The Real War on Christmas - Page 1

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/derek-flood/the-real-war-on-christmas_b_1128864.html

Editor's Note: Don't miss the video at the bottom of this piece!

Well, it's that time of year when Fox drums up outrage about the alleged "war on Christmas." This time around they are declaring victory because as they report,

"Walgreens is the latest store to return to explicit references to Christmas, switching its position a day after some Christian groups threatened to boycott over its generic holiday wording."

What I'd like to remind these "Christian groups" is that Christmas isn't actually supposed to be about shopping at all. We Christians don't need to fight to have Christmas associated with shopping, we need to fight for it not to be. You're fighting the wrong war guys.

So let's take a moment to remember what Christmas is really about: Christmas celebrates the story of God coming among us in the most humble of circumstances. Christ was born in a manger to a homeless teenage girl named Mary. These humble beginnings are in keeping with the ministry of Jesus which was focused on the poor, the sick, and the outcast. Jesus teaches us that the way we treat "the least of these" is how we treat him. It's a story about God coming among us, meeting us in the middle of our need.

With that backdrop in mind, let's also remember who the real Santa Claus was. Yes, Virginia, there really was a Santa Claus, but he didn't live on the North Pole, he lived in Asia Minor. Saint Nicholas was known for his love for children, and his generosity to the those in need, often given in secret. For example, one story tells of a poor father who was unable to provide a dowry for his daughters. At the time that meant that they could not marry, and so were destined to be sold into slavery. As legend has it, Nicholas secretly placed bags of gold in the girl's shoes and stockings, hung by the fire to dry. So those Christmas stockings you hang by the chimney are symbols of liberating the poor from the bondage of slavery.

The moral of all this is that the original Christmas story and the story of Saint Nick are both focused on caring for the least and on compassion. So what if we remembered that this Christmas, and spent a little less money shopping for all those gifts we don't really need. Then instead of standing in line at the mall or stuck in traffic, we could spent more time with people we love. And what if we took all that money we saved, and gave some of it away to people who are really in need? To the poor, the hungry, the hurting, the lonely, the sick? That's what the folks at Advent Conspiracy are asking.

So maybe the way we really should be celebrating Christmas is by caring for the least, rather than shopping til we drop. Maybe we should be teaching our kids lessons about compassion and giving, instead of about getting more and more stuff. And... just maybe... Christmas should be about showing "peace on earth and good will towards all mankind," rather than on getting mad at people who say "happy holidays" to us.

Nice post German Shepherd Dog.  That truly was the message of goodwill.   I don't think anyone could argue with it, even an infidel!

Merry Christmas to you!

I do agree with everything said, and while I also do agree with celebrating Christ's birth for that matter......If you look at what was going on in the scriptures right before his birth, there is no way he would have actually been born in December.   Not that that actually matters in my opinion, I still believe people should celebrate that, not to mention do the things you mentioned in your post as well.  It's very unfortunate how greedy our nation is,  but hopefully more and more people can take good advice given from people, and posts like yours too.

Well, GSDguy, actually, none of the symbols that are now associated with Christmas have anything to do with Christianity.  They are all rooted in Saturnalia during the Winter Solstice.  There were human sacrifices, to ensure the renewal, or return of Spring.  It cracks me up when some Christians shun Halloween because of the symbolism, yet deck out for Christmas, when some of the Christmas symbols have an even darker past.

GSDtravels, I don't use any of the symbols to celebrate anything.   My family has a tree because of tradition, we don't use it in any way to celebrate.  When I say Christians should celebrate his birth, I'm referring to year around, not just leave it to one day of the year.    I personally don't know of any Christians who are against halloween, though none where I worship actually use modern day Christmas symbols as a way to celebrate Christs birth or anything spiritual either.  They have Christmas as well, they have a tree as well as part of a tradition, but nothing to do with worship.....They're along the same lines I am in celebrating his birth...in a sense.....all year around, and not just one day.  I don't mean we have a big celebration, lol, I think you get my point though.....maybe.

Moons.

Still, don't forget to buy American !

Well, good for you GSDguy, I'm glad you see the difference and stand by your own convictions.  I don't have a problem with any of the holidays myself, and I use all the trappings, they're fun!  But then, at least I realize that symolism comes from many things and it doesn't offend me, personally, religious or otherwise.

Merry Christmas!

Absolutely agree, Gsdtravels! The entire holiday was simply a coopting of the Winter Solstice, as Christ was born in the spring. I, too, have often chuckled over the outrage from some over Halloween, while embrassing XmAs trees, Yule logs, and other pagan trappings of the season with rather bloody origins. Ditto with Easter!:-)