bodypilot90 0 #1 December 22, 2004 QuoteI'm Offended That 'They' are Offended - Merry Christmas Anyway! by Debbie Daniel December 13, 2004 I'm on a "Merry Christmas" mission and I'm in full throttle. My little yellow VW Beetle has turned into a Christmas billboard with Merry Christmas written across the back window. Yes, I've decided to trek off to work everyday on the public highways with a message that seems to offend people. At stop lights, I even turn my music up a little louder, and to top it off, I sing along with it. Don't I know that stopping at a red light to roll my windows down only to share the joy of Christmas carols on public streets is a No-No? Don't I fear the Christmas Gestapo and those who would have me remove the written message from my car? I'm sorry folks, but the only person I'm concerned about "offending" during this Christmas season is the Lord himself. LEAVE THAT MANGER ALONE! We've allowed the Baby Jesus to be kicked out of His lowly manger, and those offended by Christmas are still not happy. I refuse to let this happen. I'm going to do my part to make sure "Merry Christmas" doesn't become extinct. Because like it or not, if the believers in Christmas don't take a stand now, it's gone forever. Listen folks, the Christian community has been underestimated before; we will have to show ourselves again. I walked into a Wendy's Restaurant the other day and was rather exuberant with my "Merry Christmas" greeting to the manager. He didn't have much of a response and I said, "Where's your Christmas spirit?" He said, "We're not allowed to use the words "Merry Christmas" when greeting customers. We can only say "Happy Holiday." This morning I grabbed a quick breakfast at a Whataburger Restaurant. I noticed there wasn't a single decoration in the store. I asked the manager why they weren't decorated for Christmas. He told me the corporate headquarters decided not to send any decorations to any of their stores, and he didn't know why. After I heard about all the Macy's and Federated Stores taking down their Merry Christmas signs, the Target stores not allowing the Salvation Army to "Ring the Christmas bells," and the many incidents of children, choirs, and bands not allowed to play or sing Christmas carols, I realized it was happening right here in my own little Texas town. How can this be? Not Texas! We do, however, have a store, Hobby Lobby, that plays nothing but Christmas carols during the season. On Christmas Day they run a full page ad in our local newspaper. That ad is not to promote the store, but uses the entire page to tell the story of Jesus' birth. Now that's taking a stand. We need to thank them. When I saw a news report the other evening of children being taught new words to a song we've sung for years - "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" - I was saddened to hear "We Wish You a Splendid Holiday." I know now that it's just a matter of time that the "Merry Christmas" greetings will be gone. Look around your town. Notice the "Holiday" greetings and not "Christmas." It's happening right before our very eyes. Start singing the songs; go down the streets of America singing to your heart's content. Get some of those wash-off markers that these kids use to write on their car windows when they're rooting for their hometown football team. It's easy to do, and if a torrential rain washes it off, write it on there again. We've got to get this message out. "Go Tell It On the Mountain . . . that Jesus Christ is Born." Sing it, speak it, be a billboard for our Lord. The story of this "Baby Jesus" alone has brought about more goodwill at this time of year than any other day we celebrate. How can we sit back and allow Him to be snuffed out of our lives? Is it Jesus, or is it His followers that the "offended" don't like? What kind of revulsion galvanizes one to campaign so vehemently against the mere mention of His name, the mere singing of a carol, or the mere visual of a sign that says "Merry Christmas?" I can listen to my own boss at work use some of the vilest words and follow up with, "Excuse my French." I may cringe inside at his damning of God's name, but I tolerate it. So if they don't like me wishing them a "Merry Christmas," I'll say, "Excuse my joy." They may cringe that I celebrate the birth of Jesus, but just tolerate it. I cannot be concerned that "Merry Christmas" offends them. If I'm not careful, the day will come when saying I'm a Christian will offend them. I'm offended that they are offended. How about that? When we get to a point that we can no longer take part in a tradition we hold dear, we have no choice; we either defend that tradition or we give it up to those who say NO. That's it . . . period. So, which will it be? I'm not giving up my "Merry Christmas" joy to anyone. If I know of someone that celebrates another holiday during this time of year, I will be glad to wish them whatever holiday they want. Just tell me what it is and I'll shout it to the world and wish them a grand celebration. Just give me Christmas. To you merchants: Stop being so hypocritical and "filling your tills" on the back of Jesus! Who do you think is the symbol of giving at this time of year? It was the wise men bringing gifts to the newborn Christ-child. You want your coffers full, but have ordered your employees to take down all the Merry Christmas signs. If that's the case, I'll buy gifts at a place that understands my joy. If you're worried about offending someone, you just did. The most recent Newsweek survey shows that 82% of Americans believe that Jesus is the Son of God. So, in trying not to offend a few, you've offended many. It's okay to jump into the "Merry Christmas" spirit when it fills your cash register, but let's call it something else . . . and don't stop giving . . . and don't stop buying. . . we'll just change the name and you'll never know the difference. I know the difference and I'm feeling it greatly. It's hard not to be aware that townships across our country have actually banned the singing of Christmas carols because it might offend someone. And it's not just the religious songs; it's the secular ones too. No more "Jingle Bells" or "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" because they're associated with Christmas. Boy, aren't we getting sensitive? If we're not celebrating Christmas for the hope it gives with the birth of our Savior . . . there is no hope! I noticed a few years ago that we changed the name of Abraham Lincoln's and George Washington's birthday so as to be all inclusive regarding the Presidents. Hark, if we should recognize anyone as exceptional. Now it's called Presidents' Day. Well, if we're going to be so all inclusive, next month I'll have to refer to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as Civil Rights Leaders' Day. We don't want to exclude great Americans like Rosa Parks or Cesar Chavez, do we? And to think that Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton might be left out. We might need to change Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Grandparents' Day to All Parents' Day. Just lump them all together. It sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? So what's the difference? My freedom to celebrate Christmas in the tradition of the Christian religion is as much my right as it is their right to be offended by it. So what are we going to do? Did anyone hear me . . . what are we going to do? Do we defend a person's right to go forward with a time tested tradition (how about 2000 years?), or do we defend a person's right to end it all because they're offended? As long as we live in this great land and have the freedom to express ourselves and what we believe in, we will always offend someone. If we try to make everything right for everyone, we won't have anything for anyone. May you always have Christmas in your heart! Debbie Daniel can be contacted at: dddtx@yahoo.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GQ_jumper 4 #2 December 22, 2004 If christmas offends everyone so much than we should get rid of christmas vacations. i guarantee all the people complaining about christmas would stop whining if we threatened to take away they're time off during the holidaysbecause it was for a religoius reason. congrats to that woman for having the guts to do what makes her happy and not worry about what other people want!History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. --Dwight D. Eisenhower Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frenchy68 0 #3 December 22, 2004 Although I don't really care whether Christmas has a meaningful religious conotation or whether it does not, I still consider it as a tradition. As far as I am concerned, the term "Holidays" encompasses Christmas and the New Year (ie a 7 day period). Individually, in my view, Christmas is Christmas: Too much food, and pretty wrapped up presents with my name on a card under the tree. "For once you have tasted Absinthe you will walk the earth with your eyes turned towards the gutter, for there you have been and there you will long to return." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aerohaga 0 #4 December 22, 2004 Amen, sista!! I'm tired of having to be "tolerant" of everyone else when they try to take away my rights as a Christian.For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, But the sight of the stars makes me dream. -Vincent Van Gogh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #6 December 22, 2004 I'm offended that she's offended that they are offended. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peregrinerose 0 #7 December 22, 2004 Honestly I think the alleged vendetta against Christians is overblown to non-existent. Yes, some things are stupid, like not allowing 'Merry Christmas' in some settings, but there is nothing offensive about 'happy holidays' since Christmas isn't the only holiday at this time, but Hanukkah as well. But I have not heard anyone singing alternate words to We Wish You a Merry Christmas. I don't know anyone that is offended by being wished a Merry Christmas regardless of their religious beliefs. I do have a problem with people shoving it down my throat that I am not Christian and therefore do not celebrate Christmas, but those people are very few in number so easy to tune out. How would Christians feel if they were wished "happy ramadan" and had ramadan signs all over in every store and had it be a national holiday which was shoved down their throats on every street corner, every song, every picture, every store? How tolerant would they be? To those offended by the icons of Christianity, get over it. To those offended by those of us who do not celebrate the birth of Christ, get over that to. Everyone needs to be more tolerant. Jen Do or do not, there is no try -Yoda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #8 December 22, 2004 The real reason non-Christians are offended by being wished Merry Christmas....see attached. (Man, think I could reply to every thread with one of these ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickjump1 0 #9 December 22, 2004 Loud music regardless of its theme is noise pollution. Civic leaders that bow to minority complaints about our American Christian Heritage can be answered at election time.Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricTheRed 0 #10 December 22, 2004 QuoteTo those offended by the icons of Christianity, get over it. To those offended by those of us who do not celebrate the birth of Christ, get over that to. Everyone needs to be more tolerant. That, and they need to drink more beer, and skydive more.illegible usually Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markd_nscr986 0 #11 December 22, 2004 A Buddhist perspective I'm not offendedBeing a non-Christian during Christmas is no big deal!I am secure in my faith,and my faith is very tolerant of other religions.If they want to put Christian symbols in stores,malls or on government property for the Holiday season it I take no offense from it,its not like it's a state sponsored religion or anything.People that do take offense from it need to look at themselves and their faiths very closely....because "tolerance" is a central theme for most of them.I love everything about Christmas,with the exception of installing and removing the strands of lights from the top of the house And yes,I do think a lot of people are being ridiculous while attempting to be "politically correct"Marc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #12 December 22, 2004 Not everyone is offended or PC. The execs of my company are Jewish and have been wishing everyone that comes in the office a Merry Christmas even thou most of the people in this neighborhood are Jewish!_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #13 December 22, 2004 QuoteNot everyone is offended or PC. The execs of my company are Jewish and have been wishing everyone that comes in the office a Merry Christmas even thou most of the people in this neighborhood is Jewish! agreed, most are not, however a very very small but vocal group with the help of the aclu try to impose their beliefs on us. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #14 December 22, 2004 The problem as I see it is that some people just love to bitch about things .... any thing ... even here on this most tolerant of web sites! If I say potato some one will say p'tarto etc.... etc.... Some people just love to hear their own gums bashing into each other! I say let um - they're only making them selves look foolish and I've got better things to do with my time (until my wife tells me otherwise) So, Where ever you are and what every you belive in have a great weekend. Yo Ho Ho Tony (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #15 December 22, 2004 QuoteHonestly I think the alleged vendetta against Christians is overblown to non-existent. you are pretty much correct.. a quote comes to mind "The lady doth protest too much, methinks" there have been instances where christianity became the focus of censor, but the majority of them were brought about by their insistence that everyone follow THEIR rules and traditions in the first place pretending persecution is simply a way to pull 'the faithful' together against all the 'evil' in the world as their religion and beliefs are increasiningly marginalized...____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aerohaga 0 #16 December 22, 2004 Quote[pretending persecution is simply a way to pull 'the faithful' together against all the 'evil' in the world as their religion and beliefs are increasiningly marginalized... I'll remember that the next time I'm called a "homophobe" or "anti-choice" because I base my beliefs on the Bible.For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, But the sight of the stars makes me dream. -Vincent Van Gogh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #17 December 22, 2004 If you have a fear of, or contempt for homosexuality, you are a homophobe, by definition. The Bible tells us it is wrong to eat shellfish, but I don't see Shrub or the Christian Right pushing for a seafood amendment to the Constitution. If you do not believe that women have a choice what they do to their bodies, you are, by definition, anti-choice. Jesus did not promote bigotry, why do fundementalists?Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trent 0 #18 December 22, 2004 3 convienient stores in my area, that I buy gas and Red Bulls from, have Christmas tunes being played over their PAs. All 3 are run and owned by Indian and Pakistani guys. I asked 2 of them why they played Christmas songs since so many places are choosing to be so secular coupled with the fact that they are not Christian, but in fact devout Hindus and Muslims. Both of them gave similar answers. They said they loved America and that Christmas, while not part of their beliefs, was a great holiday for many Americans. They thought it was outstanding to see so many people celebrating their faith, even if it wasn't their own. Like many people I'm sure, they did not care if it was God, Allah, or whoever that people prayed to... as long as it was some kind of faith that helped people be more caring and kind. Incidentally, this was also part of the reason they decided to come to the US. They understood that Christianity is a big part of the US culture, and they also understood that they would be free to worship as they pleased. Welcome to America. We need more understanding people like this... it is too bad that people born and raised here can't see it like these guys did. Merry Christmas!Oh, hello again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #19 December 22, 2004 QuoteIf you have a fear of, or contempt for homosexuality, you are a homophobe, by definition. No fear of them at all, just do not want to give "them" made up rights that they never had and never should have. QuoteIf you do not believe that women have a choice what they do to their bodies, you are, by definition, anti-choice. no we are prolife, preborn babies are alive. Since you are not then you are prodeath? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #20 December 22, 2004 Quoteit is too bad that people born and raised here can't see it like these guys did. they are to busy playing victim to see it. A shame really. Just like the Indian and Pakistani people that work hard buy a 7-11 store instead of whining about how unfair the gov't is for not giving them enough money for not working. They enjoy the freedom to be rewarded for their hard work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #21 December 22, 2004 Quotejust do not want to give "them" made up rights that they never had and never should have. Contempt. The feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn. Hmm..yep. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #22 December 22, 2004 QuoteNo fear of them at all, just do not want to give "them" made up rights that they never had and never should have. That would be contempt., the other qualifier to be a homophobe. Quoteno we are prolife, preborn babies are alive. Since you are not then you are prodeath? Yes, as a matter of fact, I am pro-death. I welcome, ant the end of this physical life, death. It is part of the natural cycle. I do, however, feel I have a right to make choices during the period between life and death, and not have some distoterted morality forced upon me by an unenlightened government. Which also makes me pro-choice.Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #23 December 22, 2004 QuoteThat would be contempt., the other qualifier to be a homophobe. NO once again I am not afraid of them. But they are trying to claim rights that simply do not apply to them. Not contempt, just free to say enough is enough. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #24 December 22, 2004 Quote But they are trying to claim rights that simply do not apply to them. I see. So its not homophobia, its bigotry. That makes it all better, I guess.*sarcasm* I don't know why you feel gays do not posess the same rights straight people do. Just because being gay was not specifically addressed in the Constitution does not mean that gays are not entitled to ALL OF THE RIGHTS that they would have if they were straight. And that includes the right to marry the person they love and want to spend the rest of their lives with.Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #25 December 22, 2004 the same reason I do not feel people who sneak into the US should be welcomed into gov't programs. If you think that make me a bigot to bad. and you are right QuoteJust because being gay was not specifically addressed in the Constitution it's not there period. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
