At this time of year, I always think it’s nice to remember what’s important. Christmas means different things to different people and although the word’s roots are in the Christian doctrines, the festival’s traditions certainly are not. At least, not originally. So the spirit of Christmas – or the holidays, if you’d prefer – are not to be limited only to those who follow Christ.
And yet, in their simplest terms, the things that Jesus Christ is thought to symbolise – love, respect and the spirit of giving – may be notions which existed in societies long before that inspirational carpenter’s son ever spoke but they are no less important for that fact. That Jesus’ teachings intended a reaffirmation of such admirable notions is fortunate for those of us who grew up in a modern society so strongly influenced by those doctrines. Whether you believe in the supernatural side of the Jesus story or not, the core principles that he symbolises are worthy of celebration.
Of course, you may say that we can celebrate those notions at any time of the year – and you are correct. But living in the modern world and coping with the stresses and strains associated with modern life mean that we often forget what’s really important. To show compassion, friendship, love and respect for our friends, family and strangers alike is possibly the most admirable thing we humans can do. That’s what Christmas means to me and that’s why I celebrate at this time of year.
So I think it’s important, no matter what your faith or beliefs, to observe those basic principles of humanity. To love, to promote compassion and to enjoy the company of your friends and family. This is as good a time as any to remind ourselves of that.
Merry Christmas.
tonycawley
Is it a bad time to nitpick? Jesus was not a carpenter’s son, he was a carpenter. His dad was god, if you believe in the imaculate conception of his mother the virgin Mary.
Now that’s out of the way, merry Christmas everyone.
colossalblue
Actually, Joseph is repeatedly referred to as Jesus’ father up until Jesus is around 12 and Joseph disappears completely from the Bible. This fact is incredibly important to the story, otherwise Jesus cannot be proven to be of the lineage of King David and therefore cannot be the messiah prophesied in the old testament.
And Joseph was a carpenter, the Bible explicitly states that he passed his trade on to “his son”. It’s all, if my dodgy memory serves me, at the start of Mark and the middle of Luke.
I may not be a Christian now but I grew up with it all and have read the Bible repeatedly ;)
Happy Christmas.
PoorPaddy89
A lecturer of mine (not in religion, I should add) once said Jesus probably wouldn’t have been a carpenter at all, but more likely an artisan. Its all down to translation, and whether you believe the Bible is divinely inspired.
ANYWAY! I thought this piece was a perfect translation of Christmas for the modern multi/non-faith masses. Very well put, and merry Christmas.
AG2297
Merry Christmas TSA people
GTRsannin
Merry Christmas everyone
Death_In_Flamez
Everyone have a fantastic day and stay safe <3
nemesisND1derboy
Happy Christmas you lovely sods!
BadBoyBoogie
Merry Christmas to all the staff and readers of TSA. :)
Origami Killer
Merry Christmas :D
hol
Merry Christmas all :)
mrfodder
Merry Xmas everyone
OriginalJonty (Aran Suddi)
Merry Christmas! Hope all the TSA lot have a great day.