Christmas Is For Everyone, Even Christians

CFP ^ | December 15, 2004 | Paul Albers

[MikeEdwards]

Some 2000 years ago, in a small, unimportant corner of the world, a baby was born. His mother lovingly wrapped him in swaddling clothes and gently laid him in a manger. Some people today want to figuratively drop that same child into the nearest dumpster and walk away.

Take a stroll through the local shopping mall and try to spot the word 'Christmas'. Listen to how rarely the staff will greet customers with 'Merry Christmas', and notice how few advertising campaigns use the word. If you want a real challenge, try to find any kind of reference to the nativity in a public school's 'Holiday' Concert. In some schools, even Jingle Bells is on the verge of being banned.

The motive might be to avoid offending some religiously intolerant person, but the result is open hostility towards Christianity. The deliberate removal of 'Christmas' from public language is a cold shoulder of disrespect that tells believers they are only tolerated if they stay quiet. George Orwell was correct when he wrote that language shapes our thoughts. Replacing 'Merry Christmas' with 'Happy holidays', or 'Christmas tree' with 'holiday tree', or 'Christmas cards' with 'special occasion cards' changes how we think of those items in a way that lessens their value, and that causes far more offence than it cures.

Treating the word 'Christmas' like it is a profanity is an insult, especially when Ramadan and Kwanza get more and more positive media attention every year. No effort is made to suppress the customs of those celebrations and you don't find the media suggesting that they are based on a myth or a lie. Double standards like this are not the way to bring joy to the world. . . . .

[TonyRo76]

Christmas with Christ prompts us to be better people, to put aside differences, forgive past hurts, change old habits and help those we can...too much of that would be lost if December 25th became a day to party just because we like parties.

Amen! Nicely stated.

[MineralMan]

Well, I did go to the mall yesterday. That's the Maplewood Mall in Maplewood, Minnesota. I bought a nice piece of jewelry for my wife and got a warm "Merry Christmas" from the salesperson.

Everywhere I went in the mall, I saw the words "Merry Christmas." On store windows, on signs. Barnes and Noble had a big sign announcing a sale on Christmas cards.

A kiosk in the mall was selling very nice wood carvings in the form of creches, the Last Supper, and other Christian religious themes.

There was a huge Christmas tree in the center of the mall, complete with a large angel at the top.

Christmas was everywhere in that mall, just as I expected.

I made several purchases yesterday, and got a "Merry Christmas" from every salesperson.

Perhaps others will have different stories. That's mine.

[Protagoras]

It should be abandoned by Christians, moved to a different season, and celebrated like the religious holiday it is.

Let the heathens have their Santy Claus day. It will fall of it's own weight in short order.

[Blzbba]

"It will fall of it's own weight in short order."


While I like your idea about moving, I don't think the "Santy Claus day" will fall of it's own weight - at least not in this materialistic country that stresses buy, Buy, BUY!

[Protagoras]

For a guy who doesn't believe in religion, you sure seem obsessed by it. I can't seem to find any thread even remotely related to religion that you aren't posting on.

It must be an empty feeling you are trying to fill.

[Sam's Army]

I got a "Happy Holidays" at the grocery store. My reply of "Merry Christmas" got a disbelieveing stare and silence.

I wear a small pin that says: "Merry Christmas, Believe it. Say it." from the Alliance Defense Fund (group that fights the ACLU frivolous lawsuits about religious expression and displays)

A co-worker saw it and remarked that he wouldn't take the risk of wearing the same pin to work: "We're more of a Happy Holidays company".

[AndyStevenson]

New Jersey is not so Christmas-y.

Although happy hanukkah signs are all over the place. Go figure.

Although there have been more 'Christmas sales' and such lately

[Protagoras]

While I like your idea about moving, I don't think the "Santy Claus day" will fall of it's own weight - at least not in this materialistic country that stresses buy, Buy, BUY!

I predict you are incorrect. Although we will never know.

[Blzbba]

How come, 5+ years ago, when stories about liberal groups being 'offended' by some such nonsense, the reply by conservatives was a mention of the "Bill of No Rights", which states that noone has the right to not be offended?

Yet when Christianity is involved, offense seems be taken rather quickly? Why aren't people 'offended' by these Christmas slights being reminded that noone has the right to not be offended? Or is there an "except Christians" clause to that that I missed?

[MineralMan]

"For a guy who doesn't believe in religion, you sure seem obsessed by it. I can't seem to find any thread even remotely related to religion that you aren't posting on."

Who says I don't believe in religion. I do. Religion is a real thing. How could I not believe in it. What I do not believe in is deities and other supernatural entities. I have no trouble believing in religion. There are lots of them.

Why am I posting on threads discussing religion? Generally, those threads involve some comments against people like me. Why would I not participate.

In this case, I was pointing out that Christmas is far from dead in our shopping malls. Much of what has been said regarding that is wrong.

Even the whole Macy's and Federated Department Stores controversy is wrong. Both companies have "Merry Christmas" featured on their web sites.

You know which stores don't? Walmart, Sears, JC Penney.

Religion interests me, so I participate on those threads.

[Sam's Army]

It's called The Culture War.

[MineralMan]

"I got a "Happy Holidays" at the grocery store. My reply of "Merry Christmas" got a disbelieveing stare and silence.
I wear a small pin that says: "Merry Christmas, Believe it. Say it." from the Alliance Defense Fund (group that fights the ACLU frivolous lawsuits about religious expression and displays)"

Good for you. You SHOULD wear that pin, since it represents your beliefs. Anyone who objects to it is just plain wrong. You should say "Merry Christmas" whenever you want.

However, if someone does not return your greeting, or answers you a different way, please consider that the person may well not celebrate the Christian holiday. Even some Christian denominations do not. Express your beliefs, but recognize that not everyone shares them.

[Blzbba]

"It's called The Culture War."


Whatever. Noone has the right to not be offended.

[Protagoras]

Religion interests me, so I participate on those threads.

Kinda like a superior being from another planet might be interested in the lower life forms on earth and their curious customs and beliefs?

You are nothing if not condescending.

[Sam's Army]

Oh, yes--I live in wonderful, ever so multi-cultural Florida. So I know what you mean by that and agree that not everyone "celebrates" Christmas (but for some reason they all want the day off and to exchange gifts).

At the same time, it wasn't too many years ago that the word Christmas didn't cause so many (supposed) HR nightmares in Corporate America.

[Sam's Army]

Being offended and being on offense are 2 different things. I am not offended so much as fighting to preserve some heritage before the muckity-mucks legislate it away.

[MineralMan]

"Yet when Christianity is involved, offense seems be taken rather quickly? Why aren't people 'offended' by these Christmas slights being reminded that noone has the right to not be offended? Or is there an "except Christians" clause to that that I missed?
"

Well, my view is that everyone should express whatever beliefs they hold. If they're Christians, why should they not wish people a "Merry Christmas."

By the same token, they should understand that not everyone celebrates the Christian holiday, and simply accept whatever greetings a person offers. If a business does not meet their expectations with regards to Christmas, it is an easy thing to shop elsewhere.

Why someone would get angry when a stranger working in some store wishes them a "Happy Holidays" I do not understand. Just wish them a "Merry Christmas," in return, or "Happy Hannukah," or whatever greeting you wish to share.

It's all good spirits being wished, I'd think.

Myself, I return "Merry Christmas" greetings from those who offer that greeting. Why? Even though I'm an atheist, I do hope that Christians have a Merry Christmas. Why would I not wish people to enjoy the holiday they celebrate?

[MineralMan]

"Kinda like a superior being from another planet might be interested in the lower life forms on earth and their curious customs and beliefs?

You are nothing if not condescending."

Gosh, thanks. Look, Christianity is a major force in this country. How could anyone not be interested in discussions about it? I'm not being condescending at all. I'm interested in religious discussions, because atheism is often discussed in them, generally disparagingly.

Please read my messages, not just my tagline. I'm completely in favor of everyone worshipping as they please. Everyone.

[Blzbba]

"Why would I not wish people to enjoy the holiday they celebrate?"


I agree completely and have zero problems with any public/private celebrations of 'Christmas'. I'm just curious why so many Christians are expecting to see religion in a department store and get so offended when they do not? Dept. stores are all about making money in this peak season and could not care less about religion.

[orionblamblam]

> Why would I not wish people to enjoy the holiday they celebrate?

Depends on the holiday. "Smack A Cat Day" is a holiday I'd just as soon the adherants to AntiCatism failed to enjoy.

[Sam's Army]

Yeah, they don't care about religion to the point that many companies are VERBOTEN from expressing the "Christian" term of "Merry Christmas" for fear of offending the odd 4% of the country that supposedly doesn't celebrate it.

[MineralMan]

"Dept. stores are all about making money in this peak season and could not care less about religion.
"

Well, that's certainly true. Some, if not most, have some sort of Christmas references. Some don't. It doesn't really matter to me, because my celebration is a secular one at this time of year. My wife is a Christian, and so we have a couple of creches in the house and an angel at the top of the tree.

I'm not offended, and she's not offended by my atheism. We love each other. I see no problem.

[MineralMan]

"Yeah, they don't care about religion to the point that many companies are VERBOTEN from expressing the "Christian" term of "Merry Christmas" for fear of offending the odd 4% of the country that supposedly doesn't celebrate it."

Which companies? So far, I've seen reference to Macy's. Oddly, if you go to www.macys.com, you'll find a Christmas greeting right on their web site. Same with the Federated Department Store's site.

I'd like to see a list of these companies that forbid Christmas, so I can check it out.

[orionblamblam]

> Dept. stores are all about making money in this peak season and could not care less about religion.

Indeed. Corporations are in the business of making money. However, naked greed is often a way to *lose* money. Look at the various Christmas threads here on FR... many abouts are annoyed *as* *is* that the holiday is so commercial. Imagine their annoyance if WalMart put on a "What Would Jesus Buy" sale, or a "Shopping at Target Makes Baby Jesus Cry" sale.

Consequently, "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings" or whatever, gets the same commercial message across, but without the blatant appeal to many people's deeply held religious beliefs to make a buck.

[Sam's Army]

Oh, come on. You're gonna claim mass hysteria now???

[Protagoras]

If they're Christians, why should they not wish people a "Merry Christmas."

They should wish other Christians that greeting, but why you? Why on earth would I wish you to have a nice celebration of everything you do not believe in?

"Have a happy day for a fraud savior that doesn't save and a God who doesn't exist".

That makes no sense. How about this, Have a nice labor day, or Sweetest day, or Groundhog day? After all, those are your days,,,I guess.

Or, have a nice Dec. 25th,,,,and 26th,,,and 27th,,,,and,,,,,

[MineralMan]

"Oh, come on. You're gonna claim mass hysteria now???"

Not at all. I wrote in this thread about my trip to the mall, where I saw all sorts of references to Christmas. I'd just like to see a list of all these stores that forbid the mention of Christmas.

I've already pointed out that Macy's and it's parent company have Merry Christmas messages right on their home pages, so they're right out of the list.

Walmart doesn't, though, and neither does Sears. They seem to be ignoring Christmas on their web site. I'd like to see a list, so I can investigate for myself. So far, no such list has appeared.

[Sam's Army]

Looks like you've already done some homework there since you know about Sears, WalMart, etc. Keep up the good work.

[MineralMan]

"They should wish other Christians that greeting, but why you? Why on earth would I wish you to have a nice celebration of everything you do not believe in? "

You needn't wish me a "Merry Christmas." If you do, though, I'll wish you one. If you saw me on the street, or in a store, you wouldn't know that I'm an atheist, so you might just wish me a "Merry Christmas." I'll return the greeting, because I sincerely hope that you have a Merry Christmas.

If you wish me a Happy Hannukah, I'll assume you're Jewish, and return that greeting as well, since I would hope that you have a Happy Hannukah.

I won't tell you that I'm an atheist unless you ask me about my beliefs. What would be the point of that?

Have a Merry Christmas!

[MineralMan]

"How about this, Have a nice labor day, or Sweetest day, or Groundhog day? After all, those are your days,,,I guess.
"

You could say those things, and I hope you'll enjoy those holidays, too. Happy Columbus Day! Who cares? I enjoy all holidays, and hope everyone else does, too.

On Veterans Day, I attend an event that honors veterans. It's not a "happy" day. It's a solemn remembrance of those who died in the service of their nation.

Christmas is celebrated by Christians as a holy day. I wish all Christians a good Christmas.

[Protagoras]

You needn't wish me a "Merry Christmas."

I have no intention of doing so, I already explained how stupid that is.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Thank you.

And I wish you a good life. I feel so badly for you people. It's not your fault. It must be so sad to think that this pathetic place is all there is and it all happened by accident. Such an empty feeling.

[EdReform]

I wear a small pin that says: "Merry Christmas, Believe it. Say it." from the Alliance Defense Fund (group that fights the ACLU frivolous lawsuits about religious expression and displays).

It's okay to say Merry Christmas! Get your Christmas pin here:

"Merry Christmas. Believe It. Say It. Wear it!"

[Protagoras]

Here's a different thread, maybe a day you can celebrate

TRANSGENDER, BISEXUAL, GAY AND LESBIAN AWARENESS DAY

Have a nice one!

[MineralMan]

"Here's a different thread, maybe a day you can celebrate
TRANSGENDER, BISEXUAL, GAY AND LESBIAN AWARENESS DAY

Have a nice one!"

Well, I'm none of those things, so that wouldn't be a day I'd celebrate. How sad that you can't recognize those of faiths other than yours without some sort of slur.

[Protagoras]

What slur?

[Protagoras]

How sad that you can't recognize those of faiths other than yours without some sort of slur.

What was your "faith" again? Is that an admission that atheism is a religion?

Again, what slur? Please don't accuse people without specific information.

[Protagoras]

Well, I'm none of those things, so that wouldn't be a day I'd celebrate.

That's an odd thing to say. You aren't a Christian but you celebrate Christmas.

[StonyBurk]

Your unbelief is a self evident proof--every time you post
it is clear you do not believe in anyhting beyond yourself.
May Christ soften your heart--and open your eyes-but you
are without excuse (ROmans chapter 1) for your self imposed
blindness.

[AmericanChef]

In the post office: "Holiday Ornament Stamps". On what holiday other than Christmas do we use Christmas-looking ornaments? Hmm...let me think...

[Grig]

Albers ping

Freepmail me if you want on (or off) the ping list for this author

[ConservativeStLouisGuy]

MikeEdwards,

Jim Robinson's Master List Of Articles To Be Excerpted:
Updated FR Excerpt and Link Only or Deny Posting List due to Copyright Complaints


"Did I forget to post the full article? D'OH!!"

FReegards and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

ConservativeStLouisGuy
__________

Christmas Is For Everyone, Even Christians - Paul Albers

Some 2000 years ago, in a small, unimportant corner of the world, a baby was born. His mother lovingly wrapped him in swaddling clothes and gently laid him in a manger. Some people today want to figuratively drop that same child into the nearest dumpster and walk away.

Take a stroll through the local shopping mall and try to spot the word 'Christmas'. Listen to how rarely the staff will greet customers with 'Merry Christmas', and notice how few advertising campaigns use the word. If you want a real challenge, try to find any kind of reference to the nativity in a public school's 'Holiday' Concert. In some schools, even Jingle Bells is on the verge of being banned.

The motive might be to avoid offending some religiously intolerant person, but the result is open hostility towards Christianity. The deliberate removal of 'Christmas' from public language is a cold shoulder of disrespect that tells believers they are only tolerated if they stay quiet. George Orwell was correct when he wrote that language shapes our thoughts. Replacing 'Merry Christmas' with 'Happy holidays', or 'Christmas tree' with 'holiday tree', or 'Christmas cards' with 'special occasion cards' changes how we think of those items in a way that lessens their value, and that causes far more offence than it cures.

Treating the word 'Christmas' like it is a profanity is an insult, especially when Ramadan and Kwanza get more and more positive media attention every year. No effort is made to suppress the customs of those celebrations and you don't find the media suggesting that they are based on a myth or a lie. Double standards like this are not the way to bring joy to the world.

The fear that merely mentioning the word 'Christmas' is going to offend the multicultural masses is largely false. The number of non-Christians claiming to be personally offended by hearing the proper name for the holiday comes to approximately zero and it actually isn't that hard to find Jewish, Muslim and non-religious families that enthusiastically celebrate Christmas as a cultural holiday.

Although they don't have to, non-Christians can find good reasons to celebrate Christ's birth if they look for them. Western democracy itself is a direct result of the Christian faith of America's Founding Fathers. Washington, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson and so very many others were openly Christian. It was the teachings of Christ, separated from the dogma of a specific sect, which formed the ideological base for the American constitution and Bill of Rights. As President John Quincy Adams said, the creation of the United States of America "laid the corner stone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity."

The ideas found in the American constitution can be spotted in the charter of every free nation in the world today. Americans, Canadians, Israelis, Europeans, Russians, the Afghani schoolgirl learning to read, the Iraqi mother registering to vote, and so many others all have a reason to be glad that Christ was born.

There are more reasons though. In the First World War British and German troops didn't lay down their guns on Christmas morning to play soccer and exchange gifts with each other because they were afraid of getting coal in their stocking. They were touched by something deeper, and so too are many others every Christmas season, regardless of religion. Anyone known to be in need has to put up a pretty good fight to avoid receiving a portion of the generosity Christmas brings out in everyone.

Christmas with Christ prompts us to be better people, to put aside differences, forgive past hurts, change old habits and help those we can. He called on us to not just alter our public behaviour, but to purify all our deeds and even our thoughts, to love our enemies, and treat others as we would have them treat us. He made the world a better place, but too much of that would be lost if December 25th became a day to party just because we like parties.

Christ's teachings continue to shape the world, and that probably has more to do with the drive to strike out His name than anything else. President Bush's faith is no secret, and no sham either. He was returned to office by voters who, Christian or not, hold Christian values dear. Small wonder then that the blue states' post-election temper tantrum has joined the parade of politically correct yuletide insanity.

Target, a retail chain well connected with the Democrats, banned the Salvation Army from their storefronts. In Denver, where Kerry picked up 70% of the vote, a church group was kept out of the annual parade because they were going to sing Christmas hymns and shout 'Merry Christmas' to the crowds. Both Time Magazine and Newsweek, known for their liberal leanings, are running cover stories that paint the record of Christ's birth as a myth. They are comfortable with using His name to deride the red states as 'Jesusland', but not to give credit for Christmas where it's due.

There is probably no religious holiday as inclusive as Christmas. You don't need faith that Christ is the King of kings to embrace 'peace on earth, good will towards men,' nor do you need to believe that wise men sought Him before you exchange gifts with those close to you. It is a holiday open to anyone who wants to join in and people who claim they cherish tolerance and diversity should be among the most vocal promoters and defenders of Christmas.