Christmas Under Siege

[holysoldier5000]

As Christmas time once again peaks its jolly holly holiday head around the corner instead of being greeted with merriment this joyous time of the year faces persecution and threats of eradication. From “Christmas Treesâ€

[Mikomi]

It never ceases to amaze me how ignorant people can be. Its like these people are so deadset on not offending people who do not share Christian beliefs that they never really take into consideration that they are actually offending Christians. Its like Christians have to give up what they believe in order to make others who do not share Christian beliefs happy. Its not fair. Its like these people are saying "Youre allowed to believe in whatever you want and express your beliefs openly and publicly as long as they arent Christian ones."

[Slater]

I honestly think that people are becoming opposed to Christmas because they're running out of things to be opposed to. Like here at SFSU, students usually protest against the government or pro-life stuff... but then they got through all of that stuff so they started protesting against CocaCola and (get this) Thanksgiving. Now there's a joke running around campus that they're gonna protest against lightbulbs next.

But no matter what the case is, I understand what you are saying. It's sad how that people are so opposed to Christ that they refuse to even say His name when it's customary to do so. But I suppose it's not much of a problem as long as Christians don't listen to these crazy mandates. It's a form of testamony to show that our allegiance doesn't lie with human administration or political correctness, but with the Lord God Almighty.

[heero yuy 95]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I get so tired of hearing commercials say, "this holiday, happy holidays, etc.". unghhh... it makes me sick to see these god-hating super-liberals attacking everything christ-related to the point of this. They don't give a crap about who gets offended or not, they just want to eradicate anything and everything Christian from our society. As for what Amaya said earlier, I couldn't agree more.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Yes "Political Correctness" often sucks. I'm sick of how society tell us to tolerate everthing (but no one's tolerant of Christianity etc). I can't say I'm suprised, it does say in the Bible things will get worse until Jesus returns, but still its not good.
In some Australian states what you described, Ben it is a very similar situation. On a positive note it seems South Australia isn't in on the whole PC thing so much. I went to the shops today and they had a big nativity scene or set up and also some things for "Jesus: All about life." God's goodness!

[Mr. SmartyPants]

heres something to say to those who perfer "happy Holidays" *coughcough*WAL-MART*coughcough*

did you know "holidays" derived from "holy days?"

yeah, let them know that. Soon they will change it AGAIN to like... seaons greetings! or something

I conclude with this cool quote

"Who is more irrational? A man who believes in a God he doesn't see, or a man who's offended by a God he doesn't believe in?"
-Brad Stine

[Wakarimashta!]

Wal-mart won't last with their decision to put away with "Merry Christmas" in favor of "Happy Holidays." Macy's did this last year and the result of that is a handful of criticism by their shoppers (which is why they're putting MC back this year).

It indeed is sad that Christmas is tucked away from public, but then again, that is the reason why everybody hates the ACLU.

[Roll]

You guys really nailed it. This "C word" censorship just drives me up the wall. It's like Christmas is a bad word these days! I wrote a little poem that addresses this issue; it's posted in the Writing section if you'd like to check it out! ^^

[Shao Feng-Li]

It is all rather silly. Espescially since Christmas has become more secular.

[Scribs]

"Who is more irrational? A man who believes in a God he doesn't see, or a man who's offended by a God he doesn't believe in?"
-Brad Stine

That is an awsome quote MSP.

Yes it really has gotten out of hand, whenever someone says "Happy Holidays" to me, I always reply with Merry Christmas.

I wonder if Christmas Tree Shops will change their name to Holiday Tree Shops...

[DragonSlayer]

I actually do beleive I heard somone say so they were going to the tree shop, I actually cant remember a time here when they where christmas tree lots, just tree lots.It drives me crazy, they wont call Christmas Beak in school Christmas Break anymore(Even though thats what everyone gets a break for) THey now call it winter break, as to not "offend" anybody., I'll be praying for this one

[ShiroiHikari]

This kind of thing is ridiculous and unfair. Why don't Christians take a stand against groups like the ACLU? They attack everything that we stand for!

Also, I heard that in Plano, Texas, it even went so far that the colors red and green were banned in schools during Christmas time! How stupid is that?

[CephasWhite]

I'm gonna pray hard and long for this. This is getting out of hand, and you have to sort of think to yourself how to respond to this:

"You rude hypocrites, what gives you the right to slam Christians, put them down and discriminate them just because you don't agree with something that's been around for over 1000 YEARS? What gives you the right to change Christmas? Christmas has been about celebrating the birth of our gracious Lord, God, Christ of all nations, the one Yihoshua for about 2000 years, and you want to change it just because you say, "ooooooh, I'm offended"?

God help them, help them indeed.

And Amaya, you said exactly what I was thinking. I've noticed that Christianity is being discriminated, and much. We can't say anything about homosexuals, although they can say an unlimited amount of things about us...whatever happened to that quote: "Two wrongs don't make a right"?

I don't understand it. Us Christians love everyone, and we tell them what they're doing is wrong, tell them about God, and we let THEM choose what they want to do, but to them...it seems like they think we're attacking them.

Going back on subject, I just have to say this, no matter what the person says, I don't care if he or she Christian or not in this sense, or WHATEVER the person believes, I am saying straight out, without hesitation, full of the Holy Spirit:

"MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

My God, thank you, those words feel so good. It feels like I've been fulfilled by saying those two words.

Join me in saying Merry Christmas in every post you make in this particular thread, and in your signature as well. Let's bring the full meaning of Jesus Christ, our Yihoshua's birth by saying those two simple words:

Merry Christmas!

[Wakarimashta!]

This kind of thing is ridiculous and unfair. Why don't Christians take a stand against groups like the ACLU? They attack everything that we stand for!

Because the ACLU will stop at nothing to tear away family and religion. It's unfortunate, but the ACLU will use lawyers to re-interpret the actual meaning of the US Constitution and use it against people with Christian values.

The ACLU was co-founded by Roger Baldwin, who had been a member of the communist party in the early 20th century. His goal, as mentioned by an actual quote from him years after founding:

[i]“I am for socialism, disarmament, and ultimately, for abolishing the state itself. I seek social ownership of property, the abolition of the properties class, and sole control of those who produce wealth. Communism is the goal. I don’t regret being part of the communist tactic. I knew what I was doing. I was not an innocent liberal. I wanted what the communists wanted and I traveled the United Front road to get it.â€

[Nate]

The ACLU was co-founded by Stephen Baldwin, who had been a member of the communist party in the early 20th century.

Whoa, really? What about Alec and Billy Baldwin?

EDIT: Whoa, you already changed it. Heh heh.

[Jeikobu]

This just disgusts me. Signs of the times. It's Christmas, not "the Holidays". Why is the word Christmas suddenly evil to these people? Obviously they want to show no relation to and give no credit to what Christmas is really about: the birth of our Messiah. Again I say, signs of the times. *shakes head in disgust* ><

[ChristianKitsune]

I agree..it is really really sad to see this happening. and it is totally ridiculous, I agree with many of the posters here. why is it that only Christians get picked on during this Time of year?

I think I have an answer.. Jesus DID say that we would be persecuted for our beliefs, but if we remain strong we will give him the ultimate glory.

I agree that the ACLU needs to back off...give us a little freedom. I mean Channukah and Kwanza (What is Kwanza anyway? ^^; ) Get the freedoms.. but what about US?

What about OUR Rights?

The First amendment to the US Constitution speaks about Freedom of speech, religion, press and the right to a peaceful assembly.

If we are granted those rights, then why are our Rights being tredded upon? Why is Corprate/Secular Christmas allowed over Christian Christmas.

Its really sad to see in many stores various Santa and reindeer and snowmen as well as Gingerbread men being advertised on MANY aisles and Shelves... but to see maybe ONE shelf dedicated to the TRUE reason for the season. The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It almost makes me want to protest the season altogether..

[Nate]

[quote="ChristianRonin"](What is Kwanza anyway? ^^]
Heh. That reminds me of Futurama when Kwanzaabot told Bender,

"I have to give out the traditional Kwanzaa book."

And he holds up a book titled What the [Heck] is Kwanzaa, Anyway? with a picture of a kid shrugging.

[Shao Feng-Li]

Don't you love it when the Liberals come in and use the Constitution for they're own personal gain? If you're a Christian their is no freedom of speech and religion. If you're anything else well...

[holysoldier5000]

It is important that people stand up for what they believe in but it is even more important to stand up for what is right. Some people think the war on Christmas is just about removing Santa Clauses from shopping malls, but it is much more then that. Christmas has become such a secular holiday in this day and age that many people are not taking the time to look at the true meaning of Christmas. What is the true meaning of Christmas? It's not the gifts. It's not the tree. It's not even Santa. It's Jesus Christ and what he has done for each and every one of us. We need to remember that as we live our lives every day, that on the very first Christmas we received the very best gift ever… a savior. David Meece summed it up best:

We Are The Reason by David Meece

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
And all the gifts and toys we knew we'd find
But we never realized a baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

And we were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by we learned more about gifts
And giving of ourselves and what that means
On a dark and cloudy day a man hung crying in the rain
Because of love, because of love

And we are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

I finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him
For Him

And we are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

He is my reason to live

[Debitt]

I don't understand what people have against "Merry Christmas", religious or not. In this day and age Christmas can be entirely secular and centered around materialism or family values, or it could be a time to focus on Christ's birth. NO ONE is forcing anyone else to take one stance or the other.

I find it incredibly hypocritical - if someone gets offended if I say "Merry Christmas" to them, then they better be equally offended when they get that new iPod (or whatever else) on the 25th.

EDIT: Was just reminded...XD; I aide for an English teacher at school, and he's quite religious. He has a comic taped on the wall I sit in front of. It shows three kids sitting in front of the princpal's office talking as such:

Kid 1: So what are you here for? I said "F***"
Kid 2: I said "s***"
Kid 3: ...I said Christmas.

[Yojimbo]

Kwanzaa is a fake holiday. It was created in 1966 by a militant black racist named Mulan Karenga, which is an assumed name. He even went to jail with some of his cronies for beating and torturing two women. Oh yeah and he got out in 1974 and became a chairman for California State University.

Kwanzaa's origins do not lie in harvest celebrations dating back to ancient Africa. Why would any culture be celebrating a harvest during the Winter Solstice? And as far as Maize, or corn, being a part ofthe celebration, it is not native to Africa but the Americas.

Christian haters have in general always used the excuse to speak their hatred of Christianity, because of the few militant Christians that like to condemn anything, everyone, and everything. As usual the presence of a few have been used as the neccesary scapegoat to bash the entire Christian faith. I do not like extremely, you can guess the type, militant Chrisitans as much as the next person. I do recognize though that they still need love, while atheists will not feel so swayed by this notion. Regardless they would still probably find another excuse to harp on Christians but still...

Next time they get relief from Red Cross after a natural disaster, go workout or drop their kids off at the YMCA, or receive a gift on Christmas morning they should recognize that at least how ingrained in our culture Christianity is and what good it has done for the world.

[ashfire]

Radio and TV personality Bill O Ralley has been talking about this on both the TV and radio how stores will not use Christmas in their adds or let their employees say anything about Christmas to customers.
He has advised his listeners and those who watch to write the headquarters of those big company stores and complain or boycott those store.
Bill is himself a Roman Catholic, a former school teacher, a news man and has look at how everything about Christianity has come under attack and is letting people know it.
The marjority of people in this country are Christian but minority of those who have different believes or no believe about religion are going to do their best to take away what Christians were allowed to do for years.
President Ulysses S. Grant made Christmas a federal holiday so unless Congress decides to remove the holiday status or change the name on the calenders we should have Christmas as a holiday for years to come and may it stay that way.

[Joshua Christopher]

It's going to happen eventually, people. I'm not saying you shouldn't take a stand against it, but stop acting surprised over this.

[Myoti]

It's going to happen eventually, people. I'm not saying you shouldn't take a stand against it, but stop acting surprised over this.

Indeed.

Heh, bit of a random thought, but does anyone else get enjoyment out of screaming "UNDER GOD!" during the Pledge of Allegiance?

did you know "holidays" derived from "holy days?"

*recalls the Luffy song from OP entitled, "Holy Holiday"*

"Who is more irrational? A man who believes in a God he doesn't see, or a man who's offended by a God he doesn't believe in?"
-Brad Stine

Quite true.

[Roll]

Good info, Yojimbo! I used to work in an office with a very outspoken and condescending atheist who had the nerve to send an E-mail to the entire department telling everyone to "give it a rest" with Christianity and that the "real" origin of Christmas was nothing more than some Bible thumpers taking over a pagan holiday like Kwanzaa...which is retarded logic as it is (If I declare Labor Day to be Pumpkin Day, does it mean pumpkins don't exist?), but this exposes it for BS that much more.

[Wakarimashta!]

The marjority of people in this country are Christian but minority of those who have different believes or no believe about religion are going to do their best to take away what Christians were allowed to do for years.

About 85% of the US believe in Christianity, the second largest group is in the "no religion" catagory, and all other religions fall into a sharp minority.

What I don't understand is why all the ruckus about taking away Christmas now, when we've had this tradition being displayed openly for many years? It just doesn't make sense.

[KhakiBlueSocks]

I know I may get called out on this, but you know what, I have to say it:

Does it really matter what you call the holiday? I mean aren't there more important things that some of these groups could be doing instead of worrying about what the nearest "Sears" or "Macy's" is calling this time of the year?

This time of the year means different things to different people. We, as Christians should not try to push our ideals onto someone else who may be of a different religion, nor should we turn a blind eye to their religion.

[Roll]

KhakiBlueSocks, read Colossians 2:8, then read my Say It poem in the Writing section. It does matter because of what it represents. If we let this censorship happen unopposed, do you honestly think it will end there? It is not pushing an ideal but preserving a Christ-honoring tradition that IS NOT, WAS NOT, AND NEVER WILL BE WRONG.

[Yojimbo]

About 85% of the US believe in Christianity, the second largest group is in the "no religion" catagory, and all other religions fall into a sharp minority.

I'd say that's an overstatement. I doubt it's higher than 60-70%. And of course it's a sample survey, can't get all 290 some odd million people.

I know I may get called out on this, but you know what, I have to say it:

Does it really matter what you call the holiday? I mean aren't there more important things that some of these groups could be doing instead of worrying about what the nearest "Sears" or "Macy's" is calling this time of the year?

This time of the year means different things to different people. We, as Christians should not try to push our ideals onto someone else who may be of a different religion, nor should we turn a blind eye to their religion.

Yes it does matter. It is the celebration of the birth of the world's savior. It's not the actual birthdate but it has come to mean that regardless. Would it matter if people lobbied for the YMCA to remove Christian from their name and their fundamentals or change the name of the Red Cross? You bet it would.

Sure we all (I hope) recognize that other holidays are celebrated around this time such as Hannukah and should respect that. I have yet to see a Jew trying to abolish Christmas or an atheist asking to call Hannukah "Shiny Candle/Give Gifting Week." I refuse to respect Kwanzaa though for the reasons I've stated, the "holiday" is really an insult to the African American community anyway. Christmas is ingrained in our culture. If people are truly upset about Christmas then they're not going to celebrate Christmas period. But the fact that some are trying to change it into some kind of neutral shopping spree is what is so sickening. It's Christmas.

I would never personally try to shove Christianity down someone's throat. There's a difference between evangelizing and being a choice word about it. Anyone who's going to go up to someone and throw a Bible in their face and tell them their going to hell needs a reality check. It's those people that anti-Christians will use to justify their hatred though misinformed and misleading as it is.