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Some people eventually eliminate many of the pagan trappings as they become wiser and spiritually more mature, and that's an individual matter not to be harshly criticized. God usually leads believers into spiritual understanding at their own pace.
Please tell me if I've misinterpreted your post but I don't think anyone on this thread has been criticized for NOT having a tree, wreath, whatever. All the tsk, tsking has been directed at the people who choose to celebrate with those things.
Which, BTW, includes the Catholic church. A huge Christmas tree is put up in Vatican Square every year. Are they not wise and spiritually more mature? Or are all the Christmas tree lovers just not up to your personal beliefs and standards?
Hmmm... Now I'm thinking about the tree being used to reach out in friendship to our Pagan friends. That'll no doubt freak out a few people.
Last edited by DewDropInn; 11-30-2012 at 11:30 AM..
Also you have an entire festive Christmas season from Thanksgiving on- Advent as it’s known within the Church.
Technically the Christmas Season begins on December 25th and not before. The 4 weeks prior to Christmas are a separate liturgical season - Advent. it is not a festive season per se, rather it is a season of preparation; a season filled with Hope that the Christ child will begin.
Easter is bigger within the church walls. Christmas is celebrated more with family and friends.
I guess the consumerism (ie "gift giving") just lends itself to a more celebratory atmosphere.
Also you have an entire festive Christmas season from Thanksgiving on- Advent as it’s known within the Church.
Whereas Easter is preceded by 40 days Lent which is much more solemn and Christians fast and restrict from "partying" for lack of a better word.
While Advent does often follow close after Thanksgiving, it is a specific time in the church calendar. This year Advent begins this coming Sunday - Dec. 2.
More details below.
"Advent Rather than on January 1, the Christian new year begins on the Sunday that falls nearest November 30. "
Please tell me if I've misinterpreted your post but I don't think anyone on this thread has been criticized for NOT having a tree, wreath, whatever. All the tsk, tsking has been directed at the people who choose to celebrate with those things.
Which, BTW, includes the Catholic church. A huge Christmas tree is put up in Vatican Square every year. Are they not wise and spiritually more mature? Or are all the Christmas tree lovers just not up to your personal beliefs and standards?
Hmmm... Now I'm thinking about the tree being used to reach out in friendship to our Pagan friends. That'll no doubt freak out a few people.
Hmmm. Maybe I could have stated it more clearly. I meant that those Christians who celebrate with trees, wreaths, traditions that have pagan origins should not be harshy criticized by the rest of us, believers or or unbelievers, as they will grow in understanding at their own rates -- we all do -- and it's OK. IMHO.
Don't ask me about the wisdom and maturity of the RCs or any other denomination. They all set their own standars that have nothing to do with mine, nor do I have to adhere to those with which I don't agree.
Reaching out to unbelieving friends...? Nothing wrong with that. Whatever works
Easter is bigger within the church walls. Christmas is celebrated more with family and friends.
I guess the consumerism (ie "gift giving") just lends itself to a more celebratory atmosphere.
Also you have an entire festive Christmas season from Thanksgiving on- Advent as it’s known within the Church.
Whereas Easter is preceded by 40 days Lent which is much more solemn and Christians fast and restrict from "partying" for lack of a better word.
We don't fast. Come to our church, just down the road a ways, and you won't have to fast.
The gift giving traces back to the gifts the Magi (wise men) brought to Jesus.
Are people really so unable to discern the written word anymore?
Sure seems that way.
I agree, the OP over-reacted. She presented this book as if the information therein was news. To many of us, it was not.
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They all set their own standars that have nothing to do with mine, nor do I have to adhere to those with which I don't agree.
