true meaning of christmas..

with the frenzy of life and all the tv ads and everything, the true meaning of christmas is more than often, forgotten.. i have to admit, even i forget it some times and get into the mad rush with the rest of the world... here's something i received this christmas:

as you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. every year there is a celebration in my honour and i think that this year this celebration will be repeated. during this time, there are many people sjopping 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 honour. 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 honour and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. the party was for me, but when the 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 surprised me because in the last few years, all closed their doors to me. since i wasn't invited, i decided to enter the party without making much 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 have 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 was in his honour.

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. how would you feel if on your birthday, everyone shared gifts and you did not get one? i then understood that i was unwanted at that party and left quietly.

every year it gets worse. people only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. i would like this chirstmas to be such that you allow me to enter into your life. i would like that you recognise the fact that almost 2000 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...
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here's wishing you all a great CHRISTMAS... even as you celebrate this joyous occasion and soak in the yuletide mood, take time and remember the true meaning of christmas... frohe weihnachten!!