I keep wanting to send her a card, along with all of the other people whom I send a card at Christmas, but I know it's extremely taboo to mention anything about any holiday to a JW. How can I still acknowledge them without being offensive and getting them in trouble with their kingdom hall?
2006-12-14 15:26:04 · 19 answers · asked by K K 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jehovah's Witnesses well-appreciate the good intentions of their friends and associates. Witnesses are well aware that they are members of a religious minority, and they do not generally expect the surrounding community to defer to Witness sensibilities.
Few Witnesses would be offended by a sincere card, or sincere holiday wishes, from an acquaintence. They certainly would not 'get in trouble' regarding such things. An individual Witness may choose to quietly accept the card or the good wishes in the generally kind spirit with which they are offered, or he may choose to tactfully explain his beliefs; the decision is left to each Witness.
Relatives, closer friends, and immediate coworkers sometimes choose a secular card for a Witness, instead of a card which is overtly connected with a religious commemoration.
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/19981215/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20001215/
http://watchtower.org/e/20041215/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/19981215/
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/article_11.htm
2006-12-15 05:03:27 · answer #1 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are caught up in a misconception. JWs don't get offended by the presence of Christmas decorations, being wished a Merry Christmas, or any of the other things related to this and the numerous other holidays and traditions observed throughout the world. You are thinking in terms of American issues, where the yank Christmas trees out of an airport when someone wants a Menorah put up. They don't do this. They also don't sue for putting in or taking out prayer in public schools.
You are not going to offend them by giving them a Christmas card, they will just remind you that they don't observe man made holidays, and that will be it. Want to do something special, have coffee with her and ask her why they don't observe, and how do they keep the Christian spirit of giving in her family without having a special time of the year for it?
2006-12-14 17:22:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
their kingdom hall could care less what they do that is up to them.
But just as you wouldn't send a Christmas card to a Jew who doesn't believe Jesus is the messiah.
Even though they do they don't celebrate it. I have a friend who was studying with them and I learned quite a bit. Actually, I am surrounded by them in my situation. they don't like the pagan customes surrounding Christmas and the commercialism.
They don't believe in lieing to their kids about Santa Clause.
They feel the three wise men were astrologers and they don't believe in astrology. So don't do what I did and give them a card with the 3 wise men on it. I asked once what to do and they this family of really great people. told me, "don't do anything."
We don't believe in celebrateing it. We celebrate the day he rose from the dead. So just don't do anything. So I don't.
2006-12-14 15:32:52 · answer #3 · answered by Steven 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
im gonna agree with papa bear. I get christmas cards ALL the time. that does not offent me. It was sent with good intentions. what do i do with those cards.. send another one saying thank you for the card and explain to them that i dont celebrate christmas the reasons y and thats all. sometimes they call me back wanting to know more and i have lunch with them. i work for a company and EVERY year its the same thing.. everyone wants to know why i dont celebrate christmas. they ask me what do i do for family togetherness and i explain that family togetherness is EVERYDAY! as a JW i dont mind at all the questions im asked. my job is to be a witness to Jehovah. :)
I think the best gift are the the ones given out of the heart.. not because you HAVE to give or because its that time of the year to give. :)
2006-12-18 09:13:27 · answer #4 · answered by godisamor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife is a school teacher and has had several students over the years who are JW and she has always had to tread lightly when approaching the holidays.
The best way to not offend them is just to be open about what you are doing and simply let them know that you have no intentions to offend them.
"they will know we are christians by our love"
don't shove it down their throat. don't try to be sneaky and slide something past them. Just walk yourself up to their front door and hand them a card.I would say something like this.....
"Just wanted to drop off a card to you both. I count you both as friends of mine and just wanted to wish you the best in this time of year."
No mention of Christmas or the holidays because you know that will offend them. They already know what this time of year is all about. Just show them your love and eventually you will get through to them about Jesus.
Hope that helps
Jesus Loves You
2006-12-14 15:43:22 · answer #5 · answered by revshankumc 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Send them a note telling them you're enjoyed the gift of their friendship this year and look forward to more in 2007. Don't mention Christmas or New Years, but you'll be covering both.
2006-12-14 15:32:56 · answer #6 · answered by Rainfog 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you don't want to offend them, and know that mentioning Christmas will offend them, then don't mention it. I know it's tempting to wish your friends and loved ones a "Happy Holidays", but don't. Bake them some nice non-denominational cookies and tell them to have a nice weekend.
2006-12-14 15:28:56 · answer #7 · answered by Milana P 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Knowing a Jehovah's Witness myself, don't include them in Christmas and they will be relieved.
I know it sounds harsh...but seriously, don't include them. It makes folks who celebrate sad, but it is like trying to recognize a Christian at Ramadan...it makes no sense!
Invite them to the festivities and leave it at that!!!
2006-12-14 15:30:43 · answer #8 · answered by tellme 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How about a card with no holiday significance at all like "Just to let you know how special you are"
2006-12-14 15:31:58 · answer #9 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are you a JW?, if not then do what YOU do with everyone else, you are a Christian do what Christians do. Be a light to everyone else.
Jesus is the truth, the way and the life!
"Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One"
(Shema Yisrael Adonai eloheinu Adonai ehad)
2006-12-14 15:29:26 · answer #10 · answered by St. Mike 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋