The Virtual Pew: A Country Christmas

I think every year I dream about spending Christmas in one of two locations. Either at the ocean with family, or better yet, in a small town, in a mountainous location with lots of snow and that Christmas spirit we see in the Rockwell tradition.

You know the photos of that tradition don't you, snow covered scenes, horse drawn carriages, and Christmas decorations every place you turn. I don't know why this appeals to me, but from the number of photographs, and movies where I have seen this scene, I know I am not the only one.

Despite the desire to see and spend Christmas in a location like this, I am reminded by the fact that Jesus was born in an inner city, among the poorest of the poor while his family was in Bethlehem filling out the census for the Roman Empire. That association with the city, and the poor would never leave Jesus.

Jesus had a deep appealing love for the city and the poor. In fact, the majority of his ministry was within this area. There are lessons we can learn from that association as we look at the birth of the Savior during this Holiday Season.

While we long to escape from the cities, and the turmoil of life to celebrate Christ's birth, there are many who will have no escape except for the seasonal meal or seasonal gift that someone or some organization may provide. The sad thing is, that for the majority of those living in poverty within the cities across America, Christmas ends on Christmas morning because the joyful spirit of giving is gone. Up next is a refocus on the new year and with that comes alcohol consumption and a refocus on the selfish nature that many have.

Yet, Jesus Christ lived a life among the people that many considered untouchable. He gave, and gave, and loved to the point of death. It is that Savior that came to be born as a babe, to give and love, even those who were considered by society as unlovable. He forwent personal pleasure to make sacrifice and offers of love.

What can we learn from the example of Jesus? I would hope that we all learn the importance of at least taking time to love those whom Jesus loved, not just at Christmas but all year round. To give and show what we consider love one time a year is in fact not love, it is a tease. This is a tease to the poor and needy that in reality does far more harm than good. If the intent of that one time a year gift is for good, rethink the position. Find a ministry like The Virtual Pew that attempts to do good. Realize though, that even here, we have our own specialized area. There are other ministries that do more in certain areas than we do. I say that because who you give to and who you support is among you and God. I will say though, that it isn't just money that organizations need, it is acts of service and volunteerism.

Today's videos are going to look at some of the old fashioned Christmas ideas that are associated with nature, i.e. location in particular. It may be a Yogi Bear Christmas because of the nature and mountains, it may be a song that brings back Christmas memories. In all of that though, reflect on the Christmases and birthdays that Jesus lived. Think about who he served, and then find a way to live that life and celebrate its meanings this Christmas

Now before we get to the videos today, hopefully everyone will remember to pass the blogs along to your friends. The Christmas Special blogs from TVP can help a lot of people. You can show them what we are doing by Clicking Here at this Link. They can see various topics and see about the ultimate video blog that will be posted later in the week, certainly prior to the first of next week. They can also get in the Christmas Spirit by Clicking Here and reading about The Virtual Pew and our Christmas giving options.

Now for those that don't know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew they will be on the right hand side of the page. If visiting MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there.

Now we also want to remind you that you can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page scroll down to the left hand side of the page where you sill see our store. Your purchases through our Amazon store provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you don't see something on the page to buy, you can click on the search engine for the store, (don't put anything in the search box at this time) and you will then be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully as you shop for Christmas you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew and/or at the very least shop our store. The items on the store page are highly recommended.

Now prior to checking out the videos for the day, here is that information, contact and contribution information regarding The Virtual Pew. Again, thanks for visiting, have a Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate. Just remember though, from The Virtual Pew, we wish you a Merry Christmas.

Contact and Giving InformationOh Yea, here is that contact information again.

The Virtual Pew

P.O. Box 17731

Wichita, KS 67217

Or you van give on line via Pay Pal at: http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html

To become a part of The Virtual Pew, visit, http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ To learn more about me visit http://www.furches.org/ I am also active on MySpace at: http://www.myspace.com/mikefurches I have another blog at http://blog.myspace.com/mikefurches To visit the Hollywood Jesus group at MySpace with membership by numerous Hollywood Jesus reviewers visit: http://groups.myspace.com/hollywoodjesus For a more in depth weekly study and conversation you an visit: http://virtualpewsermon.blogspot.com/ where you can access deeper teaching and ultimately videos for viewing and teaching. You can also subscribe to the newsletter at http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ or see the newsletter on line at http://thevirtualpewnews.blogspot.com/ You can also sign up for the free newsletter from The Virtual Pew by visiting the main page for The Virtual Pew, or you can see the newsletters online by visiting this web site: http://thevirtualpewnews.blogspot.com/ You can contact me via email at mike@furches.org or mike@thevirtualpew.com For those interested in knowing more about my own story, contact me for a free e-copy of my book The Keystone Kid in pre-edit form.

Kenny G Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas