Date symbolic only. Purpose was to move away from the pagan festivals. Winter Solstice December 21 - longest night of the year / greatest darkness. So - passing from darkness into light. And the rest - well explained by loulsy.
Agree with thread title - in respect of people who are Christians in name only, who go to mass, pray to the Lord without being conscious of the real meaning of Christmas. Many people have shallow views or follow traditions blindly but are no less loved by God so hope some of them become aware and wake up before God calls them home. (If called home, it's a bit late. There's free will but ...)
One more thing, traditions are important as anchors for the future and important for children and the immature. Hence, Santa and all his rolly polly glory. People are supposed to progress from there.
All 'traditions' are hypocritical! Tradition means not to develop. Since times change, traditions stagnate. So, whichever 'tradition' you follow, you'll always be a hypocrite.
Well, if a friend of mine who has been out of touch for some time calls me up and wished me on my b'day, i wouldnt for sure call him hypocritical....I'd be really happy... Donno abt religion n stuff...
Brit: Why do you wanna play the spoilsport on a nice festive occasion? :-p
Allow me to be a hypocrite and give thanks to Jesus this Christmas...
Thank you Jesus for the special addition You blessed me with this year, for my daughter.
Thank you Jesus for the good health you blessed my family members with.
Thank you for the friends that cross my path daily.
Thank you for every additional new day you bless me with, in order to have a new chance to redeem myself, repent, rejoice, and join your weekly gathering at Mass and share my fellow Christians in the Holy Sacraments.
Allow me to be a hypocrite and pray to Jesus this Christmas.
Pray for all those blinded by greed for power and money, so that love for peace may be reborn in their hearts once again.
Pray for all those who have gone astray, so that their faith and hope is reborn in their hearts once again.
Pray for all those who struggle with day to day earthly troubles, guide them and fill them with internal peace, so that gratitude for your daily presence in their lives is reborn in their hearts once again.
Pray for all those who are ignorant and blind to the ordeals of other people, so that love and kindness is reborn in their hearts once again.
Allow me to be a hypocrite and remember the day that Jesus was born.
O Lord, you were born on a cold winter night, your mother could not find a place to give birth, all doors were closed in her face when she requested a place to stay to give birth. You were force to be born in a barn, you were humbly wrapped in cloth and placed in a manger.
Please, come into my heart, allow it to become your manger. Shine forth from within me, so that I can make a difference in this Godforsaken world. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
If the 25th of December (a date set to remember and celebrate your birth) gathers all people in happy rejoicing, and singing hymns and carols, in realizing our mishaps of the year past and making amends such as the character of Abenizer Scrooge did. If celebrating Christmas and making the effort to join in prayers in Church makes me a hypocrite...then....
I am sure there are plenty religious people who celebrate Christmas. At the same time, the rest of us just enjoy the holiday, the tree and the prezzies!! Not so many actually go to mass. And many do it for the traditions' sake. Merry Christmas!
Take a moment of ur precious time and drop down to the Church and I'm sure the Priest will take a moment of his time and explain to u the symbolism of this day.
If u dont have a comment worth saying please do save urself the effort of typing unless you are aiming to accumulating points..
For ex, many of us while we were studying back at school days, just around Exam time or Results time to be more precise we start chanting, God God God God...make me pass...make me pass...in the same way its just that since on those days that are important to your life you chant for God or remember God on that day...it doesnt make any hypocracy...!!!
the example I stated might have been on a lighter note but truly speaking its all about the spirits of being together and having a good time and including God to be a part of your celebrations...!!!
Christ Wasnt born on 25 December, No one knws the exact date of his Birth... This is a Symbolic Day...
Britexpat: I can see your point, But dont you think it is better than to just ignore Him?! At least show Him that deep inside He is still in our minds and our hearts? as i said, even if its just for an hour or a Minute. For Him, it will be the best present we can give Him.
To remember the birth of the Christ, and it so happened that the tradition is to celebrate it at home and church's gatherings...
Same with your birthdays, do you need to celebrate it the whole year? People may forget you the entire year, but when they do remember and drop a message to greet you happy b-day, are'nt you glad with it? I do'nt see any reason why the Christ be of difference...
Combining the mass with those celebrations spices up the joyful commemoration of the event... and brings solemnity to the occasion as well.
Regarding the exact birthdate, i don't really care, as long as i accept the fact that he was BORN for us!
As you say, Christmas is a time for sharing, giving, and love. its about taking a moment of your time to think of others, and work on bringing a smile to those around you... This is as it should be. It is a time for families and friends to get together and forget about their troubles.
My point was that if we don't remember Jesus during the year, isn't it hypocritical to suddenly "pop in" to wish him happy birthday?
While many are busy during the year with the shallows of life and this day brings every back to God's house even if its for an hour.. and as Green Tea said God Will be more than happy to have them at least this once than Never at all.
Christmas is not about food, drink, and presents... its about sharing, giving, and love. its about taking a moment of your time to think of others, and work on bringing a smile to those around you... many will say, yeah i do that all the time, but at christmas its when u DOUBLE your efforts.
Go to Church is Hypocritical if the ppl who go there are the ones who dont go all thru out the year?! well think of it this way.. there are some ppl u dont see on daily basis bcz ur Busy.. but on their birthday you make the effort to Say happy Birthday... HOw can you tell Jesus Happy birthday if you dont at least pass by his house?!
Do you actually consider yourself a self righteous, religious type of guy, during the whole year and that you follow your religious doctrines to the letter?
Try to convince me with a good answer, still I will doubt everything in your response.
God is an accepting God even though we forget him most of the time. He justs waits for us remember him. Praying and celebrating Christmas is never hypocritical. Lets see the good in it, at least we still remember to give thanks for all the blessings we've received.
Britexpat, I believe it is hypocritical to go to church during Xmas and not for the rest of the year, but I know many do and to them it is a tradition doing it.
In Nordic Countries, the Xmas celebration was not a religious celebration at first, that part of it was added later when the Countries were christened and that still Religion is not a great part of the xmas or jul(yule in English)celebration for them unlike other European Countries.
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why question a holiday? unless you are a banker or a businessman, a holiday is always welcome no matter what its for :)
I see nothing wrong with celebrating the Holiday, as especially in the West it's no longer really a religious holiday. But to go to mass?
Date symbolic only. Purpose was to move away from the pagan festivals. Winter Solstice December 21 - longest night of the year / greatest darkness. So - passing from darkness into light. And the rest - well explained by loulsy.
Agree with thread title - in respect of people who are Christians in name only, who go to mass, pray to the Lord without being conscious of the real meaning of Christmas. Many people have shallow views or follow traditions blindly but are no less loved by God so hope some of them become aware and wake up before God calls them home. (If called home, it's a bit late. There's free will but ...)
One more thing, traditions are important as anchors for the future and important for children and the immature. Hence, Santa and all his rolly polly glory. People are supposed to progress from there.
*****************************************
Don't want no drama,
No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama
All 'traditions' are hypocritical! Tradition means not to develop. Since times change, traditions stagnate. So, whichever 'tradition' you follow, you'll always be a hypocrite.
Let us be glad and enjoy this time of year for it is not just the kids are waiting for this event but ALL of us!
HAVE A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!! =)
I wasn't being a spoilsport.. Just trying to get feedback on something that came to mind..
Have a great time..
Well, if a friend of mine who has been out of touch for some time calls me up and wished me on my b'day, i wouldnt for sure call him hypocritical....I'd be really happy... Donno abt religion n stuff...
Brit: Why do you wanna play the spoilsport on a nice festive occasion? :-p
Allow me to be a Hypocrite tooo...
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Cheers...
May Jesus fill your heart with good cheer and daily optimism and hope! Merry Christmas!
Thank you....Christmas Blessings and Good Tidings to you.
Merry Christmas to All! :D
Allow me to be a Hypocrite too!!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
WYSIWYG
May the Lord bless you and may your daughter bring you lots and lots of happiness and joy!
Allow me to be a hypocrite and give thanks to Jesus this Christmas...
Thank you Jesus for the special addition You blessed me with this year, for my daughter.
Thank you Jesus for the good health you blessed my family members with.
Thank you for the friends that cross my path daily.
Thank you for every additional new day you bless me with, in order to have a new chance to redeem myself, repent, rejoice, and join your weekly gathering at Mass and share my fellow Christians in the Holy Sacraments.
Allow me to be a hypocrite and pray to Jesus this Christmas.
Pray for all those blinded by greed for power and money, so that love for peace may be reborn in their hearts once again.
Pray for all those who have gone astray, so that their faith and hope is reborn in their hearts once again.
Pray for all those who struggle with day to day earthly troubles, guide them and fill them with internal peace, so that gratitude for your daily presence in their lives is reborn in their hearts once again.
Pray for all those who are ignorant and blind to the ordeals of other people, so that love and kindness is reborn in their hearts once again.
Allow me to be a hypocrite and remember the day that Jesus was born.
O Lord, you were born on a cold winter night, your mother could not find a place to give birth, all doors were closed in her face when she requested a place to stay to give birth. You were force to be born in a barn, you were humbly wrapped in cloth and placed in a manger.
Please, come into my heart, allow it to become your manger. Shine forth from within me, so that I can make a difference in this Godforsaken world. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
If the 25th of December (a date set to remember and celebrate your birth) gathers all people in happy rejoicing, and singing hymns and carols, in realizing our mishaps of the year past and making amends such as the character of Abenizer Scrooge did. If celebrating Christmas and making the effort to join in prayers in Church makes me a hypocrite...then....
Allow me to be a hypocrite. :)
I am sure there are plenty religious people who celebrate Christmas. At the same time, the rest of us just enjoy the holiday, the tree and the prezzies!! Not so many actually go to mass. And many do it for the traditions' sake. Merry Christmas!
cant we just be happy and joyous this time of the year without having to debate whatever issues surrounds this celebration? CHEERS!:)
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO Y'ALL!
_________________
call me ONE.
in our mind and spirit.. please accept my warm hug to each one and all :)
I feel a "Group Hug" coming on :)
Let's take the opportunity to give each and everyone greetings of all the best and joyfull wishes...
May the spirit of Christmas put warmth and compassion to us all.
Have a Blessed Christmas Eve to ALL!!
Most Christians may or may not go to church for MANY reasons...and some might be praying within the confines of their rooms/abode.
Like I said, people have different ways of maintaining a relationship with (their) GOD.
you don't have to like it....but proper decorum is to respect it...
Take a moment of ur precious time and drop down to the Church and I'm sure the Priest will take a moment of his time and explain to u the symbolism of this day.
If u dont have a comment worth saying please do save urself the effort of typing unless you are aiming to accumulating points..
WYSIWYG
you admit Christ wasn't born on this date.
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Boss! I missed you too ;-)
I've been here and around.. just laying low cz of work :P
WYSIWYG
Thank you for putting it in a Perfect way ...
Merry Christmas Buddy!
WYSIWYG
That sort of sums it up...
For ex, many of us while we were studying back at school days, just around Exam time or Results time to be more precise we start chanting, God God God God...make me pass...make me pass...in the same way its just that since on those days that are important to your life you chant for God or remember God on that day...it doesnt make any hypocracy...!!!
the example I stated might have been on a lighter note but truly speaking its all about the spirits of being together and having a good time and including God to be a part of your celebrations...!!!
So Cheers Loulsy well said...!!!
Merry Christmas ofcourse to one and all!!!
Christ Wasnt born on 25 December, No one knws the exact date of his Birth... This is a Symbolic Day...
Britexpat: I can see your point, But dont you think it is better than to just ignore Him?! At least show Him that deep inside He is still in our minds and our hearts? as i said, even if its just for an hour or a Minute. For Him, it will be the best present we can give Him.
WYSIWYG
To remember the birth of the Christ, and it so happened that the tradition is to celebrate it at home and church's gatherings...
Same with your birthdays, do you need to celebrate it the whole year? People may forget you the entire year, but when they do remember and drop a message to greet you happy b-day, are'nt you glad with it? I do'nt see any reason why the Christ be of difference...
Combining the mass with those celebrations spices up the joyful commemoration of the event... and brings solemnity to the occasion as well.
Regarding the exact birthdate, i don't really care, as long as i accept the fact that he was BORN for us!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL :)
Whereeeeeeeeee have you beeeeeeeeeeeeen i was missing you so much all this time on QL :D
As you say, Christmas is a time for sharing, giving, and love. its about taking a moment of your time to think of others, and work on bringing a smile to those around you... This is as it should be. It is a time for families and friends to get together and forget about their troubles.
My point was that if we don't remember Jesus during the year, isn't it hypocritical to suddenly "pop in" to wish him happy birthday?
it's pretty cold this season in this region!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
While many are busy during the year with the shallows of life and this day brings every back to God's house even if its for an hour.. and as Green Tea said God Will be more than happy to have them at least this once than Never at all.
Christmas is not about food, drink, and presents... its about sharing, giving, and love. its about taking a moment of your time to think of others, and work on bringing a smile to those around you... many will say, yeah i do that all the time, but at christmas its when u DOUBLE your efforts.
Go to Church is Hypocritical if the ppl who go there are the ones who dont go all thru out the year?! well think of it this way.. there are some ppl u dont see on daily basis bcz ur Busy.. but on their birthday you make the effort to Say happy Birthday... HOw can you tell Jesus Happy birthday if you dont at least pass by his house?!
WYSIWYG
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“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”
You mean to tell me after all these years and moving to the Middle East. I find out that Santa Claus is not real.
Act your age not your shoe size
try to separate it.... remember the Pagan festivals were adopted by Christianity as a PR move to popularise the religion....
make it a bit more user friendly and give a wider appeal
obviously donkeys, virgin births and a stable in a distant land didn't really have a wide appeal to the masses initially.
some people find comfort in prayers, or when they go to the church and hear mass, even if it's not Christmas.
Santa Claus is part of a Christmas TRADITION everyone grew up with...but it has nothing to do with anyone's personal relationship with (his) GOD.
Try to separate that, please...
depends how you celebrate
no harm in a Christmas tree, pressies and a meal with friends / or family
Loads of Christmas traditions are not Christian anyway...
Do you actually consider yourself a self righteous, religious type of guy, during the whole year and that you follow your religious doctrines to the letter?
Try to convince me with a good answer, still I will doubt everything in your response.
You need to look yourself first real hard!
You got Confessions today
it is hypocritical when you dont believe in it but still you take part in the celebration against your will...
about going to church on this day, i think God will be more than happy to have your time at least once a year, than never having your time at all
all I can say is almost everybody, if not all, are happy in this season...Advance Merry Christmas!!!
good morning..:)
God is an accepting God even though we forget him most of the time. He justs waits for us remember him. Praying and celebrating Christmas is never hypocritical. Lets see the good in it, at least we still remember to give thanks for all the blessings we've received.
Britexpat, I believe it is hypocritical to go to church during Xmas and not for the rest of the year, but I know many do and to them it is a tradition doing it.
In Nordic Countries, the Xmas celebration was not a religious celebration at first, that part of it was added later when the Countries were christened and that still Religion is not a great part of the xmas or jul(yule in English)celebration for them unlike other European Countries.
How about just "Bloat day"..
Happy Bloat Day to all Ql'ers..
I think it should be called:
"Wear a Red Fluffy Hat Get Prezzies and Give Them and Have a Drink of Egg-Nogg Eat a Nice Turkey Dinner Day"
Nah, yours is more catchy
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Yes, its hypocritical. Why go to church, if you do not practice the religion during the year ?
Let's just change the name to "Family togetherness day" or similar.
They go to mass to meet friends usually. Wonder if there's even more than that this Christmas...or everyday, at least...
"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
Yep, unless you are devout obviously.
But every single person is a hypocrite on some level. So i guess something like that is pretty low on the Hypocrito-Meter
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