One of my biggest wishes is that folks just start being honest about what the Holidays are. Not what they were, how the started, but what they are. They are a cash-in for retailers, they are time off - paid, they are green and read and lights everywhere, they are festivities. It has little to nothing to do with Jesus (anymore - and I say anymore because the most devout Christians will sacrifice their own blood and their first-born to get you to believe it once was). And, for the record, let me say that I'm sorry now because I know I'm going to step on some toes. So, please accept my sincere apology; I hope you have on hard-top boots.
If you go back and do research on the the origin of Christmas, not only does the Bible not mention anything about it being wintertime, but commonsense would tell anyone that there is no way a perfectly sane mother (then again, maybe Mary wasn't sane; I mean, she was hearing voices - however divine they were. You try saying you hear voices today and they'll lock your butt up in an all-white padded room) would have her perfectly new, pure, Godly baby boy sitting outside in a box - no it wasn't a basket; Joseph was a carpenter, remember? - in the middle of winter. Contrary to belief, Jerusalem does get cold. C'mon son! What do you think?? But anyway, I'm not going to go into the whole history and myths of "Christmas" - just know this: the holiday was developed so folks wouldn't feel bad about celebrating. The end.
The main reason I have gotten myself to the point I am today, religiously, is that I question things, and I refuse to believe something just because everyone else does. My dad told me that since day 1 I have been a questioner. Asking questions about everything, and the habit only progressed. My dad's a lawyer, so maybe I get it innate to prosecute, research, dig for answers. I also like to do things when I like to do them because they make me feel good, not out of guilt - though in the past I have done some things for the very same reason and felt guilt later; no more of that! (But I digress again.) But my point is, the celebration is about the celebration. The feeling happy, the good cheer, poppin the sparklin bubbly, wearing reindeer bells, singing songs like a drunken heathen, havin a merry o jolly o time. I feel more inclined to congratulate folks buying into the Santa man than the baby Jesus fiasco.
And isn't that where we are today? Celebrating something totally unrelated to sweet baby Jesus? Cards, candy, turkeys, colors red and green - don't ask - gifts, wrappings, pine trees and poinsettias (which I love, by the way! So pretty and, ahem, FESTIVE). So wake up tomorrow morning and every morning and pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, thanking Him for all He has done for you, and yours, and all, and for sending His only begotten Son in exchange as a ransom for our sinful selves, but for goodness sake (I couldn't make myself say "God's sake") when you wake up Christmas day, enjoy yourself and have your fun, in the name of the season! That's what the holiday is for, not for Jesus.
(And I know, everyone has a right to believe what he/she wants to believe... but this is my blog with my thoughts. Go 'head. Knock yourself out! *smile*)
If you go back and do research on the the origin of Christmas, not only does the Bible not mention anything about it being wintertime, but commonsense would tell anyone that there is no way a perfectly sane mother (then again, maybe Mary wasn't sane; I mean, she was hearing voices - however divine they were. You try saying you hear voices today and they'll lock your butt up in an all-white padded room) would have her perfectly new, pure, Godly baby boy sitting outside in a box - no it wasn't a basket; Joseph was a carpenter, remember? - in the middle of winter. Contrary to belief, Jerusalem does get cold. C'mon son! What do you think?? But anyway, I'm not going to go into the whole history and myths of "Christmas" - just know this: the holiday was developed so folks wouldn't feel bad about celebrating. The end.
The main reason I have gotten myself to the point I am today, religiously, is that I question things, and I refuse to believe something just because everyone else does. My dad told me that since day 1 I have been a questioner. Asking questions about everything, and the habit only progressed. My dad's a lawyer, so maybe I get it innate to prosecute, research, dig for answers. I also like to do things when I like to do them because they make me feel good, not out of guilt - though in the past I have done some things for the very same reason and felt guilt later; no more of that! (But I digress again.) But my point is, the celebration is about the celebration. The feeling happy, the good cheer, poppin the sparklin bubbly, wearing reindeer bells, singing songs like a drunken heathen, havin a merry o jolly o time. I feel more inclined to congratulate folks buying into the Santa man than the baby Jesus fiasco.
And isn't that where we are today? Celebrating something totally unrelated to sweet baby Jesus? Cards, candy, turkeys, colors red and green - don't ask - gifts, wrappings, pine trees and poinsettias (which I love, by the way! So pretty and, ahem, FESTIVE). So wake up tomorrow morning and every morning and pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, thanking Him for all He has done for you, and yours, and all, and for sending His only begotten Son in exchange as a ransom for our sinful selves, but for goodness sake (I couldn't make myself say "God's sake") when you wake up Christmas day, enjoy yourself and have your fun, in the name of the season! That's what the holiday is for, not for Jesus.
(And I know, everyone has a right to believe what he/she wants to believe... but this is my blog with my thoughts. Go 'head. Knock yourself out! *smile*)
Christmas is a pagan celebration of the winter solstice. The festival of lights is why people decorate their homes with lights.I don't have an issue with Paganism..But many people in the Western world (who practice Pagan customs) do.#kanyeshrug
ReplyDeleteExactly :-) I'd just feel better if folks were honest with it's meanings and origins Lol Take Christ out of Christmas; it's more honest that way
ReplyDeleteI believe that Chritmas is just another day for society to get our money. They want us to buy food, gifts, stupid trees with lil decorations all over them, lighted displays for all to see even gitfs for our dogs, cats... The hoilday commericals are crazy how they advertise to the kids, forbit if you are broke and your kid want THIS... if there is a true meaning of Christmas then it has surely been lost over the years
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteOil and water will never mix.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, don't ever apologize for having an opinion. If anyone gets offended, its their choice. I agree with what you've said. I don't "celebrate" Christmas in a religious way. I have a tree up, decorations, wreaths on my door, and I gave gifts...I celebrated it in a commercial way; which is exactly what this holiday is all about today. The December 25th, born in a manger, 3 wise men story is a "story". I do believe Jesus walked this Earth, and I do believe He is the Son of God, but the circumstances surrounding His birth are sketchy at best. And like you said, some Christians will fight you tooth and nail if you challenge what they are taught and what they believe. Which is why I don't debate religion. But facts are facts. Some "gods" that have similar "christmas" stories are Buddah, Krishna, Odysseus, Romulus, Dionysus, Heracles, Glycon, Zoroaster, Attis of Phrygia, and Horus. Happy Holidays! :-)
ReplyDelete