I am a protestant and I cannot get into the christmas spirit. I LOVE the idea of christmas, but christmas itself ALWAYS falls short of the "idea". It is NEVER Christ centered. This year I have told my loved ones that I will not be giving out gifts. I told them that I was finding some unfortunate children (which I found) and buying gifts for them and advised them to do the same in their own communities instead of buying gifts for my family. I am just trying to find the Christ in Christmas. They were all offended. I have to yeild to my convictions. I don't want to hurt anyone but I truly want this year to be Christ centered. Does anyone else feel the same way? Christmas is sooo commercialized and I don't want it to be that way in my home this year. Is this a good idea?
2007-12-12 11:09:36 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The cookies is a great idea. We spend christmas day together every year and I was already going to buy them cards. I don't know how welcomed I'll be this year.
David, I didn't want them buying my family gifts because I wasn't going to buy them any. I was not preaching to them, honey. They probably will buy my family gifts anyway just to teach me a lesson. lol
Maybe I should stay home this year and mail their cards. lol
2007-12-12 11:32:51 · update #1
I totally feel your pain.
I stopped doing "Christmas " gifts for family and friends some years back and it has been such a relief.
No sense in buying people more stuff they don't even need.
It is really sad the way things are/get for the "holiday" season.
Adults and children just wanting to show off or be spoiled.
They shouldn't feel any less loved by you just b/c you didn't get them presents. They should follow your lead and seek out ways to give to others.
Although Jesus is The King He was born as a poor babe in a stable. A very humble beginning indeed.
People should take time to reflect on that and be thankful for Him as the gift to the world.
That's the reason for the season.
2007-12-12 11:12:40 · answer #1 · answered by Mole Shooz Babii 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Hi! GOOD QUESTION!!!!!!!!!
Please open your Bible and read 2 Corinthians 6 vs 14-18.
Then read How when the Israelites adopted an Egyptian festival and gave it a New Name( A Festival to GOD ALMIGHTY) God was angered and severely punished them for that act.
Today we see only 20th and 21 first century practices associated with holidays. Some may appear harmless. But God observed first hand the pagan religions and pagan practices from which these things originated. So we should let Gods view be what matters to us.
Christ never was in Christmas, It has always been a pagan celebration. Just Google it and see! Or use the Catholic Encyclopedia on line. Encyclopedia Britannica will tell you the same thing.
None of this feels right because NONE of it Gives Glory to God or the Christ!
If you don't have a bible , go to the library, there is NO Birthday Party for Jesus, nor does it tell you the DATE HE was born, and the Apostles or Mary, never gave Him a Party!
So why would we step out side bible teachings????
This is your inner consience screaming the truth to you!!!
2007-12-12 19:37:20 · answer #2 · answered by bugsie 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
If that is what you want to do, then go ahead and do it. Don't listen to what other people tell you. I also believe that Christmas has been TOO commercialized-- Don't get me wrong, I LOVE SANTA! But I don't love that some people think of Christmas as just "SANTAmas", instead of remembering why we really celebrate it.
And I think it is a wonderful idea that you want to buy gifts for children in need. It will definitely help you get into the Christmas Spirit, and you will be helping those children out a lot.
2007-12-12 19:13:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I am not a Christian but I used to be.I am a Muslim now.Christmas has become anything but a "RELIGIOUS" Holiday.I think that an appropriate way to celebrate Christmas would be to thank the creator for creating a Messiah. If Jesus was born in a stable and never really owned any worldly possessions How sad is it that Mankind celebrates his birth by trying to outdo every gift that they've ever given in the past to try and prove their Love to their friends and Family?I applaud your sensibility.Merry Christmas.
2007-12-12 19:41:43 · answer #4 · answered by nervous 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
All your reasons are good ones. And if that doesn't influence them, you could always point out the fact that it's origins are anything but Christian.
http://www.garnertedarmstrong.ws/christmas.htm
Really, anymore the only ones that truly "profit" from this holiday are of course children, (what kid doesn't like gifts) but where is there a rule or law that says we have to indulge our kids with expensive crap, that some appreciate, but then you have to turn around and get the latest and greatest gadget next year, so that they can keep up with their friends, etc.?
It's the retailers that are drooling over all of these dopes out there who can't wait to spend spend spend!
I applaud you for at least seeing the hypocrisy.
2007-12-12 19:23:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Personally I don't think you need to be asking this question, if it's what you want to do, do it, just as long as you're not really hurting anyone (emotionally).
Sure, christmas isn't so much about christ anymore, but to me coming together with my family, having fun and making others happy is reason enough to celebrate the day.
Maybe you could, as some others have suggested, make them christmas cookies or something..
Oh, and Ronald D, that is the stupidest thing I've ever read. Lucifer and Satan being one is a common misconception for starters, so that blows your whole theory, but just so you know, just about everything in ALL sects of christianity are "borrowed" from other religions.
2007-12-12 19:29:42 · answer #6 · answered by superpope53 1 · 1⤊ 5⤋
I wonder if you are the "Pam" I know!
Anyway, follow your convictions. I for one, still give gifts to my family, but I keep them small and try to give more to those in need than to those who have plenty. But if God put that on your heart then do it.
Why not make your relatives some Christmas cookies or something though, so they know you are not trying to reject THEM.
2007-12-12 19:16:15 · answer #7 · answered by Thrice Blessed 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
you have the right intentions, yes Christ should be a bigger part of Xmas, but your family is important too, so you could buy gifts for those in need or whoever, but it's good to atleast show that you family comes first (after christ) maybe atleast gat them each one gift
2007-12-12 19:14:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I feel the way you do. Do you realize that Christmas is a creation of the Catholic Church? It is basically a pagan holiday. Jesus wasn't born on December 25, but that is the day that the sun breaks out of the Winter Solstice and starts its new cycle. The Romans were Sun God worshippers (Apollo). The Sun God is associated with Lucifer, the Light Bringer (fallen angel, Satan, Devil, etc.).
That is right..... the Catholic Church is based on Luciferian doctrine and Christmas is one of their rituals.
I am not into it either.
2007-12-12 19:16:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
If you you stood on your self righteous high-horse and in your own infinite Holy wisdom, directed that they were falling short of the standard handed down by the Almighty God, Lord of the Universe, himself, then yes, I can understand them being offended.
It's fine if you want to not celebrate Christmas with your family, but don't be obnoxious about it. Remember "be not like the pharasees who stand on the street corners and pray in loud voices thinking they will better be heard by God for their much speaking. They do this to be thought well-of by men and verily I say to you, they have their reward. Rather if you would be heard by God, pray in secret"
I know you are not talking about prayer, but good works also should be done for the benefit they bring to the recipient, not the praise and edification of the doer. These to do secretly. Don't fall inot the trap of Pride for how righteous you are being. Whatever you do, be humble. You will know that you did well and so will God. That is all that matters.
Do not hound your family because they do not do likewise. Remember that judgemnet belongs only to God and "Judge not lest ye be judged."
2007-12-12 19:24:32 · answer #10 · answered by David M 6 · 0⤊ 6⤋