Letr us reflect on the TRUE meaning of Christmas and the falsity of...

the x-tian Bush supporters who have made a mockery of
Christianity. I do not mean to exclude any DU members who
are not Christians, simply to share with you what those of us
who are, feel this time of year, which I doubt any of you, regardless
of your differences, would argue with.
Love.

BHN

I was raised Lutheran; I am grateful for my religious upbringing and I've never felt the need to formally renounce that heritage, but the fact of the matter is that I'd be a hypocrite if I claimed that I am a Christian. And yet, I am greatly offended by the hypocrisies that these people perpetrate in the name of Jesus, and I find it frustrating and disappointing that sincere Christians won't dare to make it known that Falwell and Robertson do not speak for them or anyone else of good will.

Makes you more of a Christian than you know.
Visit your local nursing home tomorrow with a
good book to read to someone who can no longer
read for themselves and you will be practicing
Christianity far more than the neocons
and their blasphemous supporters ever dreamed of.
Merry Christmas,
BHN

I came away with the TRUE meaning of Christmas is trees, lights, Santa Clause, gifts, Family time, Kissing under the misseltoe, boys who want trains, girls who want dolls, a reflection for the Victorians who got a little too comfortable with their privilege, so this one day is used as an excuse to "reconnect" with the lesser plebes. There was no national holiday of Christmas until the mid 1800s. American Christmas was manufactured for the benefit of commerce. Cheifly American co-options that affected this day are...

The "Christmas Tree", almagamation of the Tanenbaum from Germany.
Orthodox Greek St. Nicholas (celebrated Dec 6th) into Santa Clause.
New Design of Santa Clause created by a New York Times Cartoonist.
The idea of sending cards was invented by the British, and popularized by greeting card makers here.
The notion of of hiding the contents of gifts was further lifted from other traditions.
Egg Nog is not supposed to taste like rum. It's supposed to have rum in it. Something Americans still screw up.
Episcoal Priest pens secular "Twas the Night Before Christmas".
Rudolph; The red nosed reindeer created by Montgomery Ward in 1938, backed with cartoon and pop song as tie-ins.
Santa Clause appeared in Department Stores long before he appeared in any venue, including parades and movies.

What we've done, is thrown in a lot of traditions from all the previous cultures from which we are derived and created something unique, and influential around the world. All so that we can be with our families, look at the lights, reflect on the previous year...and give American commerce one last push for their quarterly balance sheets. It was designed that way from the beginning in America. It was always less about Jesus here, than it even is now.

"It was always less about Jesus here, than it even is now.'
BHN

The more we understand it, the more we realize what a true blessing our existence is.

Here's a wonderful example:



Science is always catching up with what is known: The enlightened know they are truly blessed.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, BeHereNow!



Peace and joy to you and all good people!

Thank you!
Exactly.
BHN