billygoat Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 I am not so foolish as to believe that everyone visiting the RT forums celebrates Christmas. I am even less apt to believe that every individual upholds the same Christian beliefs that are linked with the Christmas holiday. That being said, here is my beef.... Every year, for several years now, we hear stories about schools that no longer hold Christmas pageants, or businesses that no longer display nativities, due to fear of religous discrimination. Just today, I heard on CNN another incident in which a school on the east coast (not sure what state), removed ALL songs that had a reference to Christ or the birth of Christ, BUT they left in all the songs regarding Haunakau (sp.) and another eastern culture holiday.... What is wrong with this country. Was America not founded on firm Christian beliefs... and, indeed isn't CHRISTmas about Christ, a center of the Christian faith? It seems that this country has become so "supersensitive" to discriminating the "minority", that now we are in the business of discriminating the majority. It is not only in Christmas, it truly is everywhere in our country.... Chime in with your thoughts.... just seems like every year we move further and further from the truth... before long, our children won't be able to sing about Jolly ol St. Nick, because after all, he was a good samaritan of the Catholic Church (I think), mmmm? Well, he was a Saint anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lil hunter Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Isn't that why we made up the story of santa claus, so other religions could celebrate christmas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billygoat Posted December 14, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Close lil hunter, here's a little history: The basis for the Christian-era Santa Claus is Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna (Izmir), in what is now Turkey. Nicholas lived in the 4th century A.D. He was very rich, generous, and loving toward children. Often he gave joy to poor children by throwing gifts in through their windows. The Orthodox Church later raised St. Nicholas, miracle worker, to a position of great esteem. It was in his honor that Russia's oldest church, for example, was built. For its part, the Roman Catholic Church honored Nicholas as one who helped children and the poor. St. Nicholas became the patron saint of children and seafarers. His name day is December 6th. In the Protestant areas of central and northern Germany, St. Nicholas later became known as der Weinachtsmann. In England he came to be called Father Christmas. St. Nicholas made his way to the United States with Dutch immigrants, and began to be referred to as Santa Claus. In North American poetry and illustrations, Santa Claus, in his white beard, red jacket and pompom-topped cap, would sally forth on the night before Christmas in his sleigh, pulled by eight reindeer, and climb down chimneys to leave his gifts in stockings children set out on the fireplace's mantelpiece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MarylandQDMA Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America [ QUOTE ] What is wrong with this country. Was America not founded on firm Christian beliefs... and, indeed isn't CHRISTmas about Christ, a center of the Christian faith? It seems that this country has become so "supersensitive" to discriminating the "minority", that now we are in the business of discriminating the majority. [/ QUOTE ] I second this, along with your entire post! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America great post billygoat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SRA Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America your right.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntn4bucks Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Welcome to the land of the offended. BTW, Merry Christmas!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuntingInMaine Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America I celebrate Christmas as the day that Jesus was born. But, I don't assume that everyone else does either. I don't have a problem with schools changing the Christmas party to a winter party because I know not all the children celebrate the holiday as I do, and I respect their right to chose the religion that speaks to their heart. I believe that school isn't the place to take up religion. BUT, I totally disagree with the school you mentioned that got rid of the "christian" songs but left the Jewish and another religion's songs. If you are going to get rid of one, then they must ALL go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Great post, Billy Goat. I certainly agree. Merry Christmas everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Sauceman Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Merry CHRISTmas to everyone!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oo_buck Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America [ QUOTE ] Isn't that why we made up the story of santa claus, so other religions could celebrate christmas? [/ QUOTE ] WHAT!?!?!?!?!!?? MADE UP SANTA?!?!?!?!? Who keeps putting stuff under my tree??????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest huntinsanobsession Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America it agrivates me that not only do schools and businesses take away for CHRISTmas but it is also the fact that it is no longer celebrated as the day Jesus was born now it is celebrated as the day large corporations can make millions of dollars and have it way to comercilized as all holidays are but in my house we still celebrate the holidays as they were originaly soposed to be celebrated and the other things are just a plus so to speak MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Merry CHRISTmas everyone I am not ashamed of my God, my Lord and my saviour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntinsonovagun Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America I totally agree!!! This stuff burns me up!! I celebrate CHRISTmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America i am in agreeance TOTALLY guys. i see a lot of ppl forget that that was the day that Jesus was born. we have to remember that. without him there would be no christmas! it is important that we go to church on sundays to give thanks to the Lord, but especially at Christmas and Easter. It is only 1 hour out of a 168 hour week. so we should make the effort to go, and you usually feel better after you go to church anyways, so whats the loss? lets remember this and go to church on Christmas. Remember to keep the CHRIST in CHRISTmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimT Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America I am not much into religion, but I know what your saying. This country is becoming way to politically correct. Very sad, because what you say is true. This is the USA,,,,Where we are free to celebrate what we want and how we want. Allegadly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archerjg Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America If someone is offended they can get over it I will celebrate Chritmas fir what it is the birth of our savior Jesus. Merry Christmas everyone. Archerjg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America My wife just recently explained to me why some people choose to write X-mas as opposed to Christmas. Prior to that (maybe I am dumb or something), but prior to that, I was typing Xmas because I just thought it was a short version for Christmas. (just lazy i thought). Since she has told me that difference, I take the time to write Christmas. I just wanted to clear that up in case anyone has seen me write xmas in other posts. It was only because I didn't know the difference at the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billygoat Posted December 15, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Swamphunter, I think we all get "lazy" and sneak a little shorthand in once in a while. It's nice to see so many forum members animant about this topic... nice to know the people I surround myself with are people w/ morals and people of integrity, Merry CHRISTmas to all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailkiller Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America great post billygoat!!!!!!!!! i love my country but i don't have to agree with everything that happens in it!!!!!!!!!!! i don't care if i offend someone when i sing christmas songs, or hymns for that matter, i sing a little christian rock too (mixed in with godsmack and metallica) ...society is doing this to this country--and look what society has done to the basic fundamental institution of marriage........ if i continue on about how screwed up our society is i'll run out of room........lol sooooo MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! and may god bless all of you -believers and nonbelievers alike!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markyj987 Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Awesome post, billygoat...and the history lesson was fascinating! I, too, celebrate CHRISTmas. I have no problem with the idea of Santa Claus simply because the lesson of generosity is great for kids to learn, but they do need to learn the reason WHY we celebrate Christmas. I DO have a problem with it when Christmas becomes Xmas and Santa and great deals at the local department store become the central theme of the holiday. I think every kid should watch Charlie Brown's Christmas every year. I can't remember what I got for each Christmas as a kid, but I still remember the Linus character reading from the gospel every December. About banning Christmas music. Unfortunately, that's spreading across the country like wildfire. Also in NYC, they have banned children from displaying or wearing anything that relates to Jesus. However, it is still okay for Jewish or Muslim children to don a star of David or the crescent moon. The hypocrisy is what makes me sick--either allow or ban all of it. Now THAT is a violation of the first amendment if I've ever seen one. I'd like to throw in a little bit of common sense as well. Some people believe that Jewish people are opposed to the celebration of Christmas. That could not be more wrong--over 90% of them have no problem with the holiday. In fact, I remember as a youth stories of Jewish folks voluntarily working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so their Christian co-workers could be with their families. The real threats to the celebration of Christmas remain politically-charged athiests and liberal courts. Given that courts are government employees, I suggest this---make THEM work on Christmas and they'll change their tune VERY quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America [ QUOTE ] BUT, I totally disagree with the school you mentioned that got rid of the "christian" songs but left the Jewish and another religion's songs. If you are going to get rid of one, then they must ALL go! [/ QUOTE ] I agree with this also! If one goes then they all go! But then I dont have a problem with any songs! Nobody will tell me what I can or cant have on my property. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billygoat Posted December 15, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Came across this tonight, thought it might bring the "Spirit" of Chrismas to someone... God's Blessing for a Mery Christmas (especially all of the wonderful people @ the RT forums) web page Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted December 16, 2004 Report Share Posted December 16, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America Heard about the school in I think Massachussettes not allowing any Christmas music due to some idiots claiming it was not right to subject their kid to religion. If they remove Christ from Christmas, they should not be allowed to observe it as a holiday and all those kids should stay in school and the teachers go to work. My honest thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronS Posted December 16, 2004 Report Share Posted December 16, 2004 Re: Christmas in America vs. Xmas in America wtnhunt you hit the nail on the head. These people go to all ends to take Christ out of Christmas, but are more than happy to take the time off work. If you don't want to acknowledge the reason for the season, get your butt back to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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