Let's Talk About What This Brings to Mind

**Nada.Leona** · 10-05-2007, 02:58 PM

http://www.wondercafe.ca/acs/ACD-200...-jesusmall.jpg

NOTE: This is not to spark any religious debate or angry words, or any attempt to convert others. The purpose of this picture is to answer the question on the flyer itself: Would you still take your children?

Will submit my own opinion in a bit.

**VanVivCam** · 10-05-2007, 03:12 PM

I am a big believer of Jesus Christ, but, I must answer honestly. I would NOT take my child for their picture with "Jesus".

Also to add, I have stopped taking her picture with "Santa" as well.

**Ceashels** · 10-05-2007, 05:28 PM

I do think it is initially funny as the juxtaposition of Jesus amongst the overwhelming commercialism that the holiday has become is not expected.

I also think it is brilliant because of the juxtaposition of Jesus amongst the overwhelming commercialism that the holiday has become it provides Christians with a visual cue to reassess their values of what the holiday means.

I don't believe though, that it is the appropriate use of Jesus as an adult when the holiday celebration is of his birth. It doesnt' present Jesus as the gift given to us by God. It doesn't show the "humble" beginnings and NON commercialism of the Holy Day.

That said, I think it would be "preaching to the choir" for those who do/would have their child's picture taken.

**ilovechocolate** · 10-05-2007, 05:54 PM

Ceashels----you said it perfectly!

**Jaded** · 10-05-2007, 11:33 PM

Santa is a fictional character. O.K., there was a Kris Kringle, but Santa Claus is pretty much a fairy tale. Jesus was a real man, and a religious figure. I think it's sad that Christians felt the need to even make an ad like that.

**Opal** · 10-06-2007, 02:06 AM

I think the ad is brillant. No matter what your belief system is, why should Christmas be the overwhelmingly commercial holiday that it has become? It is great to celebrate with family, have a big meal, and give presents once a year. But, the way it has evolved has put many families in debt, I don't think that is what the spirit of Christmas is about. I think Jesus, would approve of a frugal holiday. He might even approve of people that don't celebrate Christmas at all. That being said, I wouldn't have a problem with my children wanting their picture taken with Jesus.

**Jaded** · 10-06-2007, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Opal

I think the ad is brillant. No matter what your belief system is, why should Christmas be the overwhelmingly commercial holiday that it has become? It is great to celebrate with family, have a big meal, and give presents once a year. But, the way it has evolved has put many families in debt, I don't think that is what the spirit of Christmas is about. I think Jesus, would approve of a frugal holiday. He might even approve of people that don't celebrate Christmas at all. That being said, I wouldn't have a problem with my children wanting their picture taken with Jesus.

Re-reading this, what I have to say sounds like a rant, so I'm telling you that's what it is. No offense to anyone intended, JMHO.

Jesus was born in August, according to historical records of when the census occurred. Christmas was moved to December to get it closer to Solstice celebration to get the pagans to convert. Evidently, it worked. That being said, Christmas and even the traditions surrounding Christmas, the burning of the Yule log, lights, the tree, most of it, are pagan traditions. If we wanted a traditional celebration of Jesus' birthday, we would all be on camels crossing the desert chasing a star, or sleeping in mangers with animals.

If you really want to celebrate Jesus' birthday, do it in August, and don't celebrate the December Christmas at all. I agree that it's way too commercialized, but it isn't, in fact, Jesus' birthday, so why is it an insult to him?

I remember reading something somewhere that I've never been able to find again about a man who was loved by millions of people, and when his birthday came, he expected many gifts, but found instead that everyone was ignoring him and giving gifts to each other. Well, maybe that's because Christians who are so set on celebrating Christ's birthday should have celebrated it when it came. I know I'd be insulted if my birthday was celebrated 4 months late just so more people would come to my party. That's what it amounts to. They wanted more people to convert to Christianity, so they put the holidays closer to pagan holidays. The bunny and eggs of easter are a pagan tradition from Oestre (sp?), which is the rite of spring and a fertility festival.

Nobody is forcing anyone to celebrate the secular Christmas. In fact, many purist Christians do not participate in it, but set the time aside to celebrate Jesus with family and friends. If you're offended by the secular Christmas, just don't participate.

Rant over. But honestly, this happens every year around this time.

**acidcookie** · 10-06-2007, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Jaded

Christmas and even the traditions surrounding Christmas, the burning of the Yule log, lights, the tree, most of it, are pagan traditions.

So true, and much of it comes from Europe. It always seemed odd to me that a celebration of Jesus didn't incorporate more from the Palestinian/Isreal area where Jesus is considered to be from, but I don't mean this as a point of debate.