Exceptional Jesus on Prime Time? East To West by Janilou      Contest Winner  Merry Christmas, everyone. He loves you. Dedicated to Casting Crowns, Dan & Joan Shannon & my friends, Randy & Sandi Stonehill.

Category:  Spiritual Fiction   Posted:  December 8, 2007      Views: 1552

ABOUT JANILOU  Janilou is a woman who loves God. Much of her work reflects her faith. Christian music often inspires her work. She is honored to have been named FanStory's Short Works Author Of The Year, in 2007 and 2008, and thanks all of her wonderful fans for the ranking. Their comments and support are her inspiration! She writes whenever her dairy goats allow her to escape the milking barn. If she's not on FanStory, you might find her on Facebook, using her real name, Jan Anderegg. Quote Of The Day: "Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight: Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary." Sir James M Barrie She has won several contests. The contest submission Death By Taxes was the first place winner in the contest . Boys Will Be Boys was the first place winner in the contest . Twas The Night Before - Say What? was the first place winner in the contest . She is a top ranked author and is currently holding the #41 position. The Seal of Quality committee has rewarded her with 2 seals. Portfolio | Become A Fan Background Music The reporter tucked a wisp of stray hair behind her ear and glanced at the cameraman, who stood poised, ready to begin shooting. "Three minutes!" someone called across the room. "Are you ready, sir?" she asked the tall man sitting opposite her on the leather sofa. Swallowing hard, she added, "Is it all right if I call you sir?" The warmth of the man's smile penetrated her soul, as he replied, "Of course, Karen. Please don't be nervous." Exhaling in relief, Karen leaned closer. "It's just that I'm, well, I'm not used to having you around, if you know what I mean, like, in person." Sadness flitted across his eyes like a tinge of color over a darkening sky just before the sun goes down.  It vanished so quickly, Karen wondered if she'd imagined it. She considered herself a Christian. She went to church, and even attended bible study with her friends. Lately, she'd grown tired of the bickering that seemed to exist in every church she attended, especially since her divorce.  But sitting face-to-face with Jesus? She didn't know where to put all the feelings raging in her chest. Twenty minutes earlier, the receptionist called back from the front desk to inform them Jesus had arrived in the lobby and wanted five minutes of air-time. The anchor room rocked with laughter. Barry, the shift supervisor advised Kim to call security, to which she'd replied, "Mr  Dayton, it really is Jesus. He turned the roses on my desk into orchids. Then he waved His hand and a rainbow appeared in the lobby, sir.  All He is asking for is five minutes on live television. I think you'd better give it to Him." A few minutes later, an astounded station manager walked onto the set and introduced Karen to Jesus. "One minute to live broadcast," the voice called out. "Why television? Why East to West Coast television?" Karen asked, as she straightened her notes. "No offense, Jesus, but you don't need a television camera to appear before the entire nation, or even the world. If they could just see you, everyone would believe." "That is my point exactly, dearheart. I'm not here to reach the unbelievers today, no matter where they live, here, or overseas." "We're on the air!" the crew called out, and Karen whirled to face the camera. "Good morning to our viewers on this snowy Christmas Eve from ETWC Television - your station for all the news, coast to coast. Amazing doesn't seem adequate to describe our guest in the studio this morning. Jesus Christ, yes, the real Jesus Christ is here with us. He appeared in our building about twenty minutes ago and asked if we would allow Him to share a message today, on the eve of His birthday.  After He performed a few quick miracles, we were left in no doubt as to the authenticity of our guest, and here He is. Welcome, Jesus." Jesus leaned forward and smiled. "Thank you, Karen. It is wonderful to be here." "It's Christmas Eve here in the United States and over two thousand years after You were born, here You are with us today." "I am. I have a very important message for my followers. Do you have some questions for me, first, child?" "Yes, sir. These days, we have 'holiday' trees instead of 'Christmas' trees. Are you offended by the fact people no longer seem to want You in Christmas?" "I made all the trees. Let them call them whatever they please. You can decorate your home with wild daisies and fruit trees for Christmas if you wish. Every living thing should remind them of me. They are all my handiwork. It makes no difference what you call the truth. It remains the same." "We have a beautiful, uh, C-Christmas tree outside the station." "Yes, it's glorious. I saw it when I arrived," Jesus said. "It reminds me of the one we placed by the gates of heaven." "You have a Christmas tree in heaven?" "Of course. The angels decorate it with the stars from the sky and comets take turns streaming down to provide the tinsel." Karen fought the desire to close her eyes and imagine the sight. Glancing at her lap, she continued, "We received a petition in the mail this morning, demanding that we use the words Merry Christmas, and not Happy Holidays at this station. It's signed by over 1000 pastors, priests, and believers. What is your opinion, Jesus?" Taking the petition in His hand, Jesus sighed. "My children. Instead of wasting your time writing letters of protest and anger, pick up your pen and write to a soldier. Thousands of them are alone in countries far from their own homes.  They are lonely and sometimes afraid. I know, because they tell me all the time." "Jesus, the lines are flooding with calls. Roger, from Vermont, wants to know who he should vote for in the upcoming elections." Jesus laughed. "I say, vote for the person you believe in. The one you feel will make a difference. Then, no matter who wins, write to them once they are elected. Let them know they are loved and supported, regardless of their political persuasion. Treat them with the respect, integrity and honor you expect them to deliver to your nation. Tell them you are praying for them and their family, and be sure you do so!  My Father said it would be lovely to hear from you again." "Amy, from New York, wants to know how much she should give to the poor," Karen said, as one of her colleagues placed another sheet of paper in her hand. "Amy, precious one, next week, on your day off, go visit that nursing home down the street, and ask the staff to put you in touch with one of the patients there who never gets visitors. Her name is Mrs. Gordon and she has no family left. There is no need to tell her I sent you. She already knows. She asked me last night." The studio door swung open, and a warning bell rang in the background. A child ran across the room to Jesus, followed by two uniformed men. Lifting the eager child onto His knee, Jesus looked at the camera, beaming with love. The security guards stopped, puffing, as they tried to catch their breath. Jesus continued, hugging the grinning child. "Parents, stop nagging your children. When you take out all your stress on them, you wound their hearts. Get off their backs! Get on their team. Lead them by example and love them, like I love you. If you know a single parent, support them. Not just this season, but all through the year. My Father wasn't kidding when He told you children are a blessing." "What about Santa Claus, Jesus? Fred from Washington asks if you're offended by the old man in the red suit?" "Offended by Santa? The one who spends his entire existence giving gifts in celebration of my birthday and wishing people a Merry Christmas? Santa Claus brings joy to the hearts of children and adults everywhere. I wish my followers would spend their efforts trying to be a little more like Santa instead of putting him down." Jesus' eyes shone as He spoke. "Stop being so easily offended and start giving from your hearts. It doesn't matter what people call this holiday or a tree, or whether they remember the reason for the celebration. What matters is what they see when they look at my children, the believers who love me." Karen held up a sheet of gold-colored parchment. "Speaking of believers, here is one that just arrived, hand delivered from one of your pastors, Jesus. He wants you to come to his church tonight. He says, if only the people could see You for themselves, they would believe and turn from their sin. He is tired of their unbelief and errant ways." Jesus looked into the camera. "Pastor, why don't they see me when they look at you?" He wiped away a tear. "If my  love was the first thing people found when they came to church, they would be beating down your door." He kissed the child's hair. The child slipped down and, giving a little wave, walked over to the door. Jesus waved back and smiled. "Children don't need lots of fancy presents. Give them the gift of your time this Christmas and you will give them a gift that lasts forever in their hearts. As you read them the story of my birth, remind them of the reason I came in the first place - because I love them so much." "Jesus, this woman wants to know if her son is with you, up in heaven." "Stephen? Of course he is there! He sent a message of his own along with me, because my Father told him you'd been asking." Jesus reached inside His robe and pulled out a note in the shape of a heart. Clearing His throat, He read,  'Dear Mom and Dad,  I love you so much. Please don't worry about me, and don't be sad. Life is not over when we leave Earth - it is just the beginning. Heaven is the most wonderful place in the entire universe. There is no pain here, no suffering, no fear or loneliness. I miss you, but it's kind of like when I was a little boy waiting for Christmas. I know the day is coming and I can't wait to see you, but even the waiting is exciting and fun.  God let me see you the other day through His eyes and you looked so sad. Please don't be sad, Mom, Dad. It's only for a little while and when you arrive here, we will never be apart again. Love your son, Stephen Jesus held the note above His head. It transformed into a snow-white dove, and with three wing beats, it vanished. Tears streaming down her face, Karen held out her hand. "Please, go on, Jesus. The switchboards are jammed, but I think You already know everyone's questions." "Reach out to those who are hurting and lonely. Stand by your friends, even when everyone else walks away. Wish someone a Merry Christmas, even if they can't wish you one in return."  Jesus stood. "Most of all, I want you to remember this. I love you so much. Stop holding on to past hurts. Forgive each other, and I mean, really forgive. Forgive yourselves. My Father told you He has removed your sins as far as the east is from the west. A young man recently wrote a song regarding this, for he felt so ashamed of his struggles." "I know that song, Jesus! It is called 'East to West,' by Casting Crowns," Karen said.  "Indeed, the song was inspired by the Spirit of God."   Jesus held out His hands. "This is how much I love you. I say to you, now, don't hang on to your shame and the pain. Please stop hurting yourselves with the guilt of the past. Let me love you, and your love will shine throughout this world, and everyone, yes, everyone will come to know my love. "Remember, I love you this much. I have forgiven you. Your sin is removed, as far as the east is from the west - from one scarred hand to the other. Just like this." Everyone in the room rubbed their eyes and blinked. He was gone.  A song began to play on the set. From coast to coast, believers listened to the words of a song, 'East To West' - and for the first time, many knew the gift of true forgiveness.     Contest Winner Recognized Share your own writing! - Information on our membership for writers. Author Notes Audio is Casting Crowns's "East to West" - All rights reserved. The line, "From one scarred hand to the other", comes from that song. I have requested permission to use this beautiful song. I encourage everyone who enjoys it to buy a copy of the album, "The Altar And The Door" by Casting Crowns. It will bless your heart. Those of you familiar with my writing, may recognise the reference to Stephen Shannon, an American soldier and my hero, who at 21 years of age, gave his life, in Iraq, fighting for our freedom, on January 31, 2007. Please remember all of the soldiers and their families in your prayers this Christmas, and then, keep praying. ***PLease read the amazing miracle that occured regarding this story and the Shannon family. You can read it here: "Please Don't Be Sad" - http://www.fanstory.com/displaystory.jsp?id=184618 Thanks to my dear friend, and brother in Christ, Randy Stonehill for his song, In Jesus Name, whose lyrics below inspired me to write the words Jesus spoke to the pastor in my story. Thanks, Rand. "If only He Was all the world could see They would clamor at our door Find the life they hunger for" One last thing - the inspiration for this story came from an e-mail I received in my inbox this week called a "Letter from Jesus". I'm sure some of you will have read it and will notice some of the issues Jesus comments on, are the same. Of course they are. He didn't change His mind between the e-mail letter and this story. Be blessed. Hugs, Jan Pays one point and 2 member cents.

© Copyright 2010 Janilou All rights reserved. Janilou has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.