Christmas 2009, God is not pleased

[prodigalson12]

I’m noticing a major shift in thoughts, feelings, and general, blah’s about Christmas this year. This is going accross the secular world and faith based world equally. This year is different from the last ones, and I feel it’s God’s way of stepping in, telling us this is NOT the holiday he meant it to be.

I took the liberty to flip through the channels on tv, massive cable stations going on with it and I so rarely watch it, ie. it’s not something I even own, and everywhere that was Christmas related show, program or movie, it’s all about santa, reighndeers, presents, glitter and lights. Once in a while, in the background you’ll see a nativity scene, but that’s something of an oddity.

I’m almost at the point of thinking, we need to create another time of year to celebrate Christmas for the believers and leave what has turned into a secular circus in December for the rest of the world. They can have their idol worshipping, me generation, debt building, shallow version of Christmas, we can have our charity driven, Christ centered, church going one to ourselves.

 

[Stella_Matutina]

We do have our own time to celebrate Christmas apart from the secular world-- the Christmas season (or the 12 days of Christmas). On December 26, when the rest of the world is carrying Christmas trees to the curb to be picked up, we are still celebrating.

All you gotta do is ignore all of the secular commercialism and delve in to the blessings of the Advent season in preparing for Christ and his second coming. There was such a good article I read awhile back about this— let me dig for it and I’ll post it here.

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

I agree with Stella. Christmas in the secular world is over commercialized, super materialistic…and one day a year. We have the whole christmas season to celebrate.

 

[CatholicZ09]

Really, at least in the Latin rite, we have until January 10th.

 

[Stella_Matutina]

This is so upsetting. I can’t find the article. It was so good too. Here is the gist:

Catholics living in the world and not being of the world have the challenge of resisting the ways society perverts and flips backward many of our beliefs and traditions. For example, the world says that the Christmas season is from the day after Thanksgiving until December 25- not a second longer. It is a time to spend money and give gifts. Whereas the Church says that the four weeks before Christmas is called Advent and is a time to prepare for Christ’s coming: preparation often involves penance and works of charity. The Christmas season, is a time for celebrating the Incarnation, the wait is over in a sense, we can all celebrate now. In times of preparation like Advent and Lent, Christians may identify a penance they would like to do, for example, a habit they want to break. But instead the world says that we should do that on New Year’s Day and identify a “New Year’s Resolution.” Again- completely flip-flopped time wise on how we do things. We say resolutions first, celebrate after whereas the world says celebrate first, resolutions later.

 

[bryan123459]

You might enjoy the seasons of the liturgical year more if you prayed the Office; it can draw you deeply into the true spirit of every season. It is available online: universalis.com/-800/readings.htm

 

[utah_rose]

I’m noticing a major shift in thoughts, feelings, and general, blah’s about Christmas this year. This is going accross the secular world and faith based world equally. This year is different from the last ones, and I feel it’s God’s way of stepping in, telling us this is NOT the holiday he meant it to be.

I took the liberty to flip through the channels on tv, massive cable stations going on with it and I so rarely watch it, ie. it’s not something I even own, and everywhere that was Christmas related show, program or movie, it’s all about santa, reighndeers, presents, glitter and lights. Once in a while, in the background you’ll see a nativity scene, but that’s something of an oddity.

I’m almost at the point of thinking, we need to create another time of year to celebrate Christmas for the believers and leave what has turned into a secular circus in December for the rest of the world. They can have their idol worshipping, me generation, debt building, shallow version of Christmas, we can have our charity driven, Christ centered, church going one to ourselves.

I try and do my part. Right now I have a Holy Family statue on the lawn, a religious wreath in my window which depicts the Nativity with the background of the cross which alternately lights up.

On my other window, I have a Nativity Scene and a Star lighted by two artificial large candles.

In a few days, I will put my “Large” blown Nativity scene up. I’m waiting until a few days before Christmas. I then leave it up until the Epiphany.

However, Christmas will be much worse if Congress and the Senate pass the health bill on Christmas Eve of all days with an abortion clause in it! We all need to pray! This seems to be the work of Satan, and perhaps God’s punishment for not keeping this season holy!

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I’m noticing a major shift in thoughts, feelings, and general, blah’s about Christmas this year. This is going accross the secular world and faith based world equally. This year is different from the last ones, and I feel it’s God’s way of stepping in, telling us this is NOT the holiday he meant it to be.

I took the liberty to flip through the channels on tv, massive cable stations going on with it and I so rarely watch it, ie. it’s not something I even own, and everywhere that was Christmas related show, program or movie, it’s all about santa, reighndeers, presents, glitter and lights. Once in a while, in the background you’ll see a nativity scene, but that’s something of an oddity.

I’m almost at the point of thinking, we need to create another time of year to celebrate Christmas for the believers and leave what has turned into a secular circus in December for the rest of the world. They can have their idol worshipping, me generation, debt building, shallow version of Christmas, we can have our charity driven, Christ centered, church going one to ourselves.

that.​

We may indeed be in the end times, we may indeed be gleefully giving ourselves over to Satan’s pomps, but I’ll be ####ed if we yield Christmas to them.

And there is nothing wrong with gift-giving. The Magi gave the best they had to Baby Jesus. So the world wants you to go into debt by buying your whiny teenager a new car?

Who says you have to cave?

This year most of the gift-buying we did (apart from some small trinkets for close friends) went to the parish for what they call their Tree of Hope. We also gave money to other Catholic charities in need of gifts for their dependent population.

Buying for those in need IS like buying gifts for Jesus.

PS: and yes, the ##s are my own. I’m in a bad mood following the devastating loss of this country into the hands of Moloch, but I won’t cave to them either.

 

[Patrick_Cox]

I’m noticing a major shift in thoughts, feelings, and general, blah’s about Christmas this year. This is going accross the secular world and faith based world equally. This year is different from the last ones, and I feel it’s God’s way of stepping in, telling us this is NOT the holiday he meant it to be.

I took the liberty to flip through the channels on tv, massive cable stations going on with it and I so rarely watch it, ie. it’s not something I even own, and everywhere that was Christmas related show, program or movie, it’s all about santa, reighndeers, presents, glitter and lights. Once in a while, in the background you’ll see a nativity scene, but that’s something of an oddity.

I’m almost at the point of thinking, we need to create another time of year to celebrate Christmas for the believers and leave what has turned into a secular circus in December for the rest of the world. They can have their idol worshipping, me generation, debt building, shallow version of Christmas, we can have our charity driven, Christ centered, church going one to ourselves.

I fully concur with you that Christmas has sadly lost the Christ for far too many people. It is but one of the many symptoms of a world grappling (and often succumbing to) Satan’s very real influence.

When people wish each other, they will say such things as:
“Have a happy / great Christmas” or “Have an enjoyable festive season” etc.

So, when you wish people, irrespective of the depth or fervour of their beliefs, try to make a point of mentioning “Christ” in your wish to them.
For example, If sending them an email or card, say something like: “May the wonder of Christ’s birth bring with it many blessings to you and your family this Christmas”.
If you wish them face to face say quite simply: “God bless you this Christmas”. Very simple words, but it makes very clear that God is what needs to be remembered first and formost.

We need to let others know what Christmas is for us, and the simple choice of words can convey so much in this regard…

It is up to us as followers of Christ and His one true Catholic faith, to continue to do our little bit in our small little sphere of influence to stand up for what we know to be right. Ultimately good WILL prevail over evil! Let’s stay on the path and continue to fight for good…

God bless

Patrick

 

[puzzleannie]

I’mI’m almost at the point of thinking, we need to create another time of year to celebrate Christmas for the believers and leave what has turned into a secular circus in December for the rest of the world. They can have their idol worshipping, me generation, debt building, shallow version of Christmas, we can have our charity driven, Christ centered, church going one to ourselves.

I agree heartily but we already have it. The Christmas season begins Christmas eve with the vigil and extends at least to Epiphany–and there is no reason we cannot return to the earlier practice of making this the principal liturgical celebration, when Christ is presented to the whole world, and leave Christmas as the first celebration, when he comes to fulfill the prophecy received by the Jews. On the older calendar the season continued to Feb. 2, Candlemas, so while everyone else is already buying valentine candy and Easter baskets we can still have our own mangers and calmly, in order, celebrate the events of the Christ Child’s birth and childhood.

I do tivo a lot of the Christmas shows, most I delete after the 1st 15 minutes if they are really lame, but even my favorites, and I have watched a lot, or at least have them on while I am doing something else, and even when there is a scene in Church, I have not heard ONCE the name of Jesus, not even in a scene where there is a classic Christmas pageant in a church.

as a family you don’t have to buy into any of this stuff

growing up we had friends in our parochial where one parent was Catholic, the other Jewish. They celebrated Hannukah as a time of family fun and games, with little gifts we would call “stocking stuffers”. But their principal “gifting” activity in Advent was repairing used toys and bicycles to give away to the needy. They did their own family gift exchange on Epiphany a common custom in my neighborhood because we had so many Eastern Rite Catholics. Their Christmas day was spend serving a meal to the needy at a local shelter, as they had already had a family dinner for Hannukah. Like the rest of us they were not well off and family gift giving was never a blow-out as it is today. They also spent a few days on a family vacation during the Christmas break from school. They seemed to do a great job of seeing and linking the significance of the holy days of both faiths, and most of all of building the “family values” which are the only positive elements stressed in most secular made-for-TV shows about Christmas.

 

[samovila]

I took the liberty to flip through the channels on tv, massive cable stations going on with it and I so rarely watch it, ie. it’s not something I even own, and everywhere that was Christmas related show, program or movie, it’s all about santa, reighndeers, presents, glitter and lights. Once in a while, in the background you’ll see a nativity scene, but that’s something of an oddity.

IMHO television is the LAST place to look to gage how people celebrate Christmas. I’ve got a 2.5 year old and there is a magic in our home this season that I haven’t experienced since I was a child myself. Christmas isn’t broken, you’re just not looking in the right place. Spend time with a small child who squeals with delight every time we drive past a house with Christmas lights or who plays out the nativity story with the nativity set like it’s her little dolls. Or spend time with charitable groups who provide toys to children who otherwise would receive nothing. Their awe and wonder is contagious.

 

[whatevergirl]

*I know, it’s so sad to me, also. This year truly felt though, like no one was even speaking about Christmas where I work, our neighborhood HOA usually decorates the entire subdivision in beautiful twinkling lights, but nothing. A few wreaths near the mailbox area. All the Christmas movies, while I like some of them, are all about Santa, and commercialism. I did see Disney’s Christmas Carol, and it was a nice start to the season…it was pleasantly surprising, actually. I find the true integriy of Christmas best found in my parish ‘‘home.’’ (and at my home lol) Outside of there, there seems to be a depression looming about. Not sure if it’s the economy (probably to a degree) Just seems like everyone is ‘‘flat,’’ when you talk about ‘‘the holidays’’ with them.

I sent around today an email wishing everyone a nice holiday, and Christmas…and one of the execs wrote me back, saying it ‘‘was the best email he has received in a long time.’’ He was so thankful for it. Perhaps, as a society, we’re just too caught up (still) in things. You’d think the economy would have given us a paradigm shift, but it still seems to be present…COMMERCIALISM. It’s so not about that. Of course, I enjoy seeing my kids’ faces when they open gifts on Christmas…but, it’s about the birth of our Savior. Thankfully, our season is more than just a day. I am so happy to be Catholic, so much to rejoice about. So much to reflect over.

But, there is definitely a different tone out there, and it’s not just commercialism. It’s like a strange, eery kind of quiet…like those movies where the ‘‘town forgot Christmas,’’ or something. Not sure if I’m alone in that sentiment.*

 

[jjdrury81]

adventconspiracy.org/

 

[MarieVeronica]

I took the liberty to flip through the channels on tv, massive cable stations going on with it and I so rarely watch it, ie. it’s not something I even own, and everywhere that was Christmas related show, program or movie, it’s all about santa, reighndeers, presents, glitter and lights. Once in a while, in the background you’ll see a nativity scene, but that’s something of an oddity.

In the area where I live, it’s even worse than this. The American Movie Classics channel (AMC) is showing “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” all day long, on Christmas Day.

There might be some people, who think this movie is funny. And I guess there are a few funny moments in it (yeah, I was talked into watching it years ago, by a family member). But by and large, this movie is a glorification of lust and sexual impurity (the main character, who is married… spends several minutes in a department store… lusting over a sales clerk; and later in the movie, having yet more disgusting fantasies about the same clerk). There are several more moments in this piece of garbage, masquerading as a Christmas movie… where other characters behave immorally.

Why AMC has chosen to ram this particular movie down everyone’s throat, with an ALL DAY LONG marathon (showing it, over and over and over… back to back) is completely beyond me.

Very sad “sign of the times”. We won’t be watching AMC on Christmas Day, that is for sure. :nope:

 

[Auriel]

There are so many good points to quote here, glad I found this thread. In my hangouts I feel like I am alone for the most part in my thinking. Quite depressing.

I’m a non catholic and I think this Christmas sucks too. Part of it for some is more than likely due to the economy. In my area even the food banks are short on donations. On the news they were saying the same people who have donated for years are now coming for help.

And as for celebrating on another day? NO, no, no!!! Reclaim it! My gramps was military, and I’ve been sore tempted to use all the words he taught me too. Yeah, what Sailor said!!!

that.​

We may indeed be in the end times, we may indeed be gleefully giving ourselves over to Satan’s pomps, but I’ll be ####ed if we yield Christmas to them.

This observation is spot on!:

But, there is definitely a different tone out there, and it’s not just commercialism. It’s like a strange, eery kind of quiet…like those movies where the ‘‘town forgot Christmas,’’ or something. Not sure if I’m alone in that sentiment.

Agreed, and could care less too if this sounds new age, THERE IS a heaviness in the air, a spiritual dirtying of the atmosphere!

I fully concur with you that Christmas has sadly lost the Christ for far too many people. It is but one of the many symptoms of a world grappling (and often succumbing to) Satan’s very real influence.

I do see it as a removal of Christ from Christmas. I’m sure all you guys heard about the little special needs boy in Massachusetts being expelled for a Jesus stick figure on a cross and being required to have a psych evaluation.

There are schools in every state who have done away with the Christmas programs or changed them to Winter celebrations.

One school district in Texas made the news for their removal of the word Christmas:

cbs11tv.com/local/christmas.carol.keller.2.1297825.html

From article:

This week, his choir teacher told the class they’d have to change the words of the song.
Instead of singing “I’ll be home for Christmas,” they’d have to sing “I’ll be home for winter.” And instead of singing the words “and presents under the tree,” they would have to sing "and presents just for me."

I agree with the poster about the joy and wonder of looking at it through the eyes of their toddler. My child is a 1st grader in public school, they are awed by it all. The lights, the music, etc…

I thought it would be fun for both of us now that they are in school. TBH I would have been happy even with Santa Claus. My child did not even get a Santa Claus, they came home with Strega Nona, the good Grandmother witch who flies down the chimney giving children gifts.

In the Christianized versions she is still a witch but they call her la Befana, (Epiphany). She is an Italian custom and there are many versions of the story. Though a few of my greats were pagans, I don’t remember her. In ancient days she was part of the Cult of the hearth, stregheria.com/Befana.htm

I believe world history is important, but I do not like the fact that the Christmas witch was the focus. In my day I was raised around a lot of people from the Mideast. We all greeted each other on the Holidays, even with a merry Christmas, even if a Muslim or Jew. We knew about their customs but kept our own. They brought us sweet breads on the holiday, we gave their children little gifts for Ramadan, etc… There was a respect.

You do not have to lose your own culture and beliefs in order to understand the customs of others. I feel there is a campaign to eliminate the Christ in Christmas from the minds of the public. Reminded me of a line from a metal tune, ***Those who have the youth, have the future. ***

Le Befana/Strega Nona was confusing to a child that young, it was part of their cultural experience. I thought my child was telling me about the Christmas wish at first because of a missing tooth. But nope, I was told “She is a good witch who brings me presents!” They did a Christmas witch (craft) no pun intended, and wrote down on it what they wanted her to bring them. They also got a magic key though for those without chimneys. And for a reason I do not get yet, they put their fingerprints on it. Why did they have to participate in Strega Nona?? They acknowledged other holidays that occur during this time, but where is our Christmas!!! Some people think I am overreacting by being annoyed.

Well, at least my kid is fascinated with the Christmas angels and knows what they were announcing.

I should post a picture of their Christmas witch list. .

 

[prodigalson12]

But, there is definitely a different tone out there, and it’s not just commercialism. It’s like a strange, eery kind of quiet…like those movies where the ‘‘town forgot Christmas,’’ or something. Not sure if I’m alone in that sentiment.*

You aren’t alone with it at all, this is what prompted me to create this thread. It would be wonderful if our Lord decided to give us a miracle that day to show the world his presence in a big way, yet I’m feeling it’s in a way, separating the wheat from the chaff, those of us that area taking note of what’s clearly going on and how wrong it is are separating further away from the typical, in the past commercial nature of the holiday, yet still, I think there needs to be more of us to take note here and follow suite.

 

[Jan_Bolbot]

Call me stubborn, but aren’t we being called to resist the excessive commercialization? Why cede this beautiful holiday with all its traditions to the secular world? We let this happen, so we can change it.

Also, a lot of this over-commercialization is because Christmas is so beautiful and people care about it and cherish it–even many non-Christians. Excessive commercialization is bad, but throwing out Santa, Christmas trees, and presents is an over-reaction.

The well-known author and commentator Bill Bennett has a new book out on Santa Claus that makes the case that he is essential for our Christian culture:

christianpost.com/blogs/opinion/2009/12/saint-nicholas-and-santa-claus-21/

“Santa Claus is…the result of a Christ-inspired goodness that has rippled across seventeen centuries,… a manifestation of Saint Nicholas’s decision to give to others.”

Sounds like a good book for the season.

jb

 

[whatevergirl]

*And then, prodigalson…we go to mass and aaahhh…all the commercialism around us, disappears. Well, maybe not ALL…but, my peace comes back. Went to mass this afternoon at 4pm, and it was really special. We belong to a blossoming new parish now, and it was thrilling to see people standing! (that’s how crowded it was) Our little parish is growing! This season has seemed to zip by, but if we aren’t paying attention, those precious moments…at mass…praying with family…sharing a meal…consoling a friend…can zip by too…It’s important no matter how much commercialism surrounds us, to stay centered on Truth…centered on the birth of our Savior. It’s a blessing to be Catholic.

Merry Christmas to all. *

 

[prodigalson12]

*And then, prodigalson…we go to mass and aaahhh…all the commercialism around us, disappears. Well, maybe not ALL…but, my peace comes back. Went to mass this afternoon at 4pm, and it was really special. We belong to a blossoming new parish now, and it was thrilling to see people standing! (that’s how crowded it was) Our little parish is growing! This season has seemed to zip by, but if we aren’t paying attention, those precious moments…at mass…praying with family…sharing a meal…consoling a friend…can zip by too…It’s important no matter how much commercialism surrounds us, to stay centered on Truth…centered on the birth of our Savior. It’s a blessing to be Catholic.

Merry Christmas to all. *

I just got back from mass, it was wonderful, especially since they put the no nonsense, to the point pastor there during the sermon, he was really getting people to pay attention, hopefully get’s them to think about what he said and come back more then just once a year. The music, I actually knew, and I sang in tune and did so rather boldly, this is a first for me, I’m so, so self conscience about my voice, it’s never in tune when you are. Even chatted with the priests afterwards shortly, it’s so good to get your batteries recharged like this, and it was because I spent it with our Lord, may not have much in the way of material or family for that matter, at least I have God! You are right, it is a blessing to be Catholic!

 

[whatevergirl]

I just got back from mass, it was wonderful, especially since they put the no nonsense, to the point pastor there during the sermon, he was really getting people to pay attention, hopefully get’s them to think about what he said and come back more then just once a year. The music, I actually knew, and I sang in tune and did so rather boldly, this is a first for me, I’m so, so self conscience about my voice, it’s never in tune when you are. Even chatted with the priests afterwards shortly, it’s so good to get your batteries recharged like this, and it was because I spent it with our Lord, may not have much in the way of material or family for that matter, at least I have God! You are right, it is a blessing to be Catholic!

Wow, you sound like you had a memorable experience at mass yesterday! Praise be to God, may you have a wonderful rest of your Christmas, and holy 2010.