I was originally going to title this post, "Christmas is for Christians". While this is true, it is not the whole truth. The whole truth is encapsulated in St. John 12:32: "and I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto myself". Christmas is an irrevocable calling to all of humanity to accept the coming of the Messiah.
Now some comments on the contemporary "scene", as viewed from my perspective in the city of Toronto; and I shall strive to be authentic, and not nice in this post.
Nothing annoys me more at this time of year seeing all the contrived, grotesque and repugnant materialism and fraudulent "holiday spirit" and other such nonsense. With all the activity going on, one would think (for about five seconds) that a miracle has happened: we are in the midst of a sudden and huge return to Christianity. Alas, to the contrary, we are in the midst of a yearly orgy of materialism undertaken by a huge mob of lapsed Christians who are in the business of delusionary "feel good" time, accompanied and goaded on by an assortment of atheists, and perhaps a few hedging agnostics (tapping happily with their hammers on the most recent archeological finds.... but I digress oh you Belloc readers). In this regard, I doff my Yorkshire cap to Jews, Muslims and others who at least take their religion seriously and do not pretend to celebrate Christmas. At least these people understand that it is about Jesus, and not the abomination of Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman or some other hideous creation of a sick mind. With these authentic people, we Christians can undertake dialogue; for as St. Thomas More once wrote (I paraphrase): "dialogue exists when two friends of the truth swear to each other to yield to the light and only the light".
Now some comments on the contemporary "scene", as viewed from my perspective in the city of Toronto; and I shall strive to be authentic, and not nice in this post.
Nothing annoys me more at this time of year seeing all the contrived, grotesque and repugnant materialism and fraudulent "holiday spirit" and other such nonsense. With all the activity going on, one would think (for about five seconds) that a miracle has happened: we are in the midst of a sudden and huge return to Christianity. Alas, to the contrary, we are in the midst of a yearly orgy of materialism undertaken by a huge mob of lapsed Christians who are in the business of delusionary "feel good" time, accompanied and goaded on by an assortment of atheists, and perhaps a few hedging agnostics (tapping happily with their hammers on the most recent archeological finds.... but I digress oh you Belloc readers). In this regard, I doff my Yorkshire cap to Jews, Muslims and others who at least take their religion seriously and do not pretend to celebrate Christmas. At least these people understand that it is about Jesus, and not the abomination of Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman or some other hideous creation of a sick mind. With these authentic people, we Christians can undertake dialogue; for as St. Thomas More once wrote (I paraphrase): "dialogue exists when two friends of the truth swear to each other to yield to the light and only the light".
The sickening scene under the contrived title of "Happy Holidays" constitutes innumerable fallen-away Christians, with a small, but strident side-show of atheists and others who for some unknown reason piggy-back on a Christian holy day that celebrates the birth of the Redeemer. Throwing the Messiah out, these perverters have tried to trot in the ubiquitous and vile figure of Santa Claus (a depraved monster of iniquity that is a libel against the lovable and historically real figure of St. Nicholas) - an idol to materialism, along with snowmen and other pathetic and stomach churning ogres.
Of course, the media and powerful financial interest are pushing this insane drive to spend money on "presents" and having a "happy holiday". Equally, they continue their evil thrust to ensure that the guest of honour at the Birthday will be forgotten, not mentioned, thrown out of the "party". Millions will proceed to violate the Sabbath - and, by extension Jesus himself - by doing last minute "holiday shopping" on a Sunday in preparation (ostensibly) to celebrate this same Jesus' birthday. So, blaspheme one day, celebrate him the next?? Truly a world gone mad. Again the words of Pope Leo XIII come to mind: to have known and then rejected Jesus Christ is madness. It boggles the mind that someone who hates our Blessed Saviour (or, they may just claim to hate his teachings - e.g. no adultery etc.), the Catholic Church, the Popes et al - would not flee from the 25th?
I don't celebrate Yom Kippur, not being Jewish. I don't celebrate Ramadan as I am not a Muslim, nor Krishna, not being Hindu. I don't celebrate any of the birthdays of famous atheistic murderers such as Lenin, Stalin and the like; not being a communist. Nor do I celebrate Naziism, not being a religionist of 19th century racial supremacy with a dash of Norse paganism thrown in. I have a suggestion: why not spread the "holiday cheer" around in a more diverse and "multi-cultural" manner? Perhaps the lapsed Christians and atheists could divide up their "merry making" in a more culturally sensitive way, and celebrate "Diversity" - rather than indulge themselves on the 25th of December (which, as enemies of the Popes, they should not, as at the minimum, they should adhere to the Julian calendar; but, being the buffoons they are, they are blind to the fact that they are actually conceding the authority of the Popes... well, beginning to...)?
Simply, I don't try to celebrate anything that I don't believe, that has no meaning to me. So the best thing that could happen at this time of year is if anti-Christians could leave us Christians alone to celebrate quietly and respectfully the birth of Jesus.
Simply, I don't try to celebrate anything that I don't believe, that has no meaning to me. So the best thing that could happen at this time of year is if anti-Christians could leave us Christians alone to celebrate quietly and respectfully the birth of Jesus.
There will be those who, when reading this post, will feel that I have been too eisegetical rather than exegetical, but that is my right - my "holiday" indulgence. So in closing I wish all a blessed Christmas.
2 comments:
Yesterday at Canadian Tire, they were were wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. There is a sign up out front that says, "Canada's Christmas Store." Now, I hate to associate the business side of things, but at least they have taken notice of the situation. The woman said, she hates it when people say "Happy Holidays" but I said, well yes but I respond, "Indeed, Happy HOLYday, from whence the word comes.
A very insightful post, Barona. My thoughts echo yours, especially with the line: "abomination of Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman or some other hideous creation".
A blessed Christmas to you.
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