Jesus would say.... "Happy Holidays, Sister"

I hesitate as I type this blog message today, but I feel I have to say something. At first, I was going to create a status update for Facebook, but then remembered my friend stating she hates it when people get "bloggy" with their Facebook statuses, and I decided I do too.. I always feel like saying to people who post their life story or harp poltical, religious or ethical issues on a Facebook status to "get a blog". Well, I have a blog, and I am going to use it.

I am not a "Bible Thumper"... heck, I barely call myself "Christian"... I really don't label myself at all. I do believe I was created by God - the Source - and His eyes and ears are everywhere, and they make up the Universe. I believe Jesus was sent to us, as a Son of God, to show us the Way. I also believe that I am the daughter of God, you are a child of God, and we are all God. Jesus was the man though... he was the one who could articulate the words, walk the talk, live and breath the Truth and the Way... and, as all amazing Sages, Teachers, Prophets who have come before and after Him.... he was a MAN. For that, I praise Him. That is my personal belief - if it offends you, I am not sure why.. because you have your beliefs, and what ever they are - I respect them. How can that be offensive?

What I am finding disheartening is many of my Facebook friends (I may lose some after today... and if I do, I wish you love, I wish you kindness, and I wish you peace in our departing) ... are posting (as "Christians") that they are offended because they feel they are losing the freedom to say "Merry Christmas" This is the post that is currently circulating:

"WHAT A CROCK OF SH@T..... We can't say Merry Christmas now we have to say Happy Holidays. We can't call it a Christmas tree, it's now called a Holiday tree? Because it might offend someone. If you don't like our "Customs" and it offends you so much then LEAVE I will help you pack. They are called customs and we have our traditions If you... agree with this...please post this as your status!! I AM A PROUD American."

First of all... what does being an "American" have to do with Christmas? As a Spiritual Being, as a Child of God, as one who celebrates Christmas and enjoys all the beauty, enchantment and meaning of the holiday... It saddens me greatly to see these posts on Facebook. Someone is missing the mark. This is not what Christmas is about... it's not how Jesus taught us to love. Jesus was never afraid of offending anyone - he knew that our legacy that he left us, we would have to BE offensive to find the way. I wondered, "What would Jesus post if he were on Facebook?"... and I think he may have repeated this verse "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men."

Your hearts are far from Jesus. Think about that for a moment while you get "offended" when someone restricts your right to say "Merry Christmas".... a holiday that Jesus himself did not even celebrate. (There are no known mentions in the Bible of Jesus celebrating his own birthday) A Holiday that is simply a tradition handed down from generation to generation... rules taught by men.

What amazes me more, is these so-called Christians telling people to LEAVE if they do not agree with them. Yes, it is your freedom to say "Merry Christmas"... but it is also other peoples freedom to say "Happy Holidays"... by you not respecting other peoples freedoms, you diminish your own (remember my cause and effect post from yesterday?) And to banish people because they do not think the same way that you do... Since when is being an American homogeneous with being closed minded?

The hysterical thing is the word "Christmas" is not even IN the Bible. Go ahead, look for it... I will wait.....

I think (in my own humble spiritual way) that Jesus would be embarrassed by this Holiday created "in His name". Ornamental trees and lavish gifts and decorations and hooplah is not how Jesus lived his life. In fact, the Bible doesn't even approve of having a Christmas Tree (or Holiday Tree... or what ever)...

"The customs of the people are worthless, they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel, they adore it with silver and gold, they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter" (Jeremiah 10-3,4).

Please understand I am not posting this blog to be argumentative.... quite the opposite actually. I am posting because I really hope the argument is dropped. I see overly zealous Christians bleating out "Put the Christ back in Christmas!".... Jesus would probably say "Did I ever leave?"

I really do not believe Jesus would be offended if I wished him a "Happy Holiday".... I don't see Jesus as someone who offends that easily. Telling him to pack up and leave because he doesn't share my view points...well, that might get his goat. (or His donkey)

So, what do I believe Jesus would say to me in greeting at this time of year? Well, he was Jewish, so he may say "Happy Hanukkah" ... but more than likely, Jesus would say to be more concerned about the celebration of his departure, (or lack there of) than of his arrival.


And so, to all my beloved friends, I sincerely wish you the warmth, the miracle, the beauty, the glow of LOVE and LIGHT and encourage you to be the beautiful beacon that you are.

~ Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Glad Yule ~

Love, Cilly