My parents explored many religions while I was young. In college, I joined the Episcopal Church. All three of my children were baptized. As an adult, I began to broaden my studies of religions and these days, I appreciate Christianity, but I am very much aware my beliefs are anything besides orthodox. I do appreciate this season and celebrate that most people seem kinder and more thoughtful. I think life goes on after our bodies stop working, but I'm not sure how. And I think the human we call Jesus Christ lived his life on earth to let us know exactly that.
I think most of us understand the joyful part of Christmas--that's universal. The rest is open to our own interpretations, and that's pretty wonderful, too.
Merry Thanks-give-akah-kwnza-ween! I am thinking of having card made with this - kind of covers everything. I'm with, a recovering Catholic on my end. Love Christmas music. My parents always said I was impossible to buy for. Hello??? Books?!?!?! Fabric?!?!?
Anyway, I caught a Hannakuh carol this morning that I think is amazing, and another version of it by Peter,. Paul and Mary. Here are the two links:
I see myself as being spiritual but not religious. As a child, I was brought up in the church - it was my second home, but became disenchanted with it and Christmas over time - it seems to have become so commercial. I love the music and intent of Christmas, - for me it's more about sharing with loved ones. December 25th was a special day in our family for other reasons . . it was Dan's birthday.
I really liked this Twitter thread (quoted in part) from the Rev. Benjamin Cremer (a Wesleyan minister):
"...saying “happy holidays” ... should not be seen as a war or an attempt to take Jesus out of Christmas. In fact, Jesus is taken out of Christmas as soon as Christians respond in unholy and unloving ways to the season's greetings of others.
Moreover, Jesus is taken out of Christianity when Christians are seen as being hostile about people’s proffered season’s greetings [instead of] loving them as our neighbor."
As a Christian, I hate the War on Christmas rhetoric. I believe that certain Christians have blown up Christmas TOO much. It loses what makes the holiday special when we run ourselves ragged to make it special.
I consider myself a Christian but I don't care at all how others choose to celebrate or not celebrate. Christmas is so secular these days that, as you say, the more the merrier in honoring peace, love, and joy. I've always believed that religion or spirituality should be a private thing, for the person who believes to honor for themselves. I get VERY tired of others who seem to think their beliefs are crushed if others don't believe them too. So, happy holiday season everyone! Peace, joy and love to all!
There is a true spirit of Christmas and I think it's in being inclusive. We look for ways to make each other happy. What could possibly be wrong with that? ❤️️
Merry Christmas! As a lapsed Catholic I consider myself an agnostic. This doesn't mean that I don't occasionally attend church services when the opportunity presents itself but I just can't accept everything that comes with being religious.
I'm not shocked Mona.
I'm with you.
Happy Holidays!
Buenas Fiestas! Feliz Navidad! ❤️️
My parents explored many religions while I was young. In college, I joined the Episcopal Church. All three of my children were baptized. As an adult, I began to broaden my studies of religions and these days, I appreciate Christianity, but I am very much aware my beliefs are anything besides orthodox. I do appreciate this season and celebrate that most people seem kinder and more thoughtful. I think life goes on after our bodies stop working, but I'm not sure how. And I think the human we call Jesus Christ lived his life on earth to let us know exactly that.
I think most of us understand the joyful part of Christmas--that's universal. The rest is open to our own interpretations, and that's pretty wonderful, too.
Peace to you, Susan.
Merry Thanks-give-akah-kwnza-ween! I am thinking of having card made with this - kind of covers everything. I'm with, a recovering Catholic on my end. Love Christmas music. My parents always said I was impossible to buy for. Hello??? Books?!?!?! Fabric?!?!?
Anyway, I caught a Hannakuh carol this morning that I think is amazing, and another version of it by Peter,. Paul and Mary. Here are the two links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1cRXgDFiSs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YI5GV355Bg
Merry Christmas - this will no doubt be a hard one - I'm thinking of you every day.
LOL. You've got it covered! I love the Hannukah song, both versions. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm going to do the same.
And thanks for your thoughts. Yes, Christmas will be the hardest. Ed loved this holiday.
As did Dean - he loved decorating and wrapping packages, even though he was involved with Christmas since June, being in retail. Do something special.
I will. You, too.
From a confirmed agnostic at best, happy holidays to you! I loved this post.
The best of the holiday season to you, too, Christine. ❤️️
From a catholic - merry Christmas. Let all will be love!
Yes, indeed! My Dad's family are all Catholic, and we love each other madly!
I see myself as being spiritual but not religious. As a child, I was brought up in the church - it was my second home, but became disenchanted with it and Christmas over time - it seems to have become so commercial. I love the music and intent of Christmas, - for me it's more about sharing with loved ones. December 25th was a special day in our family for other reasons . . it was Dan's birthday.
Ah...so...happy-sad memories. That's hard. But being with those you love in times like these means everything. 💞
I really liked this Twitter thread (quoted in part) from the Rev. Benjamin Cremer (a Wesleyan minister):
"...saying “happy holidays” ... should not be seen as a war or an attempt to take Jesus out of Christmas. In fact, Jesus is taken out of Christmas as soon as Christians respond in unholy and unloving ways to the season's greetings of others.
Moreover, Jesus is taken out of Christianity when Christians are seen as being hostile about people’s proffered season’s greetings [instead of] loving them as our neighbor."
Happy Solstice!
Such wise words. So true. Thanks! 💞
As a Christian, I hate the War on Christmas rhetoric. I believe that certain Christians have blown up Christmas TOO much. It loses what makes the holiday special when we run ourselves ragged to make it special.
It does get tiresome. It's not quite as bad as it was a few years ago, when it was the mission at Fox.
I consider myself a Christian but I don't care at all how others choose to celebrate or not celebrate. Christmas is so secular these days that, as you say, the more the merrier in honoring peace, love, and joy. I've always believed that religion or spirituality should be a private thing, for the person who believes to honor for themselves. I get VERY tired of others who seem to think their beliefs are crushed if others don't believe them too. So, happy holiday season everyone! Peace, joy and love to all!
There is a true spirit of Christmas and I think it's in being inclusive. We look for ways to make each other happy. What could possibly be wrong with that? ❤️️
Merry Christmas! As a lapsed Catholic I consider myself an agnostic. This doesn't mean that I don't occasionally attend church services when the opportunity presents itself but I just can't accept everything that comes with being religious.
That seems pretty healthy to me!