My 2p for this time of year. Allow me to preface this by saying that I am a Christian. I believe Christ was God living as a man. I believe He died for our sins. I believe he was resurrected and lives again. Those are my beliefs. Don't question mine and I won't question yours. Now, with that out of the way, and without further ado... There are two Christmases. First, there is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. We celebrate his birth on December 25th due to a decision made centuries ago in an effort to convince heathens to become Christians. Whether right or wrong, that was the reason we celebrate it on December 25th. By all research, of course, His birth would probably have been closer to mid-spring than the beginning of winter, but it doesn't really matter. Think of adopting a child of which his birthday is unknown. You still want to have a yearly celebration, so you would just arbitrarily choose a day. Years later, even if you find out the day is wrong, tradition will keep it on that same wrong day. It's the same thing. Then there is the other Christmas. The secular celebration that occurs on the same day as the "birthday" of Jesus Christ. This celebration has nothing to do with the religious Christmas, except it's name. In celebrating, it's all about excess. Whether it's out doing your spouse on buying each others gift, or out doing your neighbour in how gaudy you can make your front lawn, it's all about more. That does sound a bit caustic, but it was not meant to be. It's simply a statement of fact. The secular Christmas, with it's excess, actually leads to a more friendly atmosphere. You tend to greet strangers with a hearty "Merry Christmas" that, normally, you would have avoided eye contact. You also tend to reach in your pocket and grab a handful of change for the red bucket in front of Wal*Mart, when you normally wouldn't even think about dropping a penny into the donation box at the grocery check out line. Because of the secular Christmas, people are happier, friendlier and more giving. Which is why the lines between the two Christmases blur. In reality, there is no connection between the religious Christmas (the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ) and the secular Christmas, except that they occur on the same day. Think about it. Sunday is a day of worship, but in those years when the Fourth of July occurs on a Sunday, you don't even consider that it then means you are worshipping fireworks. If you were born on January 1, would you believe that people gather in Times Square to celebrate your birth? Certainly not. It's the same with Christmases. Think some more... If you could ask Jesus what he would like for his birthday, do you think He would say, "Oh, please chop down one of my trees and stick it in your living room and put presents for everyone except me under it."? No, I say celebrate both Christmases. Honour the birth of Jesus Christ in the way He would want. Commune with friends, family, and loved ones. Minister to those in need. Pray. Share. Then, also Decorate, wrap, cook, shop. Go wassailing. Trim and decorate the tree. Watch Rudolph for the fortieth time. In short, "Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas" like you remember when you were a kid. We can celebrate both Christmases, or just the one of your choice. Me, I choose both. Merry Christmas
Well said. I also choose both. Here's an item of interest about the Christmas star: http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2008/12/12/wise-man-follows-a-june-christmas-star/
PEACE ON EARTH, GOODWILL TO MEN Cliff...what a powerful message. I am with you, Brother! Merry Christmas to all!!!!!! Todd
Bump. I didn't spend an hour writing this so it could be relegated to page 2. Thanks to all for your agreements.
I suppose I can get on board with mostof what you said, except for this part. To play Clif for a day and argue for the sake of it: Baby Jesus was presented with gold, frankincense and myrrh was he not? These three things require the destruction of natural resources. In fact, the trees that Frankincense comes from are in trouble due to over exploitation. What would be a fitting gift for Jesus in today's world?
Care for the poor and powerless, as he encouraged his followers to do? How about a contribution to the food pantry, or a soup kitchen, or the Salvation Army or Basic Needs, or even a prison ministry?
Did not post this to get anyone bent out of shape, so if you are easily offended about religion or Santa, DO NOT OPEN LINK! I thought it was humorous from a different perspective http://unreasonablefaith.com/2008/12/15/santa-vs-god/ P.S. I do not believe all this,for example there are some very intelligent adults that believe in god.
I like celebrating both also, but I do try to stress to my children the REAL Meaning of Christmas, and to remember that Jesus IS the reason for the season.
That's my point. The "REAL meaning of Christmas" depends on which Christmas you are talking about. Jesus is not the "REAL meaning of Christmas" if you are talking about the secular Christmas, which stems from Saturnalia.
There are a lot of celebrations in around and for winter, but there are only two actually called Christmas.
I agree with everything you said, Clif. As far as why people become more friendly during the holiday season, my personal opinion is that people are trying to act like better Christians. Christmas, to me, has always been somewhat of a reminder to always live life the way Jesus would've wanted me to. I agree with KDsGrandma also that these acts ARE the birthday gift that Jesus would like to receive. Just my two cents.
