What is all this Christmas stuff anyway?? With a BTW: note!! by kerminator .....
Some views on how; Christmas gift giving has gone in many ways from basic and simple to rather out ridiculous... HUH!!
Date: 12/19/2006 8:54:47 AM ( 18 y ago)
The real reason for the season: Is the remembrance and celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ; some 2000 odd years ago!! Period!!
It seems as if we humans, have taken a simply principle of exchanging gifts and made it; either a time to out shine or completely impress others... Why??
First, there is nothing we can actually give GOD / Jesus, that HE either needs or does not already have the power to get!! Fact... {Except you faith/belief and attempted obedience...}
Second the idea of getting or giving gifts is an attempt to satisfy our desires for earthly things... BTW: Most of which we do not really need!!
Next This seasonal giving has driven the Retail merchants to capitalize on the Holiday period to make huge profits... Don't blame them they are just like the ants at the picnic, if the food is there, they go for it!!
Finally the whole idea of having to give or have someone get something for Christmas has nothing to do with the celebration of the remembrance of the birth of Jesus... Which is the REAL REASON for Christmas... It has become mainly a way to allow people to satisfy their desires... It was not until about the fifth century that the Church ( Roman Catholic ) started to allow the celebration of Christmas on the 25th of December... Most likely the gradual idea of gift giving became involved in later centuries; which offered a reason make people want to participate in the Holiday!! Like what are you getting for Christmas?? No wonder Santa Clause is so popular; free? gifts, and you can ask for anything!! HUH!!
Ya, I know but before we go round and round about; " BUT the Wise men brought and gave presents..." They were following a custom or practice to actually present something of value to the person being honored; in this case another King!! This did not happen each and every year of Jesus life; and since HE has been dead and ascended over 2000 years, How and why do we think we are doing anything close to the original gift giving?? It is just a nice idea that has been blown out of proportion; by the commercialism and want to feel good or make up for doing others wrong thing!!
BTW: We realize that people do honor and give gifts to people today: who are alive and able to receive them on their birthday and some other special occasions... Not a bad thing...
So where do you draw the line?? What should anyone get?? How much?? When you give to one person and not others are you not discriminating?? Besides what is the real purpose of giving someone a present?? Just because it has been done for some years?? Why not honor people when ever they deserve it, or maybe when they complete some phase of their life?? And why not all year long rather then just once a year?? It seems that we have a very confused situation here...
BTW: The Santa Clause myth: What we see today is the result of the poem " Twas the night before Christmas" written during the so called Civil War... Almost everything we use today for Santa Clause, comes from that poem... So dear Ole Santa is rather new to the Christmas celebration in the course of history!! HUH!!
Of course; many more characters have been added, and sold to us... i.e.: The red nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and too many different stories on how someone stole Christmas or saved Christmas etc... All of it is entertainment, and has little to do with the actual celebration of the true meaning of Christmas...
BTW: Most of the world does not participate in the Christmas season or the gift giving... Check out some of the other world's religions, and customs... { A note the Japanese have adopted the commercial aspect of Christmas; but not the Nativity..}
OH! And I really do not want to debate anyone over this centuries old practice!! It is an act of the society... To each his own; So may you each enjoy a wonderful Christmas Season even if you do not give or get any gifts!! Best to you all...
This is just an observation of how some of the Christmas gift giving has been done over recent years... Not a judgment or even advice, just some thoughts... HUH!!
P.S. Just received this and thought it may help someone get the true picture!!
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration or think it may offend someone. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face.... I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus”... as if the party were in his honor!
At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know ... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. How would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like for you to allow me to enter into your life this Christmas. I would like for you to recognize the fact that over two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want you to believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something else with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a party like no one has ever imagined - a spectacular party.
I'm still making the final arrangements. Today, I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and if so, will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside.
Be prepared because when all is ready, I want you to be part of my great party.
See you soon.
I Love you!
Jesus
P.S. Please share this message with your friends and loved ones, before Christmas
This may not be popular but it is the truth!!
Kermit
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