The War on Christmas: Let's Score One for Jesus

[masterblaster72 0]

Here in suburban Philadelphia I keep seeing decorative lighting in the theme of Santa, sleighs, reindeer and such in front of houses...but I ask myself, where in bloody hell is the theme of what Christmas is really all about -- Jesus?

So in the spirit of things Christian, I was thinking of having a nativity scene on one side of our property, and a custom made, illuminated 12-foot crucifix on the other side, with the caption "BORN TO DIE" in flashing lights, to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the purpose of his life, which was to die for our sins.

Think this would go over well, especially in a predominately Jewish neighborhood?

Anyone else have some non-pagan, Jesus-praising house decorating ideas for the holidays?

Be humble, ask questions, listen, learn, follow the golden rule, talk when necessary, and know when to shut the fuck up.

[Royd 0]

You ain't got a hair on your ass.

[Andy9o8 2]

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...the purpose of his life, which was to die for our sins.

Well, now, that's what he told people. The truth is, his carpentry shop went under, and he was out on the street. The rest, as they say, is....well, you know.

[shropshire 0]

<>

Nope. Happy Winter Solstice wishes to you all.

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[diablopilot 2]

Sorry dude, Christmas isn't just for Christians anymore. Things change.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[Shotgun 1]

I think that I live in a predominantly Christian neighborhood (judging by the number of Christian churches around here). I've seen a few crosses and nativity sets around, as Christmas decorations, but most homes are decorated with Santas and snowmen, and other non-religious stuff.

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Anyone else have some non-pagan, Jesus-praising house decorating ideas for the holidays?

You could put a statue of the Buddy Christ in your yard.

[Muenkel 0]

When I was growing up on Long Island, my neighborhood was mixed predominantly with Jewish and Christian families. It was quite common to see Menorrah's in windows and a Creche on a front lawn.

People weren't pussies a couple decades back. They didn't have a meltdown and have to make an appt. with a therapist if they saw a religious symbol in public.

This is a public mental health announcement:

If you find yourself to be agitated by seeing religious symbols during certain holidays on public grounds, you need to contact a local mental health provider. There is help out there for you, whether it be medication or just therapy.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!

_________________________________________
Chris

[D22369 0]

Think this would go over well, especially in a predominately Jewish neighborhood?
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fuck em, DO IT !


Roy

They say I suffer from insanity.... But I actually enjoy it.

[shermanator 4]

considering Jesus was a jew, it wouldn't hurt to put a menora, or one of those stars up as well *yeah, so I can't spell* .

CLICK HERE! new blog posted 9/21/08
CSA #720

[kallend 2,032]

Saturnalia isn't just for Romans any more.

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The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[kallend 2,032]

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Sorry dude, Christmas isn't just for Christians anymore. Things change.

Yule isn't just for Norsemen any more.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[Darius11 12]

I don’t think it should be a big deal you have the right to celebrate your faith as much as any one else.

I would much rather see a symbol that actually has to do with Christmas then another fucking diamond commercial telling me how to show my love.

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain

[masterblaster72 0]

Hah!!

I've been outdone...

Be humble, ask questions, listen, learn, follow the golden rule, talk when necessary, and know when to shut the fuck up.

[kschilk 0]

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People weren't pussies a couple decades back. They didn't have a meltdown and have to make an appt. with a therapist if they saw a religious symbol in public.

People are simply tired of all the hate, prejudice and terror, that ALL religions seem to spread. Religious Christmas decorations are more pertinent to the church, than to Jesus or any "God". Modern religions have strayed from their roots and are just as commercial, as any other business. Religious symbols have become symbols of greed, power, persecution and terror. Santa symbolizes joy, hope, love and the spirit of giving to/for others. I think anymore, the Santa decorations are more reverent to the true spirit of Christmas and Jesus, than any nativity scene.

"T'was ever thus."

[SpeedRacer 1]

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I think anymore, the Santa decorations are more reverent to the true spirit of Christmas and Jesus, than any nativity scene.

OH really?? So nativity scenes are the source of the problem??

Speed Racer
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[kschilk 0]

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I think anymore, the Santa decorations are more reverent to the true spirit of Christmas and Jesus, than any nativity scene.

OH really?? So nativity scenes are the source of the problem??

Wut....no speeka engrish?

"T'was ever thus."

[Muenkel 0]

Why is our generation more tired of all the 'hate, prejudice and terror' than previous generations? If what you say is true, then that tells me there has been a social change. If there is a social change it may be coming from a very vocal minority.

Seperation of Church and State never meant to remove religion from society. It meant for our civil government to not be influenced by any one religion. Our Constitution protects freedom of religion...all religions. Seeing various religious symbols (whatever the religion) on the town square during their respective holidays should not disturb people. When they're used to be exclusive, then OK; but I don't believe that's what it is. Our Constitution was written with the intention of creating a tolerant society. Any backlash on religious symbols seems to me to create the opposite.

_________________________________________
Chris

[Amazon 7]

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Why is our generation more tired of all the 'hate, prejudice and terror' than previous generations? If what you say is true, then that tells me there has been a social change. If there is a social change it may be coming from a very vocal minority.

I think all the oh woe is me stuff from the religious right is getting a backlash. There are so many pronouncements of persecution of "christians" and televangelists and preachers of every sect in this country yet we continually see a lack of a live and let live from them. They feel it is their mission in life to make EVERYONE believe as they do.. OR.... you will not be "saved". They also feel the need to discriminate against many other groups.... yet want to believe they are the ones being discriminated against...I think its a MASS case of TRANSFERENCE on their part.

[Muenkel 0]

Jeanne,

I think it is unfair to paint all Christians with such a broad brush. In every religion, including my own, there are those who misuse their belief system for their own gain. I could also say, that in every corporation there are those who misuse power for their own gain.

I find it gives me a better perspective when I don't focus in on those folks but rather the decent honest ones. It is for them that I wish folks like you would be more tolerant. Your woe is me crowd is a lot smaller than you think.

_________________________________________
Chris

[SpeedRacer 1]

first of all, I do not feel, as a christian, that I am in a war.

There are many groups that want to play the Angry-Victim card, and I do not wish to join their ranks.

We are greater when we ignore the Theo-phobes, than when we descend to their level.


When we read the Gospels, we see a man who deliberately FLOUTS religious laws, in order to bring to light an object lesson: That it is more important to embody the SPIRIT of God than to rigorously obey every little religious rule.


To be good, to be gentle, to be charitable, to humble yourself before God, These are much greater things than relying on ceremony.

THAT is the message of Christ. Jesus was a gentle radical.

Speed Racer
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[auburnguy 0]

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People weren't pussies a couple decades back. They didn't have a meltdown and have to make an appt. with a therapist if they saw a religious symbol in public.

People are simply tired of all the hate, prejudice and terror, that ALL religions seem to spread. Religious Christmas decorations are more pertinent to the church, than to Jesus or any "God". Modern religions have strayed from their roots and are just as commercial, as any other business. Religious symbols have become symbols of greed, power, persecution and terror. Santa symbolizes joy, hope, love and the spirit of giving to/for others. I think anymore, the Santa decorations are more reverent to the true spirit of Christmas and Jesus, than any nativity scene.

Try reading either the Bible or the Quran you hippie.

"If you don't like your job, you don't strike! You just go in every day, and do it really half assed. That's the American way."
- Homer Simpson

[Amazon 7]

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To be good, to be gentle, to be charitable, to humble yourself before God, These are much greater things than relying on ceremony.

THAT is the message of Christ. Jesus was a gentle radical.

I agree completely.

Too bad the message has been co-opted who use it to bludgeon others into THEIR dogma.

It seems most religions and churches are there to help those who run them ... achieve a material lifestyle that they feel is their due for bringing the WORD to the lowly masses.

One of my favorite prayers to the Lord is for him to protect us from his "followers.

[masterblaster72 0]

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Jesus was a gentle radical.

Except for that time when he went absolutely ape when they were selling merchandise in the synagogue...

Be humble, ask questions, listen, learn, follow the golden rule, talk when necessary, and know when to shut the fuck up.

[kschilk 0]

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Try reading either the Bible or the Quran you hippie.

Actually, I have read the Bible, though I find more truth in the tales from the brothers Grimm. I haven't read the Quran, since sequels usually suck anyway.

"T'was ever thus."

[billvon 3,009]

> Santa symbolizes joy, hope, love and the spirit of giving to/for others.

Why does this remind me of the original South Park animation?

It all depends on whose glasses you are wearing. To many, Santa is the symbol of commercialism during Christmas time. He's the reason we have the term "Black Friday" and is more of an impetus to spend than anything else.

You can take whatever lesson you like. If you see Santa as a symbol of giving and generosity, and he inspires you to be more generous, great. If you see the birth of Christ as an occasion to remember what he gave us, and it reminds you to live your life by following his example, that's also great.

If you see Santa as a reason to spend money and outdo the neighbors with animated lawn animals, or you see Christ as a reason to wage a "Christmas - Friend or Foe" campaign, then not so great.