Christmas - What’s in a name?

Christmas – Lately the word, and perhaps the meaning, conjure up visions of ACLU lawsuits filed on behalf of atheists who find that the colors red and green, a plastic or ceramic statue of a baby, or the singing of songs with the words “God, Jesus, Christmas” included are deeply offensive and somehow are infringing on their constitutional rights.
Bah Humbug. The “War on Christmas”, as explained by commentator Bill O’Reilly is a systematically planned attack on Christianity by secular progressives who have, over a period of years, infiltrated our courts, our schools, our towns and our villages.

When this was brought to the publics attention (and also denied vehemently by most major media outlets), a funny thing happened. Some retailers, Target to name one that comes to mind, immediately switched commercials from Happy Holidays to Merry Christmas. Money talks. The fact remains that the Holiday is Christmas, about Christ and about Christians who shop with the intent of buying “Christmas presents”.

Upon reflection of the retail aspects of the season, it is necessary to step back and take a moment to understand where this gift-giving frenzy originated. It was back in Bethlehem, with the arrival of wise men from the east, bearing gifts for:
Christ.

The real meaning tends to get a bit lost in all that glitters. Expectations are high and disappointments follow – generally speaking due to the fact that the original message, the redemption of society and mankind by the birth of God Made Man and his subsequent messages outlining how to live to attain freedom, is lost a good deal of the time.

This season, take the time to reflect on the true meaning, Christ, and God’s gift to mankind. The following guidelines are helpful: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and secondly, Love your neighbor as yourself. Not impossible tasks. Give to the poor, show kindness to the elderly neighbor, the relative you normally try to avoid (we all have one) and have yourself a Merry Christmas.

Signs of the Season (or topics that amuse,shock or annoy):

Daytona Beach Man Strangles Grandmother with Christmas Lights

Ahmadinejad Opponents Leading Elections (Yes,Virginia, there is a Santa Claus)

Teen Shot 6 Times,Robbed of Gold Teeth

Christmas Trees Return to Seattle Airport

Man Strangled by Pet Snake