My Birth and its Celebration

My People, I did not choose the palace of Herod to be born, but a despicable stable, smelling of manure. This was the will of My Father to show humility, even though I am a King.

I chose a feeding trough for My bed, and never rested in the beautiful one crafted for Me by Joseph. I chose to live on the run and bear the persecution criminals endure for their misdeeds. From the manger to the Cross, I made Myself the lowliest among men, to teach you the safest route to holiness. Such humble surroundings, such great glory.

My People, there is nothing wrong with a little celebration and honouring My birth, though the dates be askew, and it has been a sweet tradition around the world. But through the centuries it has become so corrupted that children don't even know the meaning of Christmas or where it comes from. It has become an excuse for unbridled spending and going into debt so that the things that really need your resources suffer and you must work double hours to make up for what you spent.  Understand that this time of the year is loaded like a spring bear trap to slam your foot into debt and tie you down with obligations you will have to struggle to meet for the rest of the year. I have stood by and watched the tremendous waste of time, money and resources to honour worldly customs and carnal appetites but know that to Me, the sweetest thing you can do to commemorate My birth is to take care of those who have no one to take care of them, in My Name.

Satan is behind this, as in all sins of the flesh. I wish for you all to be smarter than your adversary. I am not pleased with you going into debt in My Name. Rather, I would love to see you stay very simple and focused on My Birth. Doing little things with your children to make My Birth a memorable occasion, not joining hands with the harlot and turning it into an occasion of sin.

This is the time of year when families are spending lavish amounts of money on toys and trinkets for their children and friends. Yet when they stand before Me, they will be naked, because they did not provide for the poor. They did not prepare their hearts for My coming. Dear ones, Christmas is not fulfilled with a lavishly decorated tree replete with boxes and boxes of presents. That is NOT Christmas. That is unbridled avarice and indifference to the needs of the poor among you. Does not My Word repeat over and over again that I protect those who take care of the poor? Yet, My people are so worldly-minded that they think feasting and gift giving is what Christmas is all about. May I say, dear ones... Have you ever looked at My manger and wondered, 'What was God thinking when He sent His only Begotten Son to Earth in a filthy stable?' Are you thinking how quaint that was? No, My people. This was not a quaint presentation of My Incarnation. Rather, it was an example for you to live a simple life that honours God, and not men. Everything I accomplished was done in avoidance of impressing or enlisting the support of the wealthy. Rather, I presented you with the greatest gift ever given to man, and did it without ostentation, pomp, and worldly splendour. This should tell you how to celebrate My Birth and how best to honour Me.

Your culture is eaten up with the cancer of avarice, greed and self-gratification. Those who have chosen to live holy lives must demonstrate something different. If anyone is to understand the significance of My Birth, I want them to know that I care, I am looking in on them, I remembered them, and I love them. Give this kind of gift to the poor and you will satisfy My Heart.

As for your own family's celebration of Christmas, make Me the focal point. Use an advent calendar and pray special prayers each day in preparation for My coming. Bring a Baby Jesus doll for them to hold and retell the story of My Birth. There are many precious graces during this feast. They enrich the soul and bring the children nearer to Me. Gather together and sing songs and tell stories that bring out the true meaning of Christmas. Do not hearken to the naysayers who criticize this time of the year. There is much grace released from Heaven during this season if it is handled properly, with the right heart, and avarice and greed have not entered in. For instance, the plays that are re-enacted at churches are wonderful for telling the real meaning behind the season. Do you know, My angels are present at those events to bring a sweetness and conviction, that a child will never forget? And even the adults are being drawn to Me. How glorious it is to see hearts changed as they ponder My incarnation.

Oh, there are so many graces to be had when you sincerely celebrate My birth, dear ones! Make this time all about Me, not money and presents. Remember to give and serve the poor--passing out socks and mufflers to the homeless, bringing them hot coffee and rolls, and boxes of food for poor families. Raise the whole tone of Christmas in your lives to one of giving, not receiving and I will attend to your spiritual needs as you become more and more pleasing to Me, showing the world what My Incarnation was truly about.