Christmas Spirit
It is just barely mid November and in any store, as far as the eye can see, there are reminders that Christmas is fast aproaching. Next Friday, which is the day after Thanksgiving, is the day in America that is traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year. Some stores open as early as 5:00 a.m. to lines of people who have been waiting outside all night long in order to be the first ones in. As stocks of the much advertized "doorbusters" and sale items quickly dwindle, brawls over who had what first are common. I, for one, in silent protest, will not brave the crowds. In the red and green blur of commercialism, it begs the question of just what Christmas truly means. It used to be sacred, about the birth of a savior, a time to think about how to live one's life in a holy way, and how to connect with God. Now it has become materialized and the true meaning of what it once embodied has escaped us. Even an outsider like myself can see this. I am more of a spiritual person than a religious one. I light a candle and pray, as in most religions. I celebrate the changing of the seasons, and I believe that all paths (except those of violence and hatred) lead to God. For me, Christmas is about being grateful for what you have; it is about charity, about kindness and a time to focus on ways to better the world we live in. Not about material wealth. And so, on the day that America dictates we shop, I will protest because the true meaning of Christmas and what the season has become for so many different people and religions has seemed to all but disappear. In the midst of bags and packages and wish lists and wants the tune of the Little Drummer Boy doesn't sound quite the same.
Posted by Anna at 8:33 PM
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8Comments:
Hi Anna,
I had mixed feelings when I read your blog. I agree wholeheartedly that Christmas is too commercial and that we have lost so much of the meaning. You obviously think about life on more than a superficial level. The part that saddened me most was your belief that all paths lead to God. As a woman who has accepted Jesus Christ as her saviour, which is what Christmas (Christ-mas) is about, I know that the teaching from God's Word (in fact, Jesus himself) says that there is no other way to the Father except through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way to God. He loved you so much he allowed to be conformed into the restrictions of time and space to become a man at Christmas and then knowingly sacrifice His life at Easter, being the only One who is sinless and does not have to suffer the punishment for His own sin. He is the only One who can make that atonement on our behalf. His sacrifice is made because of His love for us/you. The choice of accepting this gift or not is what will allow us to spend eternity with Him in heaven. It comes down to choice, but the choice is Jesus. I pray that you will choose right. I'd love to see you in heaven. God bless.
It wasn’t my intent to start a religious debate, merely an ethical/ moral one, but since I have opened a can of worms, here is my reply: I'm glad you feel strongly about your faith, too, but Christianity is not my choice (specific reasons for which I will not go into detail). I believe that each person is entitled to his or her own beliefs. I have studied religion in depth both in my personal life and in schooling. I have taken, among others, ethics, philosophy, and comparative religion honors. There are so many different religions out there, each as steadfast in their belief as the other, each proclaiming that their path is the chosen one and you are damned to hell if you don't pick theirs. You are always damned according to someone. How can one be certain of what is true? Religion/ spirituality is in the heart of the believer. You feel in your heart what is right. I’m not saying that Christianity is not a way into heaven. I stated that I believe that all paths except those of violence and hatred are paths to God. You are entitled to your beliefs and I would never try to sway your faith. I, too am entitled to mine. I would love to see you in heaven, too, and I’m sure that one day I will. May peace be with you.
I'm with you on this one Anna. I am not religiously motivated, I would define myself, if I had to, as agnostic but I none the less agree that commercialism has got way out of hand at Christmas-time and has eclipsed for many, any real religious or spiritual meaning. As an agnostic I still belive that Chritmas should be at least about one's family, friends and about caring for others, it's main focus should not be corporate gain or 'out-buying' one's neighbours to induce materialism!
In reply to Diane, I have to say that whilst I agree that a blog is a public forum and hence we all have a right to our own opinion, our own beliefs and our own religion I do not consider that to use this space in such a manner as to issue poorly veiled threats and to promote specific religious dictum is appropriate. That for me is the very attitude that embodies everything that is wrong with religion!
Doubtless I will go to hell!
Gem: Right on! Exactly the point. That is what is wrong with organized religion. Many different people waving their religion in your face, threatening "Pick me or burn in hell," or in this case "I would love to see you in heaven...but the choice is Jesus" It is religion by scare tactics and force, not by choice. And it is hypocrisy to boot. I won't buy it. Only religious tolerance and freedom of choice are found here. And yes, blogs are about freedom of opinion, not an invitation for religious conversion. My beliefs and opinions are expressed here. Anyone who doesn't like me is free to hit the "next blog" button.
She is more than welcome to spout religious jargon...in her own blog. And if you're going to hell, Gem, count me in too. We'll have a party down there.
Bring on the party! ;o)
Fireworks and all ;)
`...there is no other way to the Father except through Jesus Christ.' Fundamentalists who have no sense of history or context quote this as meaning one thing, when in reality it was written meaning something specific to its time and place. I could expand, but I'm too tired and it's late.
Bert: agreed. Times change, languages change, societal norms change and what was one meant in one way changes radically into something different.
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