Apparently, even the belief that God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to save us from eternal damnation is not enough to comfort the afflicted, who have decided that the following people are combatants in the War on Christmas:
1. Anyone who does not share their beliefs;
2. Anyone who tries to be inclusive of others who are not like-minded (i.e., polite and thoughtful);
3. Anyone who wants to alternate phrases so as not to sound like an automaton;
4. Anyone who knows anything about the history of Christmas.
First of all, is there anything more heinous than promoting disharmony during a season that is supposed to be about love and hope? Is there anything less Jesus-like than using this joyous time -- when our fractured nation could focus on its strengths and celebrate together-- to push agenda that makes us angry? I don't think so.
This alone should tell you that those who raise this ugly non-issue do not truly care about this country, or more specifically, you. These people don't give a moldy fruitcake about your right to enjoy Christmas. They care about power and keeping it. (Here, enjoy another serving of indignation. Look what I got you! A big box of pissed off! You know, fighting the good fight is expensive. Give now to help save Christmas.)
To those who started this mess, you are not beyond redemption according to the Jesus in which you believe, but he is far better than I, and I'm not talking to you. So don't talk to me. Be mean somewhere else.
But if you are feeling bad about causing a ruckus, read on. This is for those saying "but it was HIS idea" and pointing to someone else. Like Bill O'Reilly. Or Bob Knight.
If he jumped off a cliff, would you do it too? You are actually, seriously picking a fight over whether its a holiday tree or a Christmas tree?
It's very hard for me not to yell at you right now, so pay attention and don't interrupt me. "Holidays" is a derivative of "Holy Days." You are complaining about people saying, in effect, "Happy Holy Days" and extrapolating from that a "war on Christians." [actual CNN quote.]
I am seriously considering grounding you for the rest of your natural life. For now: Go to your room and think about what you've done. And while you are up there not watching TV or playing Xbox or anything else, contemplate this: A lot of the traditions that you are so belligerently demanding be always referred to in terms of their religious significance didn't start off having anything to do with Jesus' birthday.
Yes, that's right. You should have paid attention in history class, but you didn't, and now you are going to get a lecture from me. You chose poorly.
Many of our "Christmas" symbols started off as pagan traditions. Many are from Roman Saturnalia or celebrations of the winter solstice. No, I'm not going to explain. When you are allowed to use the computer again, if ever, look it up on Got Questions.
The tradition of decorating a tree is older than Jesus. The Yule log. The mistletoe. The wassail bowl. Giving gifts. Even the date of Dec. 25th. These and other traditions were taken over by the early Church. It was actually pretty wise of the church fathers to realize that, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And what different does it make?
Rituals offer continuity and a chance to touch the mystical. Symbols represent ideas. They don't belong to any one group (corporate trademarks aside), but are universal icons we all share. They evolve over time. Taking the Holly King and putting a Jesus theme on the holly (red berries for blood, pointy leaves for thorns, as in crown of) well, that's creative. Morbid, but creative.
While I'm not real keen on
the fact that doing things the old way could make you the main event at the Christmas bonfire, I say a party is a
party. Celebrating love and life goes beyond petty disagreements about who was here first.
Also, for your further edification, Christmas was originally
celebrated from Dec. 25 to January 6, the Epiphany. Hence the 12 days
of Christmas. More than one holy day. Merry Christmas and Happy HolidayS. Plural. Christmas AND the new year AND the Epiphany AND the days in between. You know, "On the first day of Chrismas, my true love gave to me ... "
For the love of all things "holi," don't pretend that people who
say "Happy Holidays" are assaulting Christmas. Holidays means days without work or school. Days we can eat too much and show our appreciate for our friends and hang with our families and celebrate the hope that life is deep and meaningful and lovely.
So just stop talking about it. Let this silliness die unmourned. It's embarassing to every one. Most Americans have no problem with the whole non-issue. As in, THEY DON'T CARE. They have serious things to worry about.
Now, I want you to write "I wish everyone a happy, happy holiday" one hundred times. Write neatly! Then you can come out of your room and have some punch and plum pudding. We'll just put this behind us.
After all, 'tis the season to be merry.
All I have to say is
http://www.devilducky.com/media/39580/
(Quicktime required)
Posted by: DeweyS | Thursday, December 15, 2005 at 20:53