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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Opus 2013-385: On the Street: What Are They Celebrating?

How long can our culture war on Christmas and still celebrate it?

As I walked into Panera, a bakery/restaurant chain, I noticed the latest poster by the door.  It was very colorful and eye catching and said, “Jolly and joyful.”  That was all.  Why?  About what?  It demonstrated the current schizophrenia of our culture on Christmas.  People have this idea that we should celebrate but don’t want to admit the reason for the season.  What does a company that has bread and coffee as main offerings have to be joyful about?  Is it because I came back?  That doesn’t seem to be worth a poster campaign.

At our school we will be having a “winter program.”  We have a “holiday tree.”  What holiday?  We will be leaving for two weeks for a “winter break.”  Why two weeks?  Does the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” come to mind?  If it was a winter break it should be for three months because that is how long winter is.  It should celebrate with the sacrifice of virgins on an altar.  That would be closer to the pagan tradition than “stockings hung by the chimney with care.” 

It is Christmas.  That means it is the day that the Roman Catholic church chose to celebrate the daily worship mass with the emphasis on the birth of Jesus, the incarnation.  It was part of a year long teaching curriculum that includes Trinity Sunday, All Saints Day and Pentecost.  Our culture used to celebrate the birthday of our King. 

Remove Christ from Christmas and you have no special reason to be joyful and jolly is still just a character trait.

Merry Christmas.

homo unius libri

4 comments:

  1. There's no "create a link" button on this post for some reason.

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  2. There's no "create a link" button on this post for some reason.

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  3. There's no "create a link" button on this post for some reason.

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  4. When I read your comments I look at the bottom and see the button. I can never figure why Blogger does what it does.

    Grace and peace.

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