID. Oops, Sam has already told us that he does not have a passport or any ID… Sam was quick to respond with the name of a ‘Muslim friend’ who works in a bank, who will get the money for him.
Second, according to Western Union, a recipient of money can receive the money ANYWHERE in the world - as long as they have a proper ID and KNOW where the money is being sent. One does not have to BE where the money is being sent, only KNOW where it is being sent. [From the Western Union website: “You may pick up your money transfer at any Agent location. You will need to complete a "To Receive Money" form with the following information: name, address, amount expected”]

Skeptical, but still concerned, I asked Sam what the minimum amount of money he NEEDS to get wherever he is going. I offered Sam a choice of different amounts. Honestly, without too much surprise on my part, Sam chose the largest donation of $1000.

With very little research, one can discover that $1000 (U.S.) is MORE than the average Nigerian makes in a year, and HALF what the average Moroccan makes in a year…

With a little more research through Christian mission sites, one can discover that $1000 will repatriate four Jews to Israel from anywhere in Europe or the Former Soviet Union. $1000 can ‘buy’ freedom for up to ten slaves in parts of Chad and Sudan… $1000 can buy a well (clean water) for an entire village in Asia.

$1000 to help one criminal illegally cross international borders - seems a bit pricey - as well as un-Biblical.

Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

Sam, by going to Morocco without a passport, visa, or identification not only violated a half dozen international laws (making him legally a criminal) he violated Biblical law.

Now, Sam is a criminal. Whether or not he is a ‘scam artist’ which I believe he is is immaterial to his ‘criminal’ standing.

Further, Sam claims his persecution is because of his Christianity. I find no references in the Bible where those being persecuted for their faith requested monetary aid.

It is true that those who make a living serving the gospel should be fed by the church. 1 Corinthians 9:14 states, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” In other words, a church should support its preacher and its missionaries. Sam makes no claim to be a ‘missionary’.

Paul said of persecution, “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:19-21

Sam fits into one of three categories:
1. Sam is a Christian who made some bad (criminal) choices and fervently needs our prayers.
2. Sam is a Christian, having made some bad (criminal) choices. God is using that for His own glory, that Sam might preach the gospel to the Muslims in Morocco that persecute him. As such, he fervently needs our prayers.
3. Sam is a fraud artist or con artist feeding on the generosity and open hearts of Christians. As such, he fervently needs our prayers.

What Sam does not NEED is our money.

By the way, I found it ‘remarkable’ that Sam was, in our conversations so ‘lucky’. According to Sam, himself, when he was ‘lucky’ at begging, he could ‘sneak’ into a cyber-café to access the internet. Sam was indeed having a ‘good week’ since he answered eight emails within 12 hours each. In fact, our entire ‘conversation’ only took four calendar days. That is not bad for a ‘persecuted indigent beggar’. I also found it ‘passing’ strange that an Internet ‘savvy’ Nigerian would have such bad grammar, spelling, and specifically poor sentence structure - considering that English is the official language of Nigeria.

My ‘heart’ and prayers go out to ‘Sam’ regardless of whether he is a beggar or thief. I certainly can not support him financially.

This has been a ‘Public Service Announcement’ from Unchained Slave.

******************************
December 17 UPDATE:
Sam has maintained his 'indigence' claims - stating further that he had no Bible and the rocks, trees and animals were his 'only' friends.

I did a 'Google' search and found a Christian Church in Morocco. This church has an outreach program aimed at 'Nigerian Immigrants' (both legal & illegal). They were willing to help Sam with food, clothing, shelter & legalizing his status. They were also willing to accept financial aid for Sam to assist him in either getting to Europe or getting home to Nigeria.

I provided this information to Sam.

Sam responded that 'after re-reading all my emails' he would rely on God alone to meet his needs and would not contact me anymore...

As of this date, Sam has not contacted the relief organization.

If Sam (or anyone else) contacts you requesting financial aid under such dire circumstances, I suggest you investigate the circumstances and exercise caution.

AS 'Cleopas' noted in the 'comments', internet fraud scams are a large 'industry' in Nigeria.

Rednecks...

Another email came that seems 'fit to print'. It is an 'American' email. The original author is unknown, however; Special thanks to Jeff Foxworthy for starting the "You Might Be a Redneck If..." comedy routine.


We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya' are...

You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."

You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if: You still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."

You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.

You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

You might be a redneck if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag.

You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.

You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.



God Bless the USA!


I guess I'm just another redneck...

Reason For the Season

Someone sent me this letter. I thought I'd share it with you. The postscript suggests that I do.

Dear loved ones
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 do not 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 was not 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 did not 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 grand 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 your 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 invite, will be left outside.
Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.

See you soon.
I Love you!
Jesus

P.S.
Please share this message with your loved ones, before Christmas


Please consider the options - a great feast and everlasting love and peace - or eternal separation from a God that loves you so much He sent His son to die for you!