For some, the words ‘War on Christmas’ evokes the idea religious subjugation and the erasure of Christian faith in the public sphere. From ‘Happy Holidays’ overtaking ‘Merry Christmas’ as the seasonal greeting of choice, to Hallmark Christmas movies featuring LGBT+ couples, to the removal of nativity scenes from public property, this cohort sees the signs everywhere.
But for others, ‘War on Christmas’ is used ironically, signifying a perceived persecution complex on the part of millions of Christians. These skeptics ask what the big deal is over making the holidays a little more inclusive for those of other faiths (or no faith).
It’s a microcosm of our larger culture war, distilled down into its most festive form.
And for those of you who thought we might get a reprieve from this seasonal forever war given the COVID situation, think again.
Dress the reindeer for battle. Put on your war stockings. Sharpen your candy cane bayonets. Not even a pandemic can stop the War on Christmas.
The War That Never Ends
Whichever side of the ‘War on Christmas’ debate you’re on, you’re probably familiar with some of the greatest hits of years past. Starbucks is routinely on the frontlines of the Christmas culture war, for their seasonal cup designs, which have been the target of criticism for removing religious symbols in favor of more generic and inclusive holiday imagery.
The Hallmark Channel and Lifetime are also perennial favorites in the War on Christmas as well. For years they’ve been called on by LGBT groups and others to feature gay couples in their slate of Christmas films.
But they’ve (perhaps unsurprisingly) received strong pushback from conservative groups like One Million Moms, who just last year convinced Hallmark to pull a commercial featuring a same-sex kiss – although that decision was ultimately reversed.
This year, Hallmark and Lifetime broke new ground by deciding to show 5 holiday movies featuring LGBT couples, out of 74 total holiday films – roughly 7%.
There’s also the issue of stores, restaurants, coffee shops and more encouraging their employees to say the more inclusive holiday greeting ‘Happy Holidays’, rather than ‘Merry Christmas’.
Interestingly, despite ‘Happy Holidays’ being in use for over 100 years as a seasonal greeting, the percentage of people who reportedly enjoy hearing it has decreased dramatically. In 2005, 41% of people said it was their preferred holiday greeting of choice. By 2015, that number was only 25%.
A COVID Twist
It should be no surprise, then, that two-in-five Americans believe there’s a War on Christmas.
And if you thought an international pandemic might bring about an armistice, think again.
Everyone from cable news pundits to politicians are seemingly doubling down on the War on Christmas rhetoric this season. Fox & Friends, for example, devoted 18 minutes of coverage on December 9th to two stories - one about a kid denied a Nerf gun from a mall Santa, and another about a nurse who received an anonymous complaint about her Christmas lights.
The bigger story, however, is the CDC's recommendation to stay home this holiday season and avoid traveling to stop the spread of coronavirus, which was met with strong resistance in some circles - to say the least.
And in a COVID-inspired twist, even some politicians are suggesting that the shelter-in-place recommendations are a Grinchian plot to straight up "cancel Christmas."
Still, despite the rhetoric coming from some politicians, it seems many Americans are listening to the experts and taking one for the team. The number of Americans traveling for the holidays this year is set to drop 69%.
There is some good news in all this bickering back and forth, though. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert helping guide the US through the pandemic, says that Santa Claus has “innate immunity” to COVID-19.
Well - at least we know Santa’s safe.
What do you think? Is there actually a War on Christmas? Will you be staying home his holiday season to help stop the spread of COVID-19?
82 comments
-
Roy C. Wilson
As I send holidaay cards to people of different faiths or no faith "Happy Holidays" is the one size that fits all.
-
Steven Michael Hackett
I've been all over this country and to several others. I have met people in all walks of life and beliefs, and I have come to the conclusion that the "War on Christmas" propaganda is mostly spun up by Christians who feel their rights are being taken away for some unknowing reason. It's bizarre to me, and the more I learn about the actual history of Biblical times and the creation of Christmas, the less sympathy I have towards those who purport to be of a Christian faith. The holiday was stolen from the pagans, Jesus Christ was most likely born in late summer, and everyone just needs to relax a bit and just enjoy the holidays as best we can - especially this year with social distancing in effect.
More often than not, this outpouring of anger from Christians about everything from Christmas to the LGBTQ+ community comes down to not willing to bend on what they believe to be "true" even when the overwhelming evidence shows them to be in the wrong. Just my 2 cents, for what it's worth. (First time posting here, so sorry for the tangent!)
-
Chaplain Shawn
Hilarious! Funny haha! Mr. Hackett
- If you are Christian, then do not expect to see a nativity scene in your local mall or town square. Nativity scenes were appalling to nonbelievers and were removed in some areas if not everywhere.
- Atheists petitioned and had Scripture removed from court houses and other government buildings.
- Atheists / nonbelievers would like to have the word God removed from the pledge of allegiance, government buildings, and our currency. Question Remove God from "In God We Trust" who would we trust in? Please, do not say people. People are clearly not to be trusted.
- There was a time when prayer was removed from school.
Four simple facts show how atheists / nonbelievers created a war on Christianity. Now if you are Christian and number 1 applies to you, then yes your right to believe as a Christian was targeted. It is not Christians who hype up the propaganda wagon. It is nonbelieving types who are offended by anything Christian who draw first blood, and fire up the dogs of war. Let's be honest. I am not defending any worldview. I am calling it objectively from our history. Christmas was originally a Pagan holiday. Christians did not steal that. They did what St. Patrick did in Ireland. They adapted a pagan holiday and placed it within the Christian holiday. Celebrate Christmas how you see fit, but you should not be offended by a nativity scene for Pete sakes. Furthermore, any Christian who tells another how to celebrate the holiday, is not acting as a Christian. Anyone who hates something from another worldview is not celebrating the holiday. They are celebrating the hateful and wanted demise of another worldview. The sad facts are that the Bible reveals the hateful disgusting and depraved history of human beings throughout several thousands of years
-
Scott Thornweaver
So Mr Hank, do you only trust in God because it is printed on your money? Are you afraid other Christians are so weak in their faith that they will not honor God if they cannot read that on money? Do you believe the nation will no longer be under God if people don't say it in a pledge to the nation?
Prayer has never been banned in school, every student is free to pray. I often see Catholic athletes crossing themselves before a free throw in high school basketball. The only thing that was removed is forcing all students to participate in (or endure) school staff led prayers.
The pledge of allegiance in it's original form did not have the words "Under God" in it, and those words are irrevelvant to the sincerity of a pledge to support the ideals of this nation. Some Christians object to saying the Pledge at all, in a viewpoint supported by bible verse that doing so means pledging to serve two masters - the perspective that a Christian should only serve God.
What purpose does Scripture serve in a government building? Are you so naive as to believe that politicians will be more honest if they see scripture? Jim Jones preached scripture and we saw how that turned out.
-
Chaplain Shawn
I think Christians or any other
-
Chaplain Shawn
I think there are Christians, Muslims, and etc. who are weak in their faith. I believe there are those questioning their and sorting it out for themselves. However, fronts like these blogs are unhelpful. If you are weak in whatever faith, the negativity here is enough that could shatter one's faith. If you notice, the unbelieving camps here have no problem getting hateful and negative toward theism. However, question the ignorance, or lack of logical & philosophical thought; they will get up in your face will a bunch of ad-hominem attacks. I say, if the best someone can do is argue their disgust and hate of another worldview they do not believe in; well then, there is acknowledgement by worldviews opposed to theism that God exists.
Furthermore, all those preaching disgust and hatred against theism would never do so in say Saudi Arabia. The hateful comments directed toward God would be perceived as against Allah, and some of these folks might find themselves in Chop Chop Square. Just Saying, and I am not implying that I condone that. People need to be tolerant. One premise of the Christian worldview. Christianity also embraces diversity and multicultural communities. Anyone who imposes a selfish want or selfish action into the Christian worldview is not a Christian. Paul explains this in Galatians 5. Romans 12 verses 1-2 also defines who and what a Christian should be, and ties well with Galatians 5.
-
Chaplain Shawn
I think there are Christians, Muslims, and etc. who are weak in their faith. I believe there are those questioning their and sorting it out for themselves. However, fronts like these blogs are unhelpful. If you are weak in whatever faith, the negativity here is enough that could shatter one's faith. If you notice, the unbelieving camps here have no problem getting hateful and negative toward theism. However, question the ignorance, or lack of logical & philosophical thought; they will get up in your face will a bunch of ad-hominem attacks. I say, if the best someone can do is argue their disgust and hate of another worldview they do not believe in; well then, there is acknowledgement by worldviews opposed to theism that God exists.
Furthermore, all those preaching disgust and hatred against theism would never do so in say Saudi Arabia. The hateful comments directed toward God would be perceived as against Allah, and some of these folks might find themselves in Chop Chop Square. Just Saying, and I am not implying that I condone that. People need to be tolerant. One premise of the Christian worldview. Christianity also embraces diversity and multicultural communities. Anyone who imposes a selfish want or selfish action into the Christian worldview is not a Christian. Paul explains this in Galatians 5. Romans 12 verses 1-2 also defines who and what a Christian should be, and ties well with Galatians 5.
-
-
-
Florence Glatt
There should NOT be ANY religious symbolism at our government buildings. It's what the framers of our Constitution called 'separation of church and state.' They wanted to avoid a 'national religion,' sanctified by the state, in order for all to worship (or not) as they see fit.
-
Chaplain Shawn
Prayer in school? I suppose you feel that should not be either? The secular sources cited prove there is a definite war on those who to choose to believe in God. However, no one is waging war on the infidels, unless you are an infidel in Saudi Arabi. Would you take your war to Saudi Arabi and strive to remove religion from their government buildings? Or is it only done here in America or other Western countries where you can get away with it?
One principle in the Declaration of Independence is the consent of the governed. Since I have been on this rock, no one asked me if I give my consent to this government. Has anyone asked you? The secular government here in the states is a plutocracy. It is a government by the rich, for the rich, and of the rich. So, separation of church and state mean nothing in a plutocracy. There is nothing democratic about how this two party dictatorship is seeking to abolish The Bill of Rights. Folks who believe in the right to bear arms are having a very difficult time in MD getting firearms or ammo. There is the result of secularity divide and conquer and by their divine right hail and kill. Check out the history and timeline.
-
Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Prayers don't have to be said out loud. Have you ever ever heard of praying to yourself, or atleast keeping it to a whisper, so you and your deities are the only ones who here it. It's only between you and them, anyway.
-
John P Maher
YES SHAWN ALLEN HANKS, THATS FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND THOUGHT, YOU SEEM TO THINK MUCH ABOUT ABSOLUTELY N O T H I N G, YOUR THOUGHTs as WAR, GOOD for NOTHING EXCEPT the G O Pigs GETTING RICHER, KEEP THINKING, FOOL !
-
-
-
Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Very good job for a first post, Shawn Allan Hank, and I agree with you.
-
-
Walter Eugene Curtis
Some days, I just shrug off the frequency of people straining at gnats. Other days, it just completely baffles and irritates me.
-
Carl Bernard Elfstrom
No more years, man. It's just a hand in the bush.
-
-
John P Maher
THERE IS NO WAR on ANYONE EXCEPT THE IGNORANCE and STUPIDITY of, tRUMP, HIS SHEEVE, THE G O Pigs,and tRUMP VOTERS, THATS ALL, HAVE a GREAT CHRISTMAS HOILIDAY, EVERYONE and ALL !!!
-
Rev. Donut
Comment removed by user.
-
Phillip Robert Greytak
Hate much?
-
Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I'll than trumpelstiltskin for the 2000 dollars,vif it comes, then tell him I voted for the true King of Gandor, Joe Biden, with my middle finger raised.
-
-
Amber Fry
I don't know why it's called a war. It's a preference on if you wish to consider one holiday or acknowledge other holidays are celebrated too and that really is it. I say happy holidays out of consideration and acceptance. Others are free to choose their own expression. Neither bothers me in the least. Neither shatters my holiday or my life. It's hardly a war.
-
George Hook
Yes, this is a manufactured culture war to keep a certain political base disturbed over nothing. When will we see a war on ignorance and mass hysteria? As for staying inside due to COVID, let’s remind ourselves that the Hebrews were told to stay inside as the Angel of Death passed over Egypt. Any who ventured out would have died like the rest. We are told it was for only one night but could it have been longer? We are each called to give thanks for God’s blessing and his mercy especially in times of trial. To my non-Christian friends, Happy Holidays, and to my Christian friends, have a Merry Christmas.
-
Florence Glatt
War on Christmas? Where? More like a war on common sense lately. When ANY faith chooses selfishness over selflessness, ignorance over intelligence, or lies over facts, they should be called out for the frauds they are.
-
Brent Lee Wilker
Merry Christmas to all.
-
Phillip Robert Greytak
Christ is the reason for the season. What you do with this is your choice.
-
Marquita Phyllis Greig
I completely agree with you, Christ is the reason for this celebration. Peace.
-
Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Actually, the Christians stole the day from the Pagans. Yule came first; the return of the sun.
-
-
Lionheart
Originally no he wasn’t, but thank you for your indoctrinated thoughts.
🦁❤️
-
Phillip Robert Greytak
Of course that is why we call it Christmas. Don’t celebrate if you don’t want to.
-
Lionheart
I won't, but thank you. I celebrate the old age original Winter Solstice, and Yule Tide. Enjoy your holidays.
🦁♥️
-
-
-
Crystal
Disagree. Saturn is the reason for the season for me and my family.
-
-
EVaz
Last I checked, we do not live in a Christian country. One more time...We do not live in a Christian country. In the United States, there is a separation of church and state.
I'm Christian and I can say that so you, can, too. Americans do not prioritize our right to celebrate and our beliefs over those of other Americans whose religious traditions and beliefs are different than our own. By insisting that Star Bucks use Christian symbols on their take out cups, of all things to fight about, at the exclusion and/or offense of others, we are saying that we matter most. That simply is not the case. By denigrating LGBTQ communities and their civil rights (yes, they have civil rights) we are saying that only our civil rights matter. That simply is not the case.
The audacity, to expect a movie channel to cater to just you and your beliefs is irrational. If there is something on television, or radio, or acted out in front of me, that offends me, I change the channel and look/walk away. I do not expect to be catered to at the exclusion of others.
There is only a war on Christmas if you believe there is. This Christian does not believe there is. I do believe that there is a segment of our population that feels more entitled than they actually are. And, therein lies the struggle. Realistic beliefs of entitlement make for a much happier existence.
-
Minister Mike
Because so many people are making war on "happy holidays" I've adopted a new December greeting for well-wishers: "Merry Happy". And, still, there are those that voice their concerns that December is reserved exclusively for Jesus' birthday (which didn't happen in December and probably didn't happen at all). Some I call on December 25 to wish them a merry christmas, or just let them know I'll return that greeting on the 25th.
Want to see some real hate, though? Wish those same devout christians a Happy Kwanzaa at any time during that holiday, jaysus, standby to repel boarders! There are even blacks that believe in their hearts that, as a white dude, I should not being doing that - and they let me know.
So, to all of you, have a Happy Merry, and if you don't want to I salute you with a single digit.
-
Dino Anthony Mancari
Of course there IS NOT a "war in Christmas". That's one of the most ridiculous of all the conspiracy theories I've heard in years. Why is it that people want to feel victimized?.... voter fraud... QAnon... covid deniers... a war on Christmas... ALL RIDICULOUS!!! The world has truly gone crazy and I've had more than enough.
-
Thomas J Kasprik
That my friends is the beauty of Festivus, a made up holiday that you can celebrate ant any way you wish. Christmas is just an adaptation of pagan rituals.Enjoy the holidays any way you wish. Happy whatever you celebrate and to all a good night
-
Allen Haas
Since I was a child I have loved and enjoyed the beauty of the disciples gathering to say Happy Birthday to our Savior. This pandemic will and should limit our celebrations to our closest family with whom we interact every day. The followers should heed the command: Love one another as I have loved you. I recall a Christmas when I contracted pneumonia. I begged the doctor to not hospitalize me and she did not. But I self quarantined on the back porch of our home for almost a week. I had to find people to take over my responsibilities at the altar. I could not be the agent of my brethren becoming ill with that virus. Two or three can gather, pray and rejoice. We look to a joyous Easter to come. As for the 'war on Christmas'. I have always thought it odd that folks demand Nativity scenes on public property and then observed none on 9 out of 10 churches in the same neighborhood. Approach your brethren and take action instead of embroiling yourselves in legal actions and the accompanying legal bills which would be better spent on food, clothing and shelter for those who have little. I say Merry Christmas but there's nothing holy in the phrase. Happy birthday, Yeshua is more appropriate in my opinion
-
Kevan Bruce McElhaney Sr
MY OWN OPINION ...THAT EVERYTHING OUR SOCIETY THINKS AS INDIVIDUALES IS THAT I AM RIGHT AND EVERYONE ELSE IS WRONG ATITUDE NEEDS TO CHANGE AND ACCEPT THE FACT THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK SOMEONE ELSE'S IDEAS IS WRONG DOESN'T MAKE YOUR'S RIGHT ...I THINK THAT WHEN WE DIE AND STAND BEFORE GOD THAT HE'S NOT GOING TO ASK US ABOUT WHAT DENOMINATION WE BELONG TO OR WHAT OUR OPION IS ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE ...DO YOU THINK HE'S GOING SEPERATE PEOPLE OUT BY DENOMINATION , NATIONALITY OR WHAT YOU THINK IS RIGHT OR WRONG ...AS FAR AS CHRISTMAS GOES DOES IT REALLY MATTER IF YOU CELEBRATE IT OR NOT ...ALL IS NEEDED TO KNOW IT'S A DAY OF GIVING NOT RECEIVING AND AS JESUS'S BIRTHDAY IT BEEN THAT BACK AS FAR AS I CAN REMEMBER ...IT'S ALL ABOUT GOD'S FAMILY ...YOU CAN CHOOSE TO STAY AT HOME OR NOT ...THE SUGGESTION TO STAY HOME IS JUST TRYING TO HELP MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IS AROUND TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN 2021 ...ALL THIS IS JUST MY OPINION
-
Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Writing in all capital letters only shows illiteracy, just as much as your misspelled words, and lack of proper punctuation.
-
Kevan Bruce McElhaney Sr
Carl , I thought this blog was for comments. I didn't realize this was a writing and spelling test. Anyway I'll write however I want to. Thanks for your criticism which doesn't account for much.
-
flugo
Excellent observation!
-
-
-
-
Richard T Berry
If you choose to say Happy Holidays, say it. If you choose to say Merry Christmas. say it. The problem is there is a disrespectful and antagonistic attitude towards those who choose to say Merry Christmas. So, to say peoples perceptions of an anti Christmas effort existing is wrong, that is what is wrong.
-
DeAngelo Ray Allen
I personally don’t think that there is a war on Christmas. I believe that we are actually being kind and loving our neighbor like the word has taught us. I think happy holidays is a great way to equally greet everyone without stepping on what they may practice. Many different races celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah just to name a few, and no one needs to try to guess what religious beliefs that anyone has. Happy Holidays covers it all.
-
Rev Ned
As a military brat, not being with your entire family was the normal Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter. IMHO, those who are obsessed about having to stay safe this year are just being selfish and silly. That is why we’re #1 in the Covid world. The true way to celebrate is wear your mask, social distance and get the vaccine. If everyone had done this from the start, we would not be in the predicament we are now. Like the PSA says, the Flag is symbol, the mask is a tool. The sooner everyone wears their masks, the sooner we get back to normal.
-
Mr. C
Rev Ned. People have been wearing mask and The FLU (Covid-19) hasn't gone anywhere. My suggestion to everyone who's afraid of this so called virus, please wake up. This isn't about a virus, its about compliance. You're basically falling into a trap of behavior modification psychology. The exact steps that many dictators use to to bring fear into your life in order for you to depend on them. But by all means, if you want to follow the rule of dictators and live in fear, more power to ya! And as for the vaccine....well.....if you want to take part of a modern day "Tuskegee experiment" then good luck.
-
Rev Ned
Mr. C. To paraphrase George Gershwin: I wear no mask. I got my rights. I got Covid. Who could ask for anything more?
A very Merry Covfefe to you.
-
-
-
Patricia Ann Wileman
This is Christmas and I am going to say Marry Christmas. If every one said happy holiday for every holiday I would be fine maybe. However all the rest have a name. However they want to change the name of Christmas. This is really all about Jesus. We all have free choice to believe or not to believe. Being I am a Chaplin and I really do believe with all my heart that's my choice. Even though I was originally license through here. However I now have a real earned license I earned not just paid for a card. I have also taken the time to go back to school at a late age to learn so much more. It was my choice. So I'm not putting any one down when it comes to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and why you believe. However I now have a personal relationship with the Lord.
So I'm not going to say you're right or wrong in what ever you believe. I only know what my faith and belief is. I also know God is the judge not me. So Merry Christmas all. I hope all the craziness stops starting 2021. So we can get back to living with out the craziness.
-
Crystal
Io Saturnalia to you!!
-
-
David C Doepner
Maybe Christmas is a War on Atheists. Or Pagans, or any non-Christian faith. Who threw the first stone in this conflict? Was it a non-believer or the owner of a gift shop wanting to ramp up sales? It's a nonsense distraction turning people away from core beliefs and creating isolated tribes wanting to defend rather than celebrate.
-
Reverend Thom
The seeds of the American Revolution were planted by those meeting in taverns, restaurants and churches. Now do you understand why they want to force closures, keep you isolated and censor you?
-
Mr. C
Thomas, you're absolutely correct. Its unfortunate though that many people don't know the history because its been ignored, censored, removed from text books and removed from universities. We who have learned this in school see exactly what the government is doing by using covid as a tool to keep us all isolated for their own evil schemes. Education (real education) is the weapon the government fears the most. Educating the clueless is what they're trying to prevent. Government history needs to be reintroduced into schools again and taught by instructors that don't lean on any political agendas.
-
-
Paul J. Fumero
I live in south Florida and clearly remember the Christmas-Jewish wars at the local malls and even on the freeways in the 80s. The Malls were decorating for Christmas and the Jews wanted to take them down. I ever remember a Judas the Maccabee place at a mall like the Santa place that children took pictures at. Everyone that saw that laughed. I also remember some nuts who bolted huge menorahs to pickup trucks and drove up and down roads and freeways. There was a lot of vandalism, mostly on menorahs. Luckily those that kept this none sense alive died off and now no one cares at all now. But I also read that early protestants almost did away with Christmas celebrations and it took the Catholic Church to save it. I view Christmas as much as a secular holiday as religious. I chose to make it in between on those years that I CHOOSE to celebrate. This year I will.
-
John P Maher
IT'S ALL HYPERBOLIC NONSENSE, WAR on DRUGs, WAR on TERROR, WAR on YOUR MOTHER in LAW, ALL POLITICAL NONSENSE to AVERT YOU FROM THIER STEALING YOUR TAX MONEY, SEE WHAT tRUMPIE the DUCK HAS DONE, WAKE UP, IGNORANT SHEEVE !
-
Jerry L. Spencer
Christmas is a pagan holiday. Jesus Christ was not born on the 25th of December. Even the Bible said that Jesus was born when it warm. So how can a person say that Jesus Christ was born on the 25th of December.
-
Patricia Ann Wileman
It's true about the 25th of December. However know one know the exact date. So I will not be picky to celebrate Jesus Christ he was born and died for me and all.
-
Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Maybe Jesus was born on a warm December 25th, on the planet Venus, and then he was beamed to planet Earth.
-
-
James Allen Kuck
There will always be a war on something! Unfortunately Christmas falls behind Covid. For the last year the nay sayers have been assaulting the people and this year is no different. Again, unfortunately they can’t even get this right! The so called experts couldn’t get their story straight and like it’s been said before you lie so much you won’t be able to keep up with your lies and the truth will never be told or believed. Covid has been around for years and if you believe that venue than why are we hearing about it now? The real question is not the contagen but the person that brought up the hype and the lies to begin with! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! In whatever language, celebrate the holidays with the ones you love, enjoy life to its fullest, I know I will!
-
Katherine Mary Moss
Not entirely sure how I feel about this; for the past couple of years, at least, I have stayed far away from the political implications of this "war".
-
Cheryl Eilene Fluet
I am so glad to be a minister.And after the Pope said it was alright to take a vaccine with the body tissues of aborted fetuses. He shook my faith in the Pope but not my faith in God and my Savior Jesus and the Holy Ghost. Nothing can take my God away from me. Thank you for contacting me. Just to ask a question. Why would you take a vaccine if the virus has changed? WHY would you take the vaccine anyway? The Pope has not given me anything to lookup to this year Pope John II was a saint. But Christmas will be celebrated in my house with Jesus at the center. Thank you so much. I will order after Christmas and Please keep me in your prayers.
-
Marquita Phyllis Greig
Merry Christmas to everyone! Christmas is not cancelled, because we are asked to stay home. Christmas is in the soul and heart. It is not because of gatherings or presents. It is because the Joy, the Light, the Love had been born into the very dark world. I ask all of you to remember what Jesus gave up for us, surely for one year we can come together in spirit, on the internet, phones or old fashioned card and letter writing. There are so many ways to celebrate Our LORD'S birthday, let's honor the true nature of Christmas this year. Again, have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! For those who are not Christian -HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
-
Chaplain Shawn
The War on Christmas within the Christian Camp: The Christmas Offensive (in spirit of the Tet Offensive)
Purpose: To mount as many attacks on all things Christian, and all things of God in every community so as to overwhelm the Christian communities so they peacefully acquiesce to the systematic dismantling of their worldview. Referred to as Operation: "God - KIA" by the use of necessary force.
Scope: To accomplish the objective (purpose) by instituting a campaign of deceit, denial, and to reflect blame back on those who hold fast to the Christian worldview so they appear like "salty whining complainers." Since they were told they are "the salt of the earth," they may find this pun to be appropriate. A few operations are necessary to accomplish the objective.
Operation: "Pray Somewhere Else" or (PSE) (We do not care if you pray, just do not let us see you praying). Holds to the thesis "that religion would gradually fade in importance and even cease to be significant with the advent of modern society" (Cliteur, 2010, pp. 1 - 3). Operation PSE requires the systematic removal of prayer from all public schools, which was accomplished in the 1950s.
Project: Baby Jesus was accomplished by the removal of all nativity scenes from public places.
The Revised Project MK Ultra Part II - Scrub God, The undertakings (pardon the second pun) was to remove scriptural references from government buildings, and remove the word God from US currency, government buildings, oaths, and pledges like the Pledge of Allegiance. Kurtz proses six major challenges: (1) "There was a sharp rise in beliefs in the paranormal, pseudoscience, and antiscience in the US and globally," (2) is the growth of fundamentalism and its prominence in American public life, (3) another challenge to free thought & the secular movement was the near total collapse of Marxism, (4) was the growth of postmodernism, (5) is American triumphalism the Pax Americana or new imperialism. and (6) is the growth of Islamic fundamentalism" (Kurtz, 2014, pp. 1 - 17).
Kurtz mentions three major battles: First, is the battle for secularism, second is the battle for naturalism, and third is the" great battle for humanistic ethics" (Kurtz, 2014, pp. 18 - 19). Kurtz posits three benefits for humankind will result from the victory of his battles and war campaign. (1) will be "methodological naturalism, (2) will be scientific naturalism, and (3) will be ethical naturalism" (Kurtz, 2014, pp. 21 - 25). The campaign sounds like or at least mimics a war. A war not only directed on Christianity, Christian holidays like Christmas & Easter, but an attack on Islam as well. "War is hell." The dogs of War and the War Pigs here are clearly not Christians trying to be tolerant and live in peace with other worldviews. It is the nonbelievers going out of their way to show intolerance against theistic worldviews.
Conclusion:
The evidence in the form of operatives and projects indicate that secular sources are seeking to eradicate theism and fundamentalism. Would this constitute a war? Ask yourselves if your belief system or worldview was being oppressed, or repressed, or even suppressed; would you feel that your belief system/worldview was under attack? If you could no longer see art that reminded you of your worldview; would you feel your worldview was targeted, under attack, and threatened by other nonbelieving worldviews?
According to Poplin, every worldview has at least five commonalities that relate to Christianity. (1) "All worldviews begin with faith," a declaration of faith, or a statement of faith in something tangible or intangible with contingency or a claim of non-contingency, (2) "All worldviews hold principles of the Judeo-Christian worldview." Thus, there is an overlap in material naturalism, pantheism, and Secular Humanism, (3) "there are principles held by worldviews that lie outside the Judeo-Christian worldview," (4) there are principles of the Judeo-Christian worldview that lie outside the beliefs and principles of other worldviews, and lastly (5) none of the worldviews are more progressive or modern than the other. "Each have existed since recorded history" (Poplin, 2014, pp. 30 - 31).
Some of us might even feel that our worldviews and beliefs our being targeted and systematically eradicated by those hateful of theism. If there is a war, ask yourself what banner of theism would you prefer to live under Christianity or the caliphate with sharia in Islam? Perhaps, you choose neither. Consider the pagan empires Egyptian, Babylonian, Assyrian (Persian), Greek, Roman, Ottoman, the monarchy of England, Hitler's demonic Reich, Idi Amin, or Pol Pot? All humanity is depraved. One came far more superior to any of us in every way. Our refusal to consider what Secular Humanism denies will keep tthe human race ignorant and in the dark about matters of unknown origin.
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays whichever you prefer.
-
David Arthur Lewis
Axial Tilt is the Reason for the Season! Mithra, the ancient god of the Persian, Greek, and Roman military elite was born of a virgin woman who mated with a god. On December 25th, in a humble stable, under the sign of a great comet. Mages and shepherds came in worship. Later, he was executed, descended to the underworld where he contended with the lord of the dead, was victorious, and rose again to become the GOD. That was Emperor Constantine's religion before his miraculous battlefield conversion to Christianity. So there's that.
-
Richard Lee Cornell
Bull! No one really cares if you grather in a group without a mask and sing your lungs out. You can add yourself to the list of the 0.01% that will die from the plague. Most churches these days have no problem being online. If I open my church to anyone my insurance will go up. I can still preach my lungs out online in a empty room and not worry about someone getting my flu or me getting their plague. I can use a green screen and be anywhere as a backdrop while in my PJ and no one the wiser. I can have many hundreds filling up a large room getting the plague and dying off or telling that Mother wants Her believers alive and well to have those happy holidays safe at home.
-
John Casillo
God help us all from the comments I just read......we may be all children of the same universe....but more importantly...we are all children of the same God.....Rev JOHN
-
Chaplain Shawn
Exactly, John you are in tune with Galatians 3:28, if my memory serves me correctly. The theme of this blog or whatever, was do you feel there is a war on Christmas, and if we will stay home for the holidays to stop the spread of Covid-19. The second question is an easy no. We did not quarantine as a nation back in March. People did whatever they wanted without regard to their safety and health or anyone else's safety and health. People acted out of selfishness, which is considered bad in any worldview.
The first question is there a war on Christmas. I cited Dr. Paul Kurtz and his plans for Secular Humanism prior to his passing, a cite from Paul Cliteur, and one from Mary Poplin. Cliteur and Kurtz definitely are for the demise of theism. So, Christmas can be perceived as a pagan holiday and a Christian holiday. If Kurtz and others had their way, Christian holidays and any references to theism would be removed and replaced with the new & acceptable form of religion, according to Cliteur and Kurtz. So yeah, it is not good to belong to theism because those who choose freely to do so are attacked on this platform which ordains people. What a joke. All that is done is to bring people in under different banners, and if you read enough blogs here; then you will see the amount of hate and negativity directed freely, whether welcomed or not, against theism.The opposing worldviews use hate, negativity, and twisted logic to attempt to shutdown any Christian. The opposing worldviews are great at ad-hominem attacks but lack a cogent argument to prove their claim that God does not exist. They have no argument. They also lack a cogent argument that worldview is more superior to theism. However, the opposing worldviews to theism are in a futile pursuit. There are only two logical worldviews. There is either nihilism (nothing), or there is theism (God). All other worldviews and there various adaptations and mutations are a part of the grand delusion.
-
-
John Casillo
God help us all.....after reading all comments.....we may all be children of the same universe....but more importantly....we are all children of the same God...Rev JOHN
-
Carl Bernard Elfstrom
And, feel the fear and do it anyway. That was a good book.
-
-
Mr. C
To all of my fellow Ministers. I just want to wish you all a merry Christmas and happy holidays. Be one with your families this season. Don't let a government or any entity keep you from being with loved ones. We don't know what tomorrow holds for us, so make every opportunity to be with your loved ones a special occasion. Peace be with you all, have fun as best as you can and keep your faith strong over any fears because fears tear a body and soul down.
-
Teresa Louise Barberot
The War on Christmas seems to be unfounded. I don’t see the stay at home issue as Political or Religious. We are going through a highly contagious Covid Pandemic and we are in flu season also. This should be considered a Health issue. People should stay concerned with the War on Covid - with the cause of saving lives!
-
Akhil Jojo
Christmas It is the time of love and life, hope and peace. In my view i never see a war during this time. The love towards eternal lord Jesus Christ make the normal person like Nicolas as saint Nicolas in short Santa. Christmas is not the time for war. War is the last word which can be relay to produce Peace and balance. As per history it Say's that we must try the last 0.1percentage of chance through which we can avoid war and established peace and harmony.
In case of Corona Virus Disease which is the present day pandemic we must hope it as a chance to Change as alike the people of ninave get through the preaching of prophet yonah.
The true essences of Christmas is not the party or mass gather or any such expenditure. The true essences is love, we must show the eternal love that we get as a grant to all our brothers and sister's. God doesn't what anything from any. He want us to love him and love all. That what he shown during his whole mortal life time. He who created us, this universe, this time and era want the balance and harmony in all in love and nothing more. So in this time the most perfect way to show our love to all is by not marking them get infected in any Chance.
We cant give life so we have no right to take it or steal it from others. Avoid all the occasion we made to celebrate the holy day and make others life in danger. Stay socially distant physically and close to heart by mind and love.
I wish a happy Christmas and a bright year a head...
-
Lionheart
“God doesn't what anything from any. He want us to love him and love all.“
Thank you for your thoughts Akhil. I do have my doubts though that your god wants us to love him knowing how cruel he has been towards mankind, as stated in that mythical book many like to use, but rarely read. Well, some read it, but only the nice bits. Know what I mean? He comes across as being very narcissistic wanting to be loved and worshipped all the time. I doubt those who died at his hand, and their families, were very pleased with him. I personally think he had anger management issues.
Anyway, have a happy new year. Let’s hope it’s better than this one has been.
🦁❤️
-
-
Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I went to Kroger a couple of days ago, and bought cabbage and black eyed peas, but forgot the salt pork. Nevertheless, I'll be eating that just past midnight, while listening to my tape of Guy Lombardo and his orchestra performing Auld Lang Syne. I might go back for a fifth of champagne, and try to remember the salt pork. Happy New Year!!!
-
taycomama
I just skip the whole thing and wish people a "happy New Year."
-
taycomama
I just skip the whole thing and wish people a "happy New Year."
-
Suzanne Corinne Coles
Forcing people to believe what we believe should’ve stayed in the past with the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem witch trials. There is no war on Christmas so to speak, but there is a rising up of people who have been squashed and forced into a mold of someone else’s choosing.
Let us follow Jesus a little more closely please. He said if the people of the town do not receive your message then kick the dust of the town off of your feet and move on. Jesus also said love thy neighbor. At no point did he say only if that neighbor looks like you, prays like you, earns the same amount of money as you do…
I submit one is not an actual Christian unless one behaves at all times as if they were following the words of Jesus.
-
Shannon Long
THERE IS NOT A WAR ON CHRISTMAS!!! Saying "Happy Holidays" simply means the person is wishing for you to be happy during this Holiday Season!!! STOP LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BE DIVIDED!!!
-
Edgar D Bitner
It has been clear to me that the only people waging war on Christianity and their beliefs is Christians themselves.For a very long time they have decided that their way is the only way. Why is it that not saying Merry Christmas or being Gay or Abortions are the ONLY thing that according to Christians are the DOOM of this country. How is it that all of the sex crimes being committed within Christian Organizations are not a problem?
Why is this still called a "War On Christmas" when there is no such thing? Apparently, some people think that inclusivity is a bad thing, that only exclusivity (me, me, me) is what really counts.
Do these "exclusivists" not realize that there are so many more religious holidays around the world and in the US during this time of year? By wishing "Happy holidays!" creates a sense of respect for one another regardless of religious beliefs, or of having no religious beliefs at all.
Unlike what Captain Covfefe claims, Democrats, Liberals, and even Atheists/Agnostics are NOT trying to get rid of Christmas, not trying to eradicate religion, or create a zombiland.
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT Mr. ANDERSON, BUTT IGNORANCE is BLISS to THE COVFEFE BASE, NO?
Agree totally, Dan Anderson. I do not consider accepting other cultures'/religions' traditions that have celebrations during the same time of the year that traditional Christians celebrate Jesus' birth a "War on Christmas". All should be allowed to celebrate in their preferred way! I say both "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" depending on who I'm sending the message to...I have Muslim, Christian, Agnostic and Atheist friends and family, and I love them and respect ALL of their beliefs.
In quickly passing by someone I'll return a Merry Christmas! with a Merry Christmas! But if someone is standing still for a moment or so, if I feel inclined to give him, her, or it a holiday greeting I'll say Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, Happy Hanukkah, or whatever floats your boat in the holiday season! However, throughout this holiday season season I haven't gone anywhere, exc3pt for my Iranian slumb Lord's convenience store, two blocks away. I've done all my shopping this month through Amazon, right here on my free, government, Android phone, in my tiny studio, except for the cheap, little, filtered cigars I buy from my landlord's store. I do have a tree set up, and something similar to a wreath on my door. I haven't heard any Christmas music yet, but today I'm going to switch the classic tunes to the Christmas carols on my Mr. Christmas electric musical carousel, loud enough to wake up my neighbors, so I can spread some Christmas cheer, possibly to their chagrin. But who cares! It's time to celebrate, whatever you call it!
I think Christians like to whine about the "War on Christmas" which Bill O'Reilly started on Fox News years ago. Or at least encouraged. I don't think they really WANT to go to church during the pandemic, they just want to act like martyrs. They could have social distanced, wore masks, and added more services if they really wanted to go to church so much.
I remember as a little girl, it was common many years ago for holiday or Christmas cards to say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings." It's all a lot of nonsense at time when we should be concentrating about keeping ourselves, and especially other people, alive. This country gets dumber and dumber.
Yes they are , and God does not want us to associate with them , if they do not believe in him God Bless 🙏
Yeah, it's not like God's son commanded Christians to "Love thy neighbor" or any silliness like that. And that rumor that Jesus said people should leave judgment to God can't be true, can it? I mean, the only place that quote appears in is just some book called The Bible.
No need for me to reply at all except to say that I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I think Christians like to whine about the "War on Christmas" which Bill O'Reilly started on Fox News years ago. Or at least encouraged. I don't think they really WANT to go to church during the pandemic, they just want to act like martyrs. They could have social distanced, wore masks, and added more services if they really wanted to go to church so much.
I remember as a little girl, it was common many years ago for holiday or Christmas cards to say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings." It's all a lot of nonsense at time when we should be concentrating about keeping ourselves, and especially other people, alive. This country gets dumber and dumber.