Hello everyone,
Only 2 days left before we celebrate CHRISTmas day! (19) So to this day, rural Jews living in unwalled villages celebrate an annual festival and holiday in the late winter, when they rejoice and send gifts to each other. (20) Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to the Jews near and far, throughout all the king's provinces, (21)encouraging them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. (22)He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts to each other and to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.
We tend to have short memories when it comes to God's faithfulness. To help counter this, Mordecai wrote down these events and encouraged an annual holiday to commemorate the historic days of Purim. Jews still celebrate Purim today. Celebrations of feasting, gladness, and gift giving are important ways to remember God's specific acts. Today the festivities at Christmas and Easter help us remember the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Please don't let the celebration of the exchanging of gifts hide the meaning of these great events. Let me suggest that you present a gift to a loved one in Jesus name!! Before opening your gifts, go around in a circle asking each person to share why they are thankful! God Bless you and yours as you celebrate His birth!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
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