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Is Christmas shallow?

Riders

Well-Known Member
Opening our big expensive presents while homeless people suffer and starve partying and celebrating while other countries starve to death.

Most people wont take in a stranger ;its freezing out side a lot of homeless people die in this season. People kill themselves out of loneliness, singles do more this year then any other time of year. Does the church really care?Do religions care? what are they doing to help the situation?

I honestly don't feel like celebrating this year. I do not see the churches that care. YIKES you know my old Pentecostal churches use to take Christian cruises that cost a lot and parties their buts off this time a year.
 

Altfish

Veteran Member
Opening our big expensive presents while homeless people suffer and starve partying and celebrating while other countries starve to death.

Most people wont take in a stranger ;its freezing out side a lot of homeless people die in this season. People kill themselves out of loneliness, singles do more this year then any other time of year. Does the church really care?Do religions care? what are they doing to help the situation?

I honestly don't feel like celebrating this year. I do not see the churches that care. YIKES you know my old Pentecostal churches use to take Christian cruises that cost a lot and parties their buts off this time a year.
Well, yes you can look at it like that. But the homeless don't just die at Xmas, they die all the year round.

I usually try to donate to homeless charities about now; that doesn't make it better but I feel I'm doing a bit.

On the positive side, I like Xmas, the holiday, giving presents, meeting friends and family it gives me a boost and helps make me ready to face the cold months of the new year.
 

Jainarayan

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Staff member
Premium Member
I think it's largely self-centered and materialistic, and I quite dislike it.
 

Rival

Si m'ait Dieus
Staff member
Premium Member
Opening our big expensive presents while homeless people suffer and starve partying and celebrating while other countries starve to death.
Just because some people are suffering that's no reason other people can't have a good time and enjoy themselves. Then everybody would be suffering. What kind of solution is that?

Most people wont take in a stranger ;its freezing out side a lot of homeless people die in this season. People kill themselves out of loneliness, singles do more this year then any other time of year. Does the church really care?Do religions care? what are they doing to help the situation?
There are layers and layers to this. People are afraid to take in strangers because they are afraid of theft, drug use and all sorts; this is sadly reasonable. It's not because people are nasty and heartless, it's because they are overcautious generally. Over here the Church does a reasonable job, I think (I talk of my local area), as do the schools, colleges, and other institutions.
 
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Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
Opening our big expensive presents while homeless people suffer and starve partying and celebrating while other countries starve to death.

Most people wont take in a stranger ;its freezing out side a lot of homeless people die in this season. People kill themselves out of loneliness, singles do more this year then any other time of year. Does the church really care?Do religions care? what are they doing to help the situation?

I honestly don't feel like celebrating this year. I do not see the churches that care. YIKES you know my old Pentecostal churches use to take Christian cruises that cost a lot and parties their buts off this time a year.
I like to support the Salvation Army this time of year as they are holiday reminders of those less fortunate. I think the best Christmas present is giving and helping people out in need, where the rewards givin back in smiles and good cheer are priceless.

I wish I could do things this year but being unemployed, I feel a bit like Bob Cratchit but in good spirit. I can still smile and wish people holiday cheer with some encouragement for those less cheerful.
 

sun rise

The world is on fire
Premium Member
This is the best song I know of about what the true meaning of Christmas can be for those that are receptive to the essential message.


And it came to pass on a Christmas evening
While all the doors were shuttered tight
Outside standing, a lonely boy-child
Cold and shivering in the night

On the street every window
Save but one was gleaming bright
And to this window walked the boy-child
Peeking in, saw candlelight

Through other windows he had looked at turkeys
And ducks and geese and cherry pies
But through this window saw a gray-haired lady
Table bare and tears in her eyes

Into his coat reached the boy-child
Knowing well there was little there
He took from his pocket his own Christmas dinner
A bit of cheese, some bread to share

His outstretched hands held the food
And they trembled, as the door it opened wide
Said he "Would you share with me
Christmas Dinner"
And gently she said, "Come inside"

The gray-haired lady brought forth to the table
Some glasses to their last drop of wine
Said she "Here's a toast to everyone's Christmas
And especially yours and mine

And it came to pass on that Christmas evening
While all the doors were shuttered tight
That in that town, the happiest Christmas
Was shared by candlelight
 

David1967

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Opening our big expensive presents while homeless people suffer and starve partying and celebrating while other countries starve to death.

Most people wont take in a stranger ;its freezing out side a lot of homeless people die in this season. People kill themselves out of loneliness, singles do more this year then any other time of year. Does the church really care?Do religions care? what are they doing to help the situation?

I honestly don't feel like celebrating this year. I do not see the churches that care. YIKES you know my old Pentecostal churches use to take Christian cruises that cost a lot and parties their buts off this time a year.

We should all celebrate the Yule Tide and be happy when Odin delivers the gifts atop his faithful goat.
Chrismas shallow? Yes, and also a mish mash of Pagan influence (no offense to any Pagans.)
 

Axe Elf

Prophet
You have to wade through a decidedly alternative take on a Christmas classic to get to it, but there's an interesting monologue that has to do with this topic starting around the 2:05 mark.

 
Opening our big expensive presents while homeless people suffer and starve partying and celebrating while other countries starve to death.

Most people wont take in a stranger ;its freezing out side a lot of homeless people die in this season. People kill themselves out of loneliness, singles do more this year then any other time of year. Does the church really care?Do religions care? what are they doing to help the situation?

I honestly don't feel like celebrating this year. I do not see the churches that care. YIKES you know my old Pentecostal churches use to take Christian cruises that cost a lot and parties their buts off this time a year.
I believe Christmas is not a matter of giving and getting expensive presents, watching a red Santa or drinking wine in an adorned hall.. As Christians (Christmas is after all a Christian celebration) it is our duty to think of those around us, to actually live out Jesus message and word on his birthday. By helping those who need us the most, in our communities for example, we are truly celebrating Christmas, because we are carrying out the work Jesus told us to do.. what I do believe is that nowadays people forget the real meaning of Christmas and the memory of Jesus..
 
O
That's not Christmas, that's Giftmas. Let's not confuse the legitimate Christian religious holiday with the worship of Money and Capitalism.
Okay.. THIS IS THE BEST ANSWER I HAVE READ IN A LONG TIME... You could not have explained it better.. (that's it people nowadays celebrate, Giftmas, not Christmas..)
 

ADigitalArtist

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
My christmas has become a second Thanksgiving because it's far more rewarding for my family to have a sit down meal we've all worked at to be thankful for what we have (I do a third Thanksgiving for friends as well.)

But there is nothing stopping you from using the holiday time to participate in aid programs, food kitchens, blanket and clothing donations and other activities to help the poor. They all still function through the holidays.
 

Earthling

David Henson
I stopped celebrating all holidays when I was about 16. It was one of the smartest things I've ever done. I've never regretted it. No hassle, no money, no nut cake, bull**** . . .
 

David T

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Opening our big expensive presents while homeless people suffer and starve partying and celebrating while other countries starve to death.

Most people wont take in a stranger ;its freezing out side a lot of homeless people die in this season. People kill themselves out of loneliness, singles do more this year then any other time of year. Does the church really care?Do religions care? what are they doing to help the situation?

I honestly don't feel like celebrating this year. I do not see the churches that care. YIKES you know my old Pentecostal churches use to take Christian cruises that cost a lot and parties their buts off this time a year.
What happened to betty lou!!!!
taylor-momsen-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-universal-splash-news-112715.jpg
 

InChrist

Free4ever
Our family keeps Christmas simple.
In our area there are many churches that have food drives for the poor and homeless. This is not a one time event either, but occurs year round to keep food banks stocked. There is also a homeless shelter and shelter for abused women and children that different churches support and volunteer their time.
 

Shad

Veteran Member
Opening our big expensive presents while homeless people suffer and starve partying and celebrating while other countries starve to death.

This is due to the rampant consumerism and commercialization of the holiday. Hence why I stopped practice Xmas over a decade ago. I told my family to send the money to charity instead as I do not need more stuff.

Most people wont take in a stranger

This is normal.

Does the church really care?

Many churches do care at least around here as the shelters are funded and run by religious organizations. Granted these organizations do have government funding as well.

Do religions care?

No as religions are ideas

I honestly don't feel like celebrating this year. I do not see the churches that care. YIKES you know my old Pentecostal churches use to take Christian cruises that cost a lot and parties their buts off this time a year.

Sounds like your church is corrupt
 

SalixIncendium

अग्निविलोवनन्दः
Staff member
Premium Member
Opening our big expensive presents while homeless people suffer and starve partying and celebrating while other countries starve to death.

Most people wont take in a stranger ;its freezing out side a lot of homeless people die in this season. People kill themselves out of loneliness, singles do more this year then any other time of year. Does the church really care?Do religions care? what are they doing to help the situation?

I honestly don't feel like celebrating this year. I do not see the churches that care. YIKES you know my old Pentecostal churches use to take Christian cruises that cost a lot and parties their buts off this time a year.

Commercialized Christmas is shallow and, IMO, quite contrary to the initial intent of the holiday's purpose.

However, if you would like to PM me your address, I know a lot of homeless in Cleveland that would love to celebrate with you if you're willing to take them in.
 
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