For example, Christmas has already been “expelled” from our public school system.Ĭongratulations to Scott Kemp for his fortitude in documenting this unfortunate erosion of our once-proud heritage. Possibly it will, but we must vigorously defend our cultural traditions or they will be lost to future generations. Too many Canadians are concerned that the use of such words as Christmas, Easter, etc. Jay Ambrose is an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service.As Scott Kemp points out, “the primary reason that this is the holiday season is because of Christmas, which is one of the most important holidays in our culture.” With this thought in mind, we must begin to openly reflect on this reality during the Christmas season. Violent consumerism does not come first with everyone.
The Christ story still resonates in the minds and souls of millions. They do it in a variety of ways, but for a great many it is dear, sweet family time of a kind that the great 19th century English writer Charles Dickens helped institute in the way the day is now observed. The good news, at least from my perspective, is that the vast majority of Americans do believe in God and that 90 percent do celebrate Christmas. Varied studies, and not just a few, show the highly religious are happier, healthier and live longer than the non-religious, though all of this comes in a distant second to the spiritual experience of God in one’s life. For instance, a higher percentage of regular churchgoers give to charities (including non-religious charities) in higher amounts than the non-religious. We happen to live in an age when religion is widely denigrated even though it helps us cohere as a moral society. You see it in such facts as these: Just 20 percent of households attend church regularly those with no religious affiliation is 22 percent today, compared to 4 percent in 1992 clergy are hard to come by, and millennials, our future, are the least religious Americans of all. What is more, relatively few Americans give a darn.Īll of this fits snugly with other studies showing a sharp decline of religion overall in an America increasingly more secular. And the Pew Research Center tells us that fewer than a majority of Americans now celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, but as a cultural holiday. There are schools in the country that do not even allow the word “Christmas” to make an appearance this time of year. It is in fact the case, of course, that Nativity scenes had to have their day in court to make it allowable to display them on government property, though only if accompanied by non-Christian religious symbols. Then, for laughs, one could add that he may move to the United States and run as president on a platform of removing Nativity scenes not just from public areas, but from private areas, including churches. To be fair, Trump has gone a bit far in his own remarks about the phrase, but one could as easily write a satire noting the fact that Kim Jong-un has banned anything even slightly resembling a Christmas celebration in North Korea. The words may be politically incorrect, but would it really be a huge offense to any sensible person not sharing one’s faith to hear so innocent and well-meaning an expression? Of course, there are those who belittle it, such as a New Yorker satirist saying its use is required by President Donald Trump’s Compulsory Acknowledgement of Christ Act.
#Merry xmas one and all full
Here is a phrase full of good wishes and one that proceeds from at least some sense of joy and hope in this world. Surely some in those shopping centers forgave whatever rudeness came their way, figured kindness more important than maybe saving a few dollars and happily, sincerely said “Merry Christmas!” to their compatriots. Imagine that - two shootings really did happen this year - but instead of talking about gun control let’s talk about emotional control, about people getting to the best within them. That’s when the gift buying erupts with mobs too often brawling over bargains in shopping centers, fists being thrown and guns being shot. I am talking about Christmas and the wonder of it next door to the misuse of it, as in Black Friday. It peeks through, it squeezes through, its real meaning still touching the hearts of many, conveying love, hope and charity.
Nasser Shiyoukhi, The Associated PressChristian worshipers light candles at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Wednesday. Digital Replica Edition Home Page Close Menu
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