How sad it is to realize that certain magazines have to be so "politically correct" that their December issue does not even mention the true meaning for the celebration of Christmas?
In this example, I am referring to the fact that Prevention magazine (one that I consider as a good resource for health issues) could not see fit to mention the name of Jesus Christ anywhere in their publication!
Why is that?
The December issue is filled with "holiday" articles. However, the only time that the term "Christmas" is mentioned is within an article entitled "Why puppies make poor presents."
Not to be a Scrooge, but a Christmas canine can be a holiday hazard.
The article goes on to say:
Christmas litters may not be healthy...
Perhaps this is good advice, but is this the only article that warrants the use of the term "Christmas?"
The year that my daughter wanted a puggle puppy for Christmas ended up being fine. We bought the dog three months before Christmas so she was further along in the training schedule by the time Christmas Day was here. Of course, we were fortunate enough to be able to barricade the puppy in the kitchen when we were out and didn't have to leave her cooped up in the dog crate for hours.
Back to the topic.
Another interesting article was entitled,
"Everything you think you know about beating stress is wrong."*
*Read on for six smart new strategies to start now.
I had to laugh when I read that the authors wrote:
Yesterday's Wisdom: "OM" your way to calmness.
How ironic it was to read that some people find meditation as a "fast track to frayed nerves." According to a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54% of participants reported feeling anxious while meditating!
In contrast to "yesterday's wisdom", the magazine claims that
Today's Smart Strategy says, "do something you love."
I'm surprised that reading or playing with your pets wasn't mentioned. They are great stress reduction activities. Our dogs are a great joy in our lives.
The article goes on to explain "anything that allows you to disengage from your thoughts can help you relax." They mention several activities, like jogging, swimming, knitting, etc. and surprisingly, the author wrote,
"or praying, will work just as well, he says."
I would have to say that praying, Bible and devotional reading are far more superior than the other suggestions. It is unfortunate that the author either doesn't know about how calming Bible reading can be, or he didn't want to get too "religious." At least he did mention "praying."
I suppose mentioning Bible reading would have been to "divisive" in this current age of anti-Christian bigotry. It's O.K. to mention other religions, but Christianity? At Christmastime? Apparently, that's off limits at Prevention.
I dislike having to complain here but what ticked me off the most was the "Give Yourself the Gift of Holiday Healing" pages that listed "putting happiness and health, joy and inspiration on your calendar every day of December" list.
Want to know what was listed for December 25, 2010?
Window-shop. The same brain chemicals that make sex so pleasurable rise sharply when you're window-shopping. (No wonder Sex and the City had such a winning formula!) To avoid overspending, peek through the glass when stores are closed or you've left your wallet home.
WHAT????? THIS IS WHAT THEY RECOMMEND TO DO ON CHRISTMAS DAY?
How utterly sad it is to realize that the Greatest Gift of all given to mankind was ignored on this calendar list!
In closing, I would like to share a copy of what is written on this year's Christmas cards that were sent out by our family:
God Sent Us a Saviour
If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.
If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.
If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.
But our greatest need was forgiveness,
so God sent us a Saviour.
- Roy Lessin
Inside the card:
This Christmas may you see and know anew how great His love is toward you.
For unto you is born this day...a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 KJV
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3 comments:
Hey Christine;
I couldn't agree with you more. A person is very hard pressed to find anything about Jesus Christ or at least the mention of his name at this time of year. It saddens me immensely. Last week I took Sandy and went to a friend's home where about 7 others were gathered and we read the Christmas story from Luke and Matthew. What a great and edifying time I had. (Sandy is my Shi-Tzu). Take comfort that not all of us has forgotten what Christmas is all about.
I sincerely wish you and your family a wonderful and blessed Christmas day.
Hi Steve,
It warms my heart to hear about fellow Christians gathering and sharing the TRUE meaning of Christmas together - the Person Jesus Christ. He is the Light of the world!
Someone recently asked me, "why do people put Christmas lights up on their homes."
The answer is that it originally was meant to recognize that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is the Light of the World!
Of course, many people who do not know Him would probably have other reasons for putting the lights up. But how ironic it is to realize that they inadvertently are recognizing Jesus Christ through their actions.
I have a great post coming up! As each busy day passes, I find that my time on the computer has been very limited! Right now, I only have about 10 minutes to spend online.
I can't wait to create the new post! I'll give you a hint - it is about studying the word "power" in the Bible. It occurred to me that people probably wouldn't care less about other's belief in Jesus if they truly believed, in their heart of hearts, that there wasn't any power in His Holy Name!
I will be working on the essay over the next day or so until it gets done!
Anyway, have a Merry and Blessed Christmas! All the best to you and yours in the coming New Year!
Sincerely,
Christine
What holiday is it?
There is a trend where I go to the store and the cashier can't say "Merry Christmas!" I did drive around and there were plenty of houses with Christmas lights up. It is Christmas Eve and there is a car line to the mall and the mall is packed. So they can't say "Merry Christmas!" so what holiday are they shopping for? There are lights and giftwraping available. Some stores are packed yet the powers that be can take our money but can't let their employees say "Merry Christmas!"
Merry Christmas!
Sosthenes
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