Rockingham
Remembered
The Christmas Page
My Birthday's Almost
Here
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 don't 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 wasn't 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 didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I
wasn't 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 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 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 the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody
remembers me.

I would like this Christmas to know that you will allow me to enter into your life.

I would like you to 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 you to 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