Crikey, here we go again. Another mall has consumers up in arms because there isn't a Christmas tree but a small "holiday" tree or Santa is being placed at the end of the long hall to the left of the water fountain on the lower section of the mall near the parking garage. Don't even get me started on the nativity displays which are nowhere to be found. They have been reduced to diorama, shoe box size, or not displayed at all because someone was offended. Who could possibly be offended by a jolly, chubmeister that likes to shower kiddies with presents, but whose ideal probably arose from the legends of St. Nicholas?
What about the Christmas tree? it's origin is linked to the Christians of Germany in the 16th century. They bought them into their homes to decorate with candles for Christmas. Sure, they were used way before the 16th century by the pagans but the German Christians started the Christmas tree tradition.
The nativity, huh, well God only knows when that tradition was started but I think that if I was a betting woman I could pretty much win by a landslide if I said that it was started by the Christians to remind us of why we celebrate Christmas. The first to be recorded historically was one that St. Francis of Assisi created in front of a cave in Greccio, Italy in 1223. He created it because he was sick and tired of the greed and materialism that was rampant in Italy at the time. Can you imagine that today? Greed and Materialism during Christmas? I can't imagine that. HA! Greed has been around since the very beginning. (Too bad Eve just had to have that darn apple.) I bet materialism started with her too (sorry Eve). I'm naked? I need fig leaves! I need more fig leaves, and more to match the season change. I need a satchel from a sow's ear to carry my apples in.... and on an on...
It makes me wonder just who these offended people are? Hmmm, let us ponder this.
Are they the Muslims? Umm, I don't think so. The vast majority of them are just ordinary people trying to live ordinary lives in a complicated world
Is it the Jewish people? I don't think it is them either. They are too busy at this time of year trying to find blue & white Hanukkah decorations, which are more elusive than the nativity scenes
The Buddhists, Hindus, Taos, Shintus, Wiccans, Sikhs? Nah, they are all pretty passive folks.
So who does that leave? Is it.... wait for it.... those that do not believe in God? Could it be those that do not believe in The Christ, His birth, and the celebrations and traditions surrounding it that are offended by all the hoopla of the season? Ding! Ding! Winner, Winner, Chicken dinner!
Seriously folks, DO NOT go softly into the night. Stand up and fight! CHRIST IS CHRISTMAS.
Christ is the light of the world. Christ is the greatest gift of all. Christ is the love that abounds during this time of joy. Christ is that baby in the manger and the King of Kings. Put up those Christmas trees. Sing those wonderful carols at the top of your lungs. Give presents to those you love. Say Merry Christmas to people you know and meet. Fight for Christmas and all that it stands for before it becomes just another day of sales at your local mall. "God bless us, every one."* Let us stand together as Christians.
Peace,
Mare
*Excerpt from Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol"
What about the Christmas tree? it's origin is linked to the Christians of Germany in the 16th century. They bought them into their homes to decorate with candles for Christmas. Sure, they were used way before the 16th century by the pagans but the German Christians started the Christmas tree tradition.
The nativity, huh, well God only knows when that tradition was started but I think that if I was a betting woman I could pretty much win by a landslide if I said that it was started by the Christians to remind us of why we celebrate Christmas. The first to be recorded historically was one that St. Francis of Assisi created in front of a cave in Greccio, Italy in 1223. He created it because he was sick and tired of the greed and materialism that was rampant in Italy at the time. Can you imagine that today? Greed and Materialism during Christmas? I can't imagine that. HA! Greed has been around since the very beginning. (Too bad Eve just had to have that darn apple.) I bet materialism started with her too (sorry Eve). I'm naked? I need fig leaves! I need more fig leaves, and more to match the season change. I need a satchel from a sow's ear to carry my apples in.... and on an on...
It makes me wonder just who these offended people are? Hmmm, let us ponder this.
Are they the Muslims? Umm, I don't think so. The vast majority of them are just ordinary people trying to live ordinary lives in a complicated world
Is it the Jewish people? I don't think it is them either. They are too busy at this time of year trying to find blue & white Hanukkah decorations, which are more elusive than the nativity scenes
The Buddhists, Hindus, Taos, Shintus, Wiccans, Sikhs? Nah, they are all pretty passive folks.
So who does that leave? Is it.... wait for it.... those that do not believe in God? Could it be those that do not believe in The Christ, His birth, and the celebrations and traditions surrounding it that are offended by all the hoopla of the season? Ding! Ding! Winner, Winner, Chicken dinner!
Seriously folks, DO NOT go softly into the night. Stand up and fight! CHRIST IS CHRISTMAS.
Christ is the light of the world. Christ is the greatest gift of all. Christ is the love that abounds during this time of joy. Christ is that baby in the manger and the King of Kings. Put up those Christmas trees. Sing those wonderful carols at the top of your lungs. Give presents to those you love. Say Merry Christmas to people you know and meet. Fight for Christmas and all that it stands for before it becomes just another day of sales at your local mall. "God bless us, every one."* Let us stand together as Christians.
Peace,
Mare
*Excerpt from Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol"
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