Get back Christ into Christmas
By ronaldinu
@ronaldinu (12422)
Malta
November 19, 2008 9:10am CST
I saw this message in a magazine. I kept meditating how Christmas has become another commercial feast and a materialistic occasion to buy and receive gifts. It seems that the world has forgotten was Christmas is all about, the birth of Jesus son of God. Do you still consider Christmas as a religious feast? If you are a non Christian do you still celebrate Christmas? If yes in what way?
© ronaldinu 2008
11 people like this
25 responses
@AmbiePam (121147)
• United States
19 Nov 08
I don't consider Christmas a religious feast. That sounds kind of old world and more like idolatry. I see Christmas as a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, even though December 25th isn't the exact day Jesus was born. Of course it is just the day designated to celebrate His birth. The world doesn't seem to recognize the true meaning of Christmas anymore, they like to make it out to be about love, but not about the love of God.
2 people like this
@bamakelly (5191)
• United States
19 Nov 08
I think that you might have taken to much of an extent of the meaning of what this person's post was trying to say. He is trying to say that Christmas is being looked at as too commercialized and I don't see anything old world or anything like idolatry about it.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (121147)
• United States
20 Nov 08
No, I don't think I did take it worng. I get what he is saying, but I also see he is talking about Christ. If a person is Christian, I mean an actual Christian, then they know enough about what they believe in to see what I am talking about.
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
20 Nov 08
I wish it was back like it was before every one thought that Christmas was just about the gifts and how many they could get. That seems that is all that is important anymore. Seems very few even talk about Christ on Christmas or tell the story of baby Jesus anymore. It is all about the gifts nowadays. We are forgetting what we should be thankful for.
2 people like this
@walijo2008 (4644)
• United States
19 Nov 08
I still remember what Christmas is all about, we tell our kids, its not just about getting presents, its about Jesus being born on that day, and how he came to save us. I was wondering why non-Christians celebrate something they don't believe in, and what they think its all about....Have a good day
2 people like this
@ClassyCat (1214)
• United States
20 Nov 08
I too am a Christian, and love the
wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus. I love the
lights, and songs, and parties, and even the snow, when
we're lucky enough to have some at that time here in the
south central U.S.A.
I so enjoy driving around to look at the lights and
christmas decorated homes.
I don't have anything to do with Santa, cause to me he's
an idol type thing, that takes honor away from Jesus. But
that's just my feelings on that.
I once had a friend who used to bake a little cake, and
put a candle on it - and light it. She would then read
the Christmas story to her kids. They'd sing Happy Birthday
to Jesus - blow out the candle, and open their presents. I
thought that was a sweet celebration, and a nice way for her
kids to keep Jesus in Christmas, as the main part.
I think the reason that the stores are getting things out so
early any more, is because so many shoppers start looking for
stuff when it first comes out and is on sale. Many, many
shoppers get a really early start, so as to not have to deal
with the big crowds, that build up - especially after
Thanksgiving.
I have a cardinal rule for myself: I never go shopping or near
stores and or malls, the day after Thanksgiving, or the day
after Christmas - - unless I go back to my small hometown for
Christmas or Thanksgiving. The city where I now live is over
20 times bigger than my hometown, back in Wisconsin.2 people like this
@bamakelly (5191)
• United States
19 Nov 08
I am a Christian woman and I do believe in Christmas and like to celebrate it. I strongly agree with what you say about the occasion being materialistic. It has gotten very commercialized in the past so many years.
It feels sometimes that the true meaning of Christmas doesn't get defined in the right manner this time of year.
I am sure that people do remember that it is Christ's birth but there are so many people out in circulation pretty much right after the Halloween holiday in October that are searching for the great gifts and sales for Christmas.
The holidays can become stressful for a lot of people. I think it is important for everyone who believes in Christ to take the time to know the holiday is for him.
@bamakelly (5191)
• United States
3 Dec 08
Thank you for appreciating my response and putting me first as the best reply. I do mean what I say and I do hope I act well as a Christian woman to understand the true meaning of Christmas.
@Chevee (5905)
• United States
20 Nov 08
Yes I celebrate Christmas. I buy gifts for family and friends I also put up Christmas decoration. And for years on Christmas day I always tell Christ Happy Birthday. I have heard and read that no one really knows when Christ was born. But that doesn't stop me from wishing him happy birthday any way.
2 people like this
@pitstop (15551)
• Australia
20 Nov 08
Christ is the reason for this season. Unfortunately all the fun and revelry built around Christmas and New Year has resulted in people actually making it Xmas - literally leaving out Christ from Christmas.
I love Christmas because of its true meaning - a loving God!
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
20 Nov 08
lol =D Non christians do celebrate christmas too.. After all, it's the fun that matters, and is gonna bother about what the festival is about.. lol =D On top of that, it's a public holiday for everybody, and thus, why not make the full use of it.. lol =D ANd i guess, christmas is the only festival, other than new yr, whereby everybody in the world can be celebrating it together.. lol
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
20 Nov 08
I consider it a birthday celebration of Jesus. In fact, I started a tradition when my children were small and we still do it--I bake a birthday cake and we sing happy birthday to Jesus at Christmas dinner. My ex husband wasn't big on church attendance but now that I'm alone I do that and I'm looking forward to Christmas Eve services!
I buy my loved ones presents but I also make a lot of them because of the love that goes into them. I never spend much, that's not what it's about to me.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
19 Nov 08
it is way too commercialized. the stores start way before halloween putting things out for christmas, thanksgiving has been pratically forgotten, kids want everything they see when they have christmas the year around. my sister & i use to get so excited not that we didn't have plenty but it was something to look forward to. i don't think kids have that feeling anymore.
1 person likes this
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
20 Nov 08
Actually Christmas should be nothing but all about Christ. Christ should be in the midst of all the givings, the fun, the thrills, and everything, otherwise we lose the true essence of Christmas. Christmas to me may in reality bring about added benefits material and otherwise but I don't and will never set aside one important truth about why there is Christmas and why we have to celebrate this greatest event in the history of mankind:
[b]
"[i]For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
(Luke 2:11-14)[/b][/i]
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
20 Nov 08
I agree, Christmas has been to much of a commercial holiday already. I do still hope that people realize that Christmas is not about the lavish feasts and the expensive gifts, rather it is the time that you spend it with your love ones thankful that they are with you for such a great day. For me Christmas is here to remind us of the goodness in each one of us which is also the reason why we celebrate it in the first place because God still believed in the kindness of mankind that's why He saved us through Christ.
@Humbug25 (12540)
•
19 Nov 08
Hello ronaldinu
I am looking forward to the run up to Christmas and love to go to carol concerts and things like that. The trouble is with Christmas Day these days is that the kids get up, open all the gifts and then it is all over. Even the dinner doesn't seem to be so special anymore. I think it is up to the individuals to bring into the family what is important.
@dorothyDauphinee (534)
• United States
19 Nov 08
whilst remembering that DEC 25th was never Christs birthday we can celebrate for it is ok to worship him every day
1 person likes this
@rusty2rusty (6771)
• Defiance, Ohio
21 Nov 08
Remember one thing : Christmas is what you make it.
Yes, I do consider Christmas a religious feast of giving. I love to make a big meal that lasts all day. I also enjoy giving to thers and watching their faces light up. espically the childrens. I even buy gifts for my dogs. Yeppers, they are spoiled. I also sit down with my kids and we discuss why we celebrate Christmas, who's birthday it is we are celebrating and why we celebrate it. When they have questions about Santa Claus. I tell them that is just a story Non Christians made up to take Christ out of Christmas. But we must remember and not let us..our family forget the true meaning of Christmas.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
19 Nov 08
I don't celebrate the commercialism of Christmas anymore, yes it is still a religious holiday and if and when I can get out I go to church on christmas, it is so people to be uplifted by the holy word.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
8 Dec 08
I am not Christian so Santa and all the other non religious symbols are great for me. My parents were Christian so I did celebrate Christmas but it wasn't religious.They weren't Catholic , so no Christmas Mass.Bit I can see iof you are a true Christian that all this commericalism of Jesus' birthday could get you really upset. There are some ultra orthodox Christians celebrate Easter more than Christmas and with all the baggage Christmas has , I can see why.
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
20 Nov 08
Considering how most christmas traditions were derived from pagan concepts, IT IS a religious event for me. (I'm pagan)
For christians it's about christ, for pagans like me it's about the battle of light over darkness, the story of druids who'd bring inside a piece of evergreen hoping that it'd held bring the green back OUTSIDE...while praying for the sun to return.
Both ways, it is an appreciation for what you have (like feasting and giving to family and strangers)...and it's also meaningful.
My family is christian, so we sorta mix it together. I take some time out to ponder stories like the ones mentioned above to think about what I can learn from it, I say my thanks to my deity, say a prayer...and then I go back to giving gifts and making good food.
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
20 Nov 08
(Technically speaking I celebrate Yule AND Christmas, even combining them at different points. Ah, the joys of family.)
Lovely to see you in this discussion, Zuke!
@kellyjeanne (1576)
• United States
22 Nov 08
As a Christian (having accepted Christ as my personal Saviour) I still think of Christmas as a religious holiday. I haven't lost sight of that and I'm so glad I haven't. It would be great if others saw it the same way.
Purrs,
Catwoman=^..^= & Mija
@EAStanley (2688)
• United States
23 Nov 08
I agree with this. There is SO much commercialization! Yes, presents, are nice, but it is not and should not be the MAIN focus. We need to get back to celebrating Christ's birth!
