On Christmas and the culture war
December 21st, 2008I still observe Christmas out of loyalty to family. But I have a number of problems with it. I celebrate my Savior’s birth in September. That’s when he was born.
His name wasn’t, has never been and isn’t “Jesus” and he wasn’t born on December 25th. Christmas is a pagan holiday.
There weren’t three wise men at the manger. We don’t know how many there were and they certainly weren’t carrying hand-held boxes of gifts. They arrived at least a year later and brought a wagon train of gifts worth about $400 million.
Christmas is an invention of pagan religions, the Catholic church and, most recently, Coca-Cola and Macy’s. In that order.
When you begin to complain that Christmas has been commercialized, you need to understand that commerce is the only reason your understanding of it even exists. Santa Claus was invented by American marketing people to get your money.
Even before the Constitution and before the founding of this great nation, celebrating Christmas was illegal among your ancestors in this land. (Unless you’re an American Indian.) It was outlawed by Christians and for good reason. Give that some thought and some research. Then ask yourself why Christmas and Santa Claus are so important to you.
Christmas is idolatry.
If you place great value on your personal relationship with a personal savior, you should shun Christmas. I seriously doubt that he holds it against you – he’s merciful and gracious – but it’s a matter of respect. Just like knowing his name and using it properly, which is the second commandment, goddammit! Learn his name and what he was talking about.
It matters. Psalm 91 makes that clear (if you’re too lazy to find all the many reasons and the places they’re mentioned in scripture).
When I read the op-eds of all these silly religious people ranting about the “War on Christmas” I laugh. They’ve been sucked in and don’t even know it. They’re trying to take back something that never belonged to them. You can’t “put the Christ back in Christmas” because Christ has never, ever been there beyond the linguistics. It has nothing to do with “Christ” and it never did. Ever.
When atheists post signs next to nativity scenes about the “winter solstice” you “Christians” should acquiesce and apologize. So-called “Christians” stole this holiday from pagans who worship trees and nature just like they stole Easter from pagans that worship fertility gods.
There is nothing significant about December 25 except the Winter Solstice. Which, by the way, also isn’t actually December 25th.
Would that name be Joshua?
Give me a break because its not like this is my forte.
I was bothered when the atheists put that sign up beside the nativity scene and Gov didn’t do anything about it. See I was under the impression that this country was founded on Christianity. I’ve been to the capital and the paintings are full of Christ. You know I don’t walk the Christian walk, much less talk it. but I am a believer, and I’ll back all the Christian fighters 100%. (I’m always here in the corner with a water bottle and a neck massage to get ya back out there in the ring). I even have the bumper sticker from Bill O’Rielly that says “We still say Merry Christmas” (Bill who I plan on having an affair with whenever he knocks on my door. I don’t care thats he’s 72 years old. I love him) But after reading this…hmmm…should I even bother supporting the fight?
No, his name’s not Joshua but that’s a good guess. No, you shouldn’t support any of Bill’s wars.
Bill O’Reilly’s a pompous windbag and a douche.
We got your Christmas card, btw. Thank you. My kids are fascinated by your daughter’s unusual name.
Unusual? Why is it unusual? Other than the fact she swears we named her a boy name. Here’s how that picture took place.
Trent: Tristan don’t make that “zoolander” face
Me while trying to hold a smile: I bet she’s making it
Doug thinking what is a zoolander face:
Tristan making the zoolander face
You know I dearly love and admire Bill O”Reilly. I have purchased all his books except for one. I think he’s the last moral crusader left in the news media. But I will say I am starting to like Shepard Smith, he makes me laugh when it’s not appropriate. lol
There you go making panties and boxers bunch all over Blogdom.
So, what is the appropriate salutation on 12/25? Happy Winter Day? Feliz Solistice? Happy Pagan High Holy Day? How ’bout Felicitious Celebrations?
And I think His name was most often pronounced Y’shua but it could have been Yehoshua as well. I wonder if the neighbor kids just called him Bill.
Or Joe.
^…she said as she mischievously stirred the pot.
Who me??? Nevar! ;)
Oh, heidi. I’ve missed you so. Don’t ever let me leave you again.
Wow. Learn something new everyday.
Aww… I’ve missed you too. :) Don’t stay away.
well me oh my!
Just tie my trunk in a knott and throw peanuts at me.
I am so going to use Happy High Holy Pagan Day. That is awesome.
I celebrate Christmas and as my relationship with God has changed, progressed, moved deeper it has become less about “stuff” and more about the significance of God becoming man and ultimately His death and resurrection.
The ideal, for me, is to remember those events daily – knowing that He loved me enough to do so. It keeps me humble and grateful for every blessing – from salvation to getting up in time to get to the bus. But I don’t think it is sinful to set aside a day to mark the occasion.
If I ever have kids, they won’t be singing “happy birthday” to Jesus on 12/25, though. That just goes too far.
[...] month and here it is Christmas time already. If you want to have your pot stirred go over and read Cowboy’s latest post. I am quite sure it is not you traditional Christmas post. I just want to wish all of you [...]
Cowboy is stirring the pot again, and we love you for it.
Spot on, Mark.
Though I agree I have no problem wishing a happy Christmas to those I know are saying it honour our Lord and don’t have that info. It’s what’s in the heart that matters.
Dammit, heidi, if you respond to the trolls, I can’t vanish them as if they never existed without making you look stupid. (I certainly would never want to do that.)
I normally do that within minutes but Christmas travel keeps me offline for 18 hours or so…. ONCE A YEAR – Don’t get stupid!, trolls
Is that ironic? (That was rhetorical. I need better filters.)
So you don’t miss me?
No, heidi. I miss you.
I also zapped the troll and a response, too. When I’m ranting about my Savior and the bastardization of his birthday, the last thing I want is a political threadjack still campaigning for Oblama.
I did a whole ‘nother blog post as an apology for killing your comment and – indirectly – calling you a troll-feeder.
It’s my nature to feed, um, people. But I had honestly forgotten about the aforementioned troll and sustenance thereof.
No apologies needed. I think I can handle looking stupid occasionally.
That’s why I wear the big girl panties.
I am curious where you get that Jesus or whatever you call him was born in September? Isn’t that doing the same as Catholics did when they decided that he was born in December for their own religious gain? I know it sounds cool to all the Judaism worshipers, but what FACTS back that up? The facts as I have seen them seem to point at a April birth for Jesus. He was born in April and died in April. More specifically he was born on April 17th.
Hey Cowboy…. I wrote something over at my place that you might find amusing. I sure did!
Hope you enjoyed your pagan holiday and all it’s benefits. We did!
I have been browsing this website and just wanted to let you know I enjoyed it! Keep up the good work.