[Dejibo]

At this rush, rush, run, run time of year when most folks are in a hurry to get presents, and gifts even if they cant afford them, it always amazes me how many forget the reason for the season.

http://www.youtube.com/user/beckykelleySTL

I want to start a line up in the mall for kids to go sit on Jesus's lap and tell them how good they have been all year.

[Kitty]

Beautiful. And so true, too. I get so tired of hearing people complain about how they "have to" go shopping for presents. Why do they do this to themselves? They're completely missing the meaning of Christmas. It's not about how much stuff you can accumulate or what you can buy for someone else. It's about the priceless gift we all were given.

[SallyC]

December 25 is most likely not Jesus Christ's birthday. I've read some interesting stories about when He was born. Some are believable and some not.

But it's the date we have celebrated it, for 19 centuries, so it is a Christian proclaimed Holy Day.

I, like everyone else, go along with the commercialized holiday version for fun, but never forget that, like the sacrificial lambs for Passover, that He was born amongst, He was the sacrificial Lamb of God, born to die, so that we may live.(as per Christian beliefs)

I agree that all Christian Children should celebrate Christmas in the traditional way, with the knowledge of the true Christian meaning.

[NeuroNixed Craig]

Perhaps parents now a days would pay much more attention to Jesus if he had a winning soccer, swim, track, t-ball, or mini-football team. They'd be lining up to get there kids into that I'm sure.

[tamiloo]

Over the past few years we haven't had the money for a lavish Christmas...so we have focused on service...Remember why we really celebrate this holiday. Its not for the rushing to buy everything and anything one might want...that will most often be forgotten about in a month. Do we remember what we received a year ago? I remember the love we all felt for one another. Love you all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3-T-...layer_embedded

[Kitty]

I haven't had the money for expensive gifts, either, but we really don't miss them. I get my boys one thing each. They know my $$ situation. Sometimes they choose to buy additional gifts but that is entirely up to them. I tell them not to spend the money on me but if they just have to then I tell them to just give me the money and I'll put it to good use!

[Dejibo]

When I first married, my DH was frantic as the holdiay season approached. He was sweating about what gift to get his new wife. He searched the stores, and searched the malls, and couldnt find that perfect gift. Ready to give up, he started asking our friends and family what I would love, treasure and keep safe as our first christmas gift as man and wife. My wonderful g/f pulled him to the side and said "clearly you dont know your new wife as well as you think you do. she doesnt want trappings, she doesnt want trinkets, she wants your time! The perfect gift is just time with you." He thought about it and chewed on it and in the end he chose a gift certificate for a Saturday at home, with no ringing phones, no TV, no interference, just us, talking. It really was the perfect gift, that led to the perfect weekend, that led to many discussions on who we are, and what we really want. Each year we try to get back to that spirit. Its not about the stuff, its about the people.

And no Christ was not born on December 25th. When the emperor Constantine AD 325 was losing his pagan city of Rome to the new Christian invaders who had been spreading their message, he knew that he must intergrate to survive. The counsel of nicaea was held and the city decided on which books of the bible to include, what holidays on what dates would be celebrated, and it was decided that Rome would become a Christian city. In order to not lose the pagans, he incorporated many of their days as high holy days. The winter soltice is indeed now Christmas. Taxes were collected in the fall, and many celebrations were held at the tabernacle celebrations, so the city would have been full with no room at the inn. No one has been able to pin an exact date on his birth. I do love that we chose to celebrate it, no matter which day we choose.

I love when folks get it. its a season of celebration, not a season of competition. We should not strive to out do each other, only strive to be with each other.

[tamiloo]

You hit it right on!! Thank you...

[doydie]

We have a person in our community who just refers to himself as Mr. G. At Christmas time who knows where one might find an envelope with money with some instructions. He does't say what to use them for just what department or for home less meals, etc. So far this season he has left about $10,000 in different places.

[Becca44]

Originally Posted by SallyC

December 25 is most likely not Jesus Christ's birthday. I've read some interesting stories about when He was born. Some are believable and some not.

But it's the date we have celebrated it, for 19 centuries, so it is a Christian proclaimed Holy Day.

I, like everyone else, go along with the commercialized holiday version for fun, but never forget that, like the sacrificial lambs for Passover, that He was born amongst, He was the sacrificial Lamb of God, born to die, so that we may live.(as per Christian beliefs)

I agree that all Christian Children should celebrate Christmas in the traditional way, with the knowledge of the true Christian meaning.

That was so nicely and thoughtfully put, Sally.