Archive for the ‘Christmas’ Category
My Triumph Over Kwanzaa!
By Ann Coulter
Is it just me, or does Kwanzaa seem to come earlier and earlier each year?
This year, I believe my triumph over this synthetic holiday is nearly complete. The only mentions of Kwanzaa I've seen are humorous ones. Most important, for the first time in eight years, President George Bush appears not to have issued "Kwanzaa greetings" to honor this phony non-Christian holiday that is younger than I am.
It is a fact that Kwanzaa was invented in 1966 by a black radical FBI stooge, Ron Karenga, aka Dr. Maulana Karenga. Karenga was a founder of United Slaves, a violent nationalist rival to the Black Panthers and a dupe of the FBI.
(To view the rest of the article: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=30063)
It’s a Grinch Thing
By Erik Rush
"Nearly every American liked Christmas a lot, But the far-Left, who lived in self-righteousness, did not!
The Left hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!
Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason.
It could be their heads weren’t screwed on just right.
It could be, perhaps, that their jeans were too tight.
But I think that the most likely reason of all, May have been that their brains were two sizes too small…"
Two thousand years ago, a man was born in Judea (a region of modern-day Israel). During three years of His adult life He preached a social philosophy similar to what many might call "The Golden Rule." He gained a large following and thus was considered a heretic and a threat to the ruling powers. As a result of this, He died to prove the point of his teachings.
Christians believe that in this action He reconciled humanity to God (absolving us of our sins, or that which separates us from God) because He was in fact God incarnate, or an avatar of God, to put it in broader terms; His teachings, the Gospel (or "Good News") was that of the redemption He had come to bring.
Since then, despite the occasional (and occasionally atrocious) subversion and perversion of His teachings brought about by human frailty, we have experienced 2000 years of good works in His name. The ideas and mores to which most in the Western world still adhere were alien concepts in the day of Jesus Christ. Given the brutality and cheapness of human life at the time, people were glad to hear His Message.
Christmas Resolution Brings Out Party-Line Grinches
Washington, D.C. - December 11, 2007, Congress passed a resolution by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) to recognize the importance of Christmas and Christianity in America.
The resolution states that “Christmas is a time for 225 million Christians throughout this country to reflect on the birth of their Savior Jesus Christ and it is celebrated as recognition of God’s redemption, mercy and grace.”
This true message of Christmas is under assault in our country as the reins of political correctness try to dictate how Americans can celebrate this holiday. Even secular symbols of Christmas are being attacked. Rep. King’s resolution simply honors the real reason for the Christmas season.
Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America, said, “It is only fitting that Congress recognizes and honors Christmas.
“The celebration of Christmas permeates our entire country as most Americans revel in the joy of the season. We thank Rep. King for introducing this resolution that notes the contributions of Christianity to the establishment of this great nation.”
The Christmas Resolution passed the House by a vote of 372-9 with only Democrats opposing it. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colorado) was among those who opposed this resolution, yet voted in favor of resolutions earlier this year that recognized other religions. Her office told CWA that the Christmas Resolution blurred the line between separation of church and state.
The other Members who voted against the Christmas Resolution were: Reps. Ackerman (New York), Clarke (New York), Hastings (Florida), Lee (California), McDermott (Washington), Scott (Virginia), Stark (California) and Woolsey (California).
Shari Rendall, Director of Legislation and Public Policy, adds, “It astounds me that any Member of Congress would oppose legislation that recognizes the importance of Christmas in our country, particularly in light of the fact that earlier this year Congress passed two separate resolutions honoring the Hindu and Islamic religions and their respective holidays.
For Information Contact:
Natalie Bell
(202) 488-7000
media.cwfa.org
Christmas Canceled in Seattle Airport
Last year a Rabbi was threatening to sue in order to erect a menorah next to the largest Christmas tree. He never intended to have the trees removed or to have Christmas canceled.
This year the airport has decided not to take any chances having another religious group threaten lawsuit and has decided not to put up any Christmas decorations. Instead they will be putting up winter decorations reflecting the environment and diverse community in the Seattle area.
Source: World Net Daily
_____________________________
However, the Capitol Rotunda in Olympic, Washington will be displaying the Nativity scene.
Therefore, it is obvious the attacks on Christmas are not consistent and are subjective to the powers that be.
Source: World Net Daily
Christmas and the Religious Neutrality Syndrome
by Robert E. Meyer
On December 23rd, my local paper featured an article entitled "Displays at the State Capitol Promote Democracy." The story was about the various religious displays on the State’s "holiday tree," (located in Madison, Wisconsin) including the large plaque from the Freedom from Religion Foundation that reminds us superstitious yokels essentially what John Lennon told us in song 35 years ago. That there is no God or devils, there is no heaven or hell, etc. The sign serves as an annual publicity magnet, in that it has been a lightening rod for criticism and apparent vandalism for several Christmas seasons.
The article buttressed the contemporary gospel of political correctness, extolling the virtues of tolerance, and reminding us that government neutrality toward religious perspectives are essential for the well-being of democracy.
Yes sir, then there is that annoying habit the media has of calling the U.S. a "democracy," rather then a republic. Did something change since I last recited the Pledge?
How a Grinch Saved Christmas
by Thomas Lindaman
Ah, December. It’s a month full of joy, fellowship, and good times.
Then we have to go to the mall. That’s when things get dicey. Sure, we may sing "Peace on Earth, good will towards men," but that’s before we have to spend the better part of an hour walking from the car to the front door, sometimes in weather that would make the penguins at Ice Station Zero want to put on a parka over their tuxedos.
I may sound like a Grinch, but I think there are some things that we should do away with around Christmas, and I’m not talking about Aunt Edna’s fruitcake, the one that’s been passed from person to person since the fourth Wise Man, Izzy, got turned away at the manger because he brought it. Here is a list of things that should be first to go.
People who get offended at holiday greetings. I’ve heard people actually get upset if you wish them a Merry Christmas and they’re not Christian. We have Islamic extremist terrorists who want us dead merely because we don’t think Mohammed was all that neato, a situation in Darfur that would make a pessimist out of the best motivational speaker, and a declining situation in Iraq. And you’re upset over Merry Christmas? Listen, if a holiday greeting is the biggest thing on your plate right now, you have a pretty sweet life and no reason to complain about anything.
CWA Releases Naughty or Nice List for Christmas Shopping Countdown
Washington, D.C. ––With less than two weeks remaining before Christmas, Concerned Women for America (CWA) releases its second annual “Naughty or Nice List” for Christmas shoppers. The list identifies which businesses are embracing the true meaning of Christmas by honoring the birth of Jesus and which ones are not.
“Last year’s anti-Christmas businesses seem to be catching the Christmas spirit this year and bringing it to their stores,” said Wendy Wright, CWA’s President. “We are thrilled to see an increasing number of retailers, who previously banned the mention of ‘Christmas,’ embracing and celebrating the holiday this year. Consumers are offended when businesses deliberately mock the real ‘Reason for the Season’ by refusing to call ‘Christmas’ by its name. ‘Seasons Greetings’ just doesn’t cut it anymore. As Christmas draws near, we pray that more businesses will acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!”
Remembering Why We Celebrate Christmas
by Jeff Lukens
It's that time of year again. Yes, it's time for the flurry of shopping malls, office parties, house parties, presents, laughter and good cheer, decorations, too much food, Frosty, Santa, and reindeer.
Meanwhile, it's the annual "December dilemma" for public officials on how celebrate a religious holiday without being sued by the ACLU. Gee, talk about Grinch. The secularist campaign to remove Christ from Christmas, and any religious reference of the holiday from public schools, parks, libraries, and government buildings is about as jolly as a cup of sour eggnog. In recent years, they even tried to stop children from saying "Merry Christmas" at school.
While Christmas is celebrated in the vast majority of homes across America, it seems the meaning of the holiday is often misunderstood. So, let's think what Christ-mas is about for a moment.
The intent of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of a special child, Jesus Christ, into this world. The world has been a much better place since he was born in Bethlehem on that day long ago. The life, and death, of Jesus altered the course of history more than any other person who has ever lived.
On an earthly level, his service to humanity has been a great leap forward that reverberates to this day. While he has been a leading inspiration for advancements in Western culture, in science, in medicine, and in the arts, we also know Jesus as the greatest social reformer ever to walk the earth.
Before his birth, the world had little compassion for women, the sick, the lame, the elderly, or for human life in general. His revelation that all people are equal before God, and that all people have basic God-given rights and freedoms, were major reasons for the founding of democracy.
On a personal level, his life enriches us today, and tells us death is not the end. His inspiration leads us to act beyond our own self-interest. His message of faith, love, and compassion will forever challenge us in our strength and comfort us in our weakness.
It is interesting to note that God foretold his plan for humanity through the Hebrew prophets hundreds of years before Jesus was born. Isaiah, for one, wrote, "The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel……. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace……. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
And as it was prophesied, so it happened. By giving his son, we know God loves us, and we can have a relationship with the Maker of all Creation. It means we can be forgiven of our sins, no matter what they are, and start a new life. While his grace is given to us simply by asking for it, he also gives us free will. It is still our choice whether or not to accept his offer.
Through all the frenzy of the holiday season, Christmas is about the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives. It is the celebration of His birth — the gift of God to all people. When the presents under your tree are unwrapped, come share the joy and comfort of this special gift in a church near you.
Jeff Lukens writes engaging opinion columns from a fresh, conservative point of view. He is also a Staff Writer for the New Media Alliance, Inc., a non-profit (501c3) coalition of writers and grass-roots media outlets. He can be contacted through his website at http://www.jefflukens.com/
Anti-Christmas Chill Blows In Windy City As Chicago Bans The Nativity Story
Chicago, IL – Last week, Liberty Counsel asked Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to stop the religious discrimination against the film The Nativity Story, which has been banned from an event in Daley Plaza. The city of Chicago told organizers of the annual Christkindlmarket (Christ child market) festival not to allow the showing of clips of The Nativity Story, a new film produced and distributed by New Line Cinema, a Time Warner Company. Festival organizers, the German American Chamber of Commerce, complied with the city's request and returned the $12,000 sponsorship cost to the filmmaker.
Liberty Counsel faxed a letter to Mayor Daley, informing him that the city must not discriminate against religious viewpoints about Christmas nor interfere with the business relationship between the filmmaker and the festival organizers. Liberty Counsel also urged the festival organizers to accept The Nativity Story as a sponsor.
The city claims that promoting The Nativity Story on public property could offend non-Christians and "may be insensitive to the many people of different faiths who come to enjoy the market." The city did not comment on whether the mayor was concerned that ousting the film from the popular Christmas festival would offend Christians and the vast majority of Americans who celebrate Christmas.