Christmas Is Coming

[Fidelis]

A couple of prominent Jews speaking in defense of Christmas:

“On January 22nd [2005], like all of his predecessors, George W. Bush will take the oath of office on a Bible that tells the story of the Nativity. The brave men who fought and died for America in every war from the Revolution to Iraq, overwhelmingly were Christians. Count the number of crosses in Arlington National Cemetery (on federal property, no less). Add the Stars of David. Now compare them to the number of crescents. Yet in a nation founded by Christians on Christian values, defended by Christians from Bunker Hill to Falluja, primarily populated by Christians, and whose public institutions are financed by Christians, most references to the holiday that celebrates the birth of the founder of Christianity have been expunged. This isn’t just a war over Jingle Bells and holly wreaths, but a war on Christianity, which in turn is a war on the Judeo-Christian ethic. The public schools are busy inculcating other values – humanism, environmentalism, internationalism, multiculturalism, sexual anarchy and New Age spirituality. (In California schools, there’s even mandatory instruction on the tenants of Islam, including I’m-a-Moslem role-playing.) The goal is to create a society the very antithesis of that envisioned by the Founding Fathers and the patriots who followed in their footsteps. Reference to America’s Judeo-Christian roots would interfere with the ongoing liberal re-ordering of our society – which, ultimately, will be neither jolly nor result in peace on Earth and good will toward men.” --Don Feder

“Christmas is not my holiday. For a practicing Jew, the twenty-fifth of December is no more significant than the twenty-fifth of any other month. But I enjoy the Christmas season a great deal. I appreciate the spirit of generosity and the reflection on religious themes that the holiday engenders, and I love the mood, the music, and even the decorations. Many Jews and other non-Christians may feel a bit ‘out of it’ during the Christmas season, but I have absolutely no problem with such a feeling. … Moreover, I enjoy observing Christians celebrate their Christianity. For a Jew rooted in Judaism, Christians rooted in their identity are a blessing, not a problem. … What this Jew does dread is an America that ceases to celebrate Christmas.” --Dennis Prager

 

[bella5110]

A couple of prominent Jews speaking in defense of Christmas:

You are a good man. It’s the secular people (ACLU), etc…who want to take the Christ out of Christmas. My best friend is Jewish, and every year she can’t wait to come to my house to eat and drink with us. We have a wonderful time. The birth of Christ is 2,000 years old. It will never stop, too many faithful Christians in the world that would probably rather die than to take Christmas away from us, I one of them. My Jewish friend says that most Jews don’t care one way or the other anyway.

Thank you in defense of my religion.

 

[lak611]

I used to have a Jewish doctor. His wife sang in the Cleveland Orchestra chorus. She was Jewish also. She sang in the Christmas concerts. I always sent Hanukkah cards to my doctor and his wife. They always sent me Christmas cards. I miss both of them. God rest their souls.

 

[LilyM]

The Bible says it was a cool night. Most great scholars claim it was in the spring months of April or May.

Aren’t you guys followers of Jesus, peace be upon him? No Prophet, peace be upon them celebrated their birthdays. So who are you following? In the Bible there are only two recorded birthdays being celebrated.

1. Pharoah in which he beheaded many of his chossen people to behead as a present for his birthday
2. Herod, and he killed JOHN THE BAPTIST on this day.

Neither of them were the Son of God though.

And I hope you don’t think we celebrate our birthdays or Christmas by killing people :nope:

And since we do indeed celebrate our own birthdays (and why not, it is a day to rejoice for the gift of life - would you rather you hadn’t been born and hadn’t lived to see another year?) there’s nothing wrong with celebrating Christ’s birthday.

Good Muslims, believing that Christ was the second most important of all the prophets after Muhammad, should be celebrating BOTH Jesus’ birthday AND Muhammad’s :yup:

 

[Fidelis]

Thank you in defense of my religion.

It is my honor and pleasure. :tiphat:

I used to have a Jewish doctor. His wife sang in the Cleveland Orchestra chorus. She was Jewish also. She sang in the Christmas concerts. I always sent Hanukkah cards to my doctor and his wife. They always sent me Christmas cards. I miss both of them. God rest their souls.

When I was a child (in the sixties) we would have the annual Christmas (yes Christmas) Program at our public school in Los Angeles. We would sing Christmas songs, like “Silent Night,” Hannakah songs, like the ones about the driedel and Judas Maccabeus, and secular songs like “Jingle Bells.” Everyone loved singing them and hearing them, and no one got offended, let alone sued the school and demanded it stop.

Now, in most places, the very idea is unthinkable. How very, very sad. In the place of a harmonious and joyful sharing of culture, we have no holiday culture at all – at least none to speak of, besides materialism.

How did we let it come to this, and will we ever recover that simple joy?

 

[inJESUS]

.

How did we let it come to this, and will we ever recover that simple joy?

well live it to the full and enjoy every moment, sharing it with all your loved ones…why care about others? the important is God, you and your family and friends together with the rest of your community

 

[Rawb]

In third grade (1997…I think?) I remember, in our CHRISTMAS Pagent, at my public school, singing the song “Well everybody’s got a birthday, and a cake and party too, and all your friends come over, and sing Happy Birthday, to you! Happy Birthday baby Jesus! Even when your birthday’s through, all year long we remember, the precious gifts we get from you!”

…Wow, one of the benefits of growing up in such a strong Christian area I guess (I live in California too!). We also sang Silent Night in Sign Language…that might be all the religious parts. We also played Jingle Bells on bells and did a little skit about Santa Claus falling asleep and Mrs. Santa delivering presents. My sisters and I (all of who went through the same program) will still sing the Jesus Birthday Song sometimes, we think it’s hilarious (the tune is pretty funny).

 

[Myangel]

When I was in High School I remember celebrating the end of ramadan with all my muslim friends and then my muslim friends would celebrate Christmas with me and my christian friends. Boy they were GREAT times when we all lived in harmony and accepted eachother’s faiths.

I think it was last year when there were some who wanted to ban the nativity from all stores (I am not sure if it was the atheists who wanted this) and one muslim man (not sure why it was a muslim either, I think they were getting opinions from people of different faiths and whether it offended them) got on TV saying “people have nothing better to do with their lives but to winge and complain”. He went on to say that every Christmas, even though they did not believe in Christmas, he and his family would sit down to a nice lunch. He actually enjoyed the frenzy around Christmas.

Like another poster said, whats happening in this world?

 

[RLT]

Wow, when I was in elementary school everthing was Christmas: concert, pagent, play, vacation/break. We exchanged Christmas presents. No Holiday this, winter that. Christmas.
That was in the 80’s

 

[MarysRoses]

Off topic a little but my favorite quote.

Upon hearing the story of St. Nicholas for the first time when she was 10, my daughter said, “The best thing about being Catholic is we get to believe in Santa Claus forever!”

MarysRoses

 

[RLT]

Off topic a little but my favorite quote.

Upon hearing the story of St. Nicholas for the first time when she was 10, my daughter said, “The best thing about being Catholic is we get to believe in Santa Claus forever!”

MarysRoses

 

[Wammy101]

I happily say happy holidays, because almost all of my freinds aren’t catholic, or christian, but also it’s sort of carved into my dialogue. I also give and get:thumbsup: many many many many presents. it hink that remebering the roots of christmas might be (name removed by moderator)ortatnt, but for me, its more about giving,sleeping in really late, family and fun fun fun.
Cya,
Wammy

 

[cheddarsox]

Christmas is always way cool !!!

How can anyone follow a faith that doesn’t believe in Christmas ??? It’s like living a life without joy, laughter, magic and wonder. It may be possible, but it would be awfully dreary.

Not dreary at all! Other faiths have wonderful things to celebrate as well. All the joy, wonder, magic and laughter in life is not tied up in one day a year or limited to people of a certain faith or culture.

cheddar

 

[cheddarsox]

I say “Merry Christmas” or “Blessed Christmas” when that is what I mean, but sometimes I mean “Happy Holidays”. When people offer me a gracious greeting, I take it as such, not assume it is some plot against some religion, or secretly they are trying to disrespect someone’s faith.

Stores sell what people buy. They are in the business of making money. If you celebrate Christmas,then buy Christmas items, send Christmas cards, play Christmas music, etc.

If you celebrate a secular/cultural holiday, then buy things related to that.

I buy items that fit my holiday, because I celebrate the holy days of my faith. I celebrate them because they are important to me, not in order to disrespect people of other faiths.

When people say Happy Holidays, they probably mean just that. They don’t secretly mean “down with Christmas”.

By all means, do your thing with pride and integrity, but don’t automatically assume that people doing their thing is a dis on your God.

Jesus may be the reason for YOUR season. That is wonderful. But that is not the case for everyone,yet they still wish you well. Why take that as an insult? Accept the good wishes, and respond with the wishes that are appropriate to you.

I am not a Christian, but I never consider “Merry Christmas” as an insult to my faith, but rather as a joyful expression of theirs. I like to see people expressing their faith and sharing blessings.

cheddar

 

[bella5110]

I say “Merry Christmas” or “Blessed Christmas” when that is what I mean, but sometimes I mean “Happy Holidays”. When people offer me a gracious greeting, I take it as such, not assume it is some plot against some religion, or secretly they are trying to disrespect someone’s faith.

Stores sell what people buy. They are in the business of making money. If you celebrate Christmas,then buy Christmas items, send Christmas cards, play Christmas music, etc.

If you celebrate a secular/cultural holiday, then buy things related to that.

I buy items that fit my holiday, because I celebrate the holy days of my faith. I celebrate them because they are important to me, not in order to disrespect people of other faiths.

When people say Happy Holidays, they probably mean just that. They don’t secretly mean “down with Christmas”.

By all means, do your thing with pride and integrity, but don’t automatically assume that people doing their thing is a dis on your God.

Jesus may be the reason for YOUR season. That is wonderful. But that is not the case for everyone,yet they still wish you well. Why take that as an insult? Accept the good wishes, and respond with the wishes that are appropriate to you.

I am not a Christian, but I never consider “Merry Christmas” as an insult to my faith, but rather as a joyful expression of theirs. I like to see people expressing their faith and sharing blessings.

cheddar

They absolutely do mean down with Christmas. I don’t know if you’ve been under a rock lately, but it is a fact that non-Christians and secular people want God out of the country totally. Look at Michael Newdo that guy from California? He wants the “Under God” taken out of The PLedge of Allegiance. It’s been that way for a hundred years!! This country was founded on Christianity. They want The Mount Soledad Cross taken down in California because some ----is offended. You cannot display the Nativity scenes anymore in schools or public grounds. Come on. People are being ridiculous.
For God’s sake, Christopher Columbus gave his men communion before he set sail. He loved The Blessed Virgin so much he named his ships after her (Santa Maria) means Holy Mary. I can go on and on with History but for now I’ll stop here.

 

[inJESUS]

Christians must raise there voices…even do campaigns or go on demonstrations. You cannot let some atheists or non-Christians change your culture. heck in my coutry you see crosses every 10 meter and on the top of mountains and nobody “dares” nag about them. If somebody doesn’t like a cross on a street, he can turn his eyes to different side because there ARE people who love to see it…that’s democracy and every Christian must live his faith fully and show any religious symbol he wants during Christmas or Easter ecc . .those who don’t like it can suit themselves .

 

[bella5110]

Christians must raise there voices…even do campaigns or go on demonstrations. You cannot let some atheists or non-Christians change your culture. heck in my coutry you see crosses every 10 meter and on the top of mountains and nobody “dares” nag about them. If somebody doesn’t like a cross on a street, he can turn his eyes to different side because there ARE people who love to see it…that’s democracy and every Christian must live his faith fully and show any religious symbol he wants during Christmas or Easter ecc . .those who don’t like it can suit themselves .

Exactly. I love God with all my heart, my soul and my mind. I will defend my faith til the end.

I should think that the worst moment for the atheist comes when he is really thankful - and has nobody to thank.------C.K.Chesterton

 

[cheddarsox]

Christians must raise there voices…even do campaigns or go on demonstrations. You cannot let some atheists or non-Christians change your culture. heck in my coutry you see crosses every 10 meter and on the top of mountains and nobody “dares” nag about them. If somebody doesn’t like a cross on a street, he can turn his eyes to different side because there ARE people who love to see it…that’s democracy and every Christian must live his faith fully and show any religious symbol he wants during Christmas or Easter ecc . .those who don’t like it can suit themselves .

It’s not YOUR culture, it’s OUR culture. And I agree, live your faith, proudly. But don’t assume that everyone who isn’t living YOUR faith proudly is dissing it or against it or secretly trying to remove your God from everything.

There are indeed cases where people are doing that. Go ahead and fight them, but don’t assume the nice person on the corner who wishes you "Happy Holidays’ is an anti-Christian.

There is nothing to be gained by turning EVERYTHING into a war. Choose your battles.

cheddar

 

[inJESUS]

It’s not YOUR culture, it’s OUR culture. And I agree, live your faith, proudly. But don’t assume that everyone who isn’t living YOUR faith proudly is dissing it or against it or secretly trying to remove your God from everything.

There are indeed cases where people are doing that. Go ahead and fight them, but don’t assume the nice person on the corner who wishes you "Happy Holidays’ is an anti-Christian.

There is nothing to be gained by turning EVERYTHING into a war. Choose your battles.

cheddar

am not talking about nice people obviously am talking about those who want to turn it into a God-less country by trying to impose their views on believers. Again, who hates anything that has to do with religion, he has the choice not to look at a cross instead of asking others to remove it for him

 

[FCEGM]

It is my honor and pleasure. :tiphat:

When I was a child (in the sixties) we would have the annual Christmas (yes Christmas) Program at our public school in Los Angeles. We would sing Christmas songs, like “Silent Night,” Hannakah songs, like the ones about the driedel and Judas Maccabeus, and secular songs like “Jingle Bells.” Everyone loved singing them and hearing them, and no one got offended, let alone sued the school and demanded it stop.

Now, in most places, the very idea is unthinkable. How very, very sad. In the place of a harmonious and joyful sharing of culture, we have no holiday culture at all – at least none to speak of, besides materialism.

How did we let it come to this, and will we ever recover that simple joy?

I hear you! When I was a child (grammar school in the 50’s) in New York we had a Christmas pageant and a Hanukkah pageant (I enjoyed learning the Hanukkah songs at school and then singing them at my friend’s celebration at her home).