Christmas Wishes in a tough economy

[King Fisher]

I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas. With the state of our economy, this has been a tough year. To those that are collecting food stamps, on or trying to get unemployment, can't find a job. Man...I feel your pain. But God told us he would take care of the birds in the air(Matt 6:26), so why then wouldn't he take care of us. I have to remind myself everyday of God's promises. I have to admit, I have put Him in a box and really limit what I think He can or will do sometimes. In Heb 12:7, we are told to endure hardship. When you can't give to your own children presents for Christmas, it is tough to endure and be joyous. But we are told to be joyous in ALL things. 1 Thes 5:16 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I just wanted to remind everyone(including myself), that it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas and go down the wrong road. This year we are making some gifts and our family knows it will be a very small Christmas(as far as gifts go). But I believe it can be a great Christmas if we celebrate the true meaning.

Some things that were recommended to me in past years are to give to others of your time and what recources you have. Volunteer at a food shelter, help a neighbor with yardwork(if they will let you), ring a bell for salvation army, invite a neighbor to Christmas Eve service. That is what it really is about, giving as Christ gave Himself to us. If we focus inward on our own situations, it is hard to give. So I have to really work at serving others. It is tough sometimes. I hope this comes across the right way, I just want to encourage those that are going through trials.

I know it is hard right now. I have been getting together with some guys on Wednesdays that are looking for work. And we are going to continue to meet every Wednesday at noon in Beaverton. PM me if you want to come.
We are doing some job skills, scripture, and prayer, oh yeah, food too!

I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

[CATCH AND EAT]

I know you have had plent of experience with this economy and I have too. But I am not letting it dampen my Christmas experience. I may complain and snivel about many things but the thing I am thankful for most is my family and the support they give me. Curveballs in life are not very fun but we do eventually learn how to smack them out of the park or at least get a base hit. Gotta stay positive.

Merry Christmas.

[djb]

Originally Posted by King Fisher

I just wanted to remind everyone(including myself), that it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas and go down the wrong road. This year we are making some gifts and our family knows it will be a very small Christmas(as far as gifts go). But I believe it can be a great Christmas if we celebrate the true meaning.

That was my prayer at church this morning. This has been a tighter holiday for my family. Although we have been very blessed, I have let the stresses of work and the economy affect my thoughts. It is very easy to get sidetracked. My prayer today was that God would allow the birth of my Savior to be very real to me this season. That I would not allow the "weeds" to choke out the Reason for the Season.