Chasing the Wind is boycotting “Winter Holiday” again this year in More “Christmas,” Less “Holiday” and because I admire the sentiment so much, I’m going to build on it and take it a step further. I suggested that It IS a Holiday Tree and posted some facts about the Christmas tree that were a bit uncomfortable. I may or may not have been wrong about December 25th, but I have to hold firm on the idea that the Christmas tree has little to do with Jesus Christ. Which is not to say that I don’t like them or don’t think you can have one in your home… by all means, go ahead, but reconsider the amount of religious significance you’re attaching to something that has nothing to do with the bible and everything to do with man-made traditions. And the same can be said for many of the other ways Americans celebrate Christmas including running up credit cards, stressing about every detail down to the lace tablecloth, and complaining about certain relatives they have to entertain instead of praying for them.
I know there is a war on Christianity in this country; Michael Newdow and his ilk would very much like to eliminate it completely. Fight back by celebrating Christmas. Remember that the point of it all is the birth of our Savior – and take a hard look at your traditions, to see if they honor Him and point others to Him. If you want to win the battle for Christmas, that is the only winning strategy.
“honor Him and point others to Him”
That sums up every season very well.
Thanks
It is very easy to get lost in traditions that have assumed a Christian face. For me, I m a bit radical about it. I wouldn’t want to be caught in a supposedly religious act which gas no spiritual significance. It may as well be a trick of the enemy to quench my devotion to Christ. There is no reason to ‘waste’ money buying a Christmas tree. I use Christmas season to point people to Christ.
I completely agree with you on the Christmas tree (which was in fact a pagan tradition to begin with). And I don’t think there should be a ‘war on Christmas’ because it is at that time of the year (though it should be around June or July- and before arguing this it is a well established fact that the Catholics chose this time of year to woo the pagans). But what people have to remember that there are other religions and there other religious seasons at the same time. So it is a holiday season. Everyone should just get over it and accept the fact that not everyone believes the same thing.
Don’t forget that in the very early days of the church it was common practice to adopt pagan days & symbols and give them a christian twist, thus aiding the conversion to christianity.
Samantha, are you suggesting that there is *not* a group of people seeking to remove all public expression of Christianity in this country?
Huh. I just figured out you linked to me. Go Technorati. My point was, if I recall, that calling it a “holiday tree” was nonsensical. Do Jews celebrate this time of year with a tree? Muslims? Kwanzaanians? Only Christians do, and therefore renaming it to a “holiday” tree is nothing but a pointless slap at Christians.
Sorry, Michael, I should have trackbacked you and forgot.
Actually, pagans still do decorate trees, for whatever that’s worth. However, I agree with your point – the world considers it a slap at Christians and that’s why they’re doing it. They’re not thinking “pro-pagan” or “pro-tolerance” they’re thinking “anti-Christian.”
I’m taking a narrow focus on the tree as an example of something Christians waste time and energy defending, thinking they’re defending the faith, when it has nothing to do with the faith. It’s just a tradition we picked up relatively recently. If we’re going to defend a Christmas symbol, let it be a nativity scene, at least. I like Christmas, and I like Christmas trees – but where the trees are concerned, I don’t see the religious significance and don’t think they’re worth fighting for.