Christmas

[Taunton Blue Genie]

I believe the latest estimates by bible scholars put the birth in autumn, but I (and they) could be wrong.
For sure, we don't mark the years as time since his birth or death, but the current system of BC / AD was decided by some clerics at the council of Nicea, in what became 325AD - but many people say that they messed things about for their own benefit

It is not even know what year he was born in.

[Gofer Blue]

It is not even know what year he was born in.

Why should the precise date matter anyway?

Nice throwaway comment by bobh BTW "but many people say that they messed things about for their own benefit" For what benefit might that be I wonder? And who are the many?

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Why should the precise date matter anyway?

Nice throwaway comment by bobh BTW "but many people say that they messed things about for their own benefit" For what benefit might that be I wonder? And who are the many?

Indeed. Belief is more important than facts and evidence.

[Feedback]

It is not even know what year he was born in.

or indeed if he was real

[dembethewarrior]

Christmas has evolved into a give/buy fest.

People don't even pretend it's about Jesus or religion anymore.

I won't stop buying my daughter nice gifts at Xmas just because a few old blokes on CCMB look down their noses at it.

[Gofer Blue]

In a sense we get the Christmas we deserve. It's no good moaning about the expense of it all or crowded shops or road congestion or unwanted presents or houses with illuminated Santa Claus's on the roofs when what was originally a simple Christian event (the Christ Mass) has been seized upon as a huge money making opportunity in which we, whether we like it or not, are all impacted by it.

The Jehovah Witnesses (I am not one BTW) do not celebrate the birth of Jesus per se as they see it as the extension of a pagan festival and that nowhere in the New Testament is there a request that we should do so, which is fair enough. They overlook the fact though that December 25th is simply an official birthday as the precise time of his birth is not recorded. As a Christian it would not bother me at all if his birthday was shifted to say the 25th September but somehow I don't think that would go down too well in the world of commerce!

Hence the JW's have no involvement in the whole “Christmas thing” which must require a great deal of will power in these consumerist times and I admire them for that. They would obviously not condone my actions as a Christian who sends Christmas cards and buys presents for our grandchildren (we have a “no presents thank you” amnesty with other members of the family). My attitude is that as long as this does not overshadow and diminish the true meaning of Christmas, then I am easy with this.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

In a sense we get the Christmas we deserve. It's no good moaning about the expense of it all or crowded shops or road congestion or unwanted presents or houses with illuminated Santa Claus's on the roofs when what was originally a simple Christian event (the Christ Mass) has been seized upon as a huge money making opportunity in which we, whether we like it or not, are all impacted by it.

The Jehovah Witnesses (I am not one BTW) do not celebrate the birth of Jesus per se as they see it as the extension of a pagan festival and that nowhere in the New Testament is there a request that we should do so, which is fair enough. They overlook the fact though that December 25th is simply an official birthday as the precise time of his birth is not recorded. As a Christian it would not bother me at all if his birthday was shifted to say the 25th September but somehow I don't think that would go down too well in the world of commerce!

Hence the JW's have no involvement in the whole “Christmas thing” which must require a great deal of will power in these consumerist times and I admire them for that. They would obviously not condone my actions as a Christian who sends Christmas cards and buys presents for our grandchildren (we have a “no presents thank you” amnesty with other members of the family). My attitude is that as long as this does not overshadow and diminish the true meaning of Christmas, then I am easy with this.

The 25th of December was when Ancient Rome celebrated the Winter Solstice and Christianity subsequently piggybacked that date.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Christmas has evolved into a give/buy fest.

People don't even pretend it's about Jesus or religion anymore.

I won't stop buying my daughter nice gifts at Xmas just because a few old blokes on CCMB look down their noses at it.

Nobody suggests that you shouldn't do, old fruit. One can express one's own sentiments about a subject on a message board without imploring others to follow suit.

[Gofer Blue]

Christmas has evolved into a give/buy fest.

People don't even pretend it's about Jesus or religion anymore.

I won't stop buying my daughter nice gifts at Xmas just because a few old blokes on CCMB look down their noses at it.

By people I presume you mean most people?

[dembethewarrior]

Nobody suggests that you shouldn't do, old fruit. One can express one's own sentiments about a subject on a message board without imploring others to follow suit.

I'm sire you know what I was getting at.

[blue matt]

personally, I love Christmas, it a few days off work, chance to see family and friends, eat " special food ", sure I can do all of that anytime, but its just easier over Christmas

The kids love it, everyone loves gifts

its all good in my book

[Tuerto]

personally, I love Christmas, it a few days off work, chance to see family and friends, eat " special food ", sure I can do all of that anytime, but its just easier over Christmas

The kids love it, everyone loves gifts

its all good in my book

I'm not a massive fan of Christmas, but good for you, it is a few days off to hang about and take it easy.

[Canton Kev]

my ex used to go crazy for Christmas and expect numerous very expensive presents. the new Mrs rjk is from a culture that doesn't celebrate Christmas. she'll tell me not to get her anything and she doesn't get me anything, and frankly it is a much better situation

Good way of doing it. Me and my partner spend at most 150 quid on eachother and it’s usually something we can enjoy together; fancy meal out, cocktail making course, weekend away, that sort of stuff. Chuck on top a book, some chocolates or nice bottle of something and that’s us sorted.
I love Christmas time personally, always have since I was a kid. Get together and catch up with family and friends and get cosy with some music or films on and stuff my face with food.

[dembethewarrior]

personally, I love Christmas, it a few days off work, chance to see family and friends, eat " special food ", sure I can do all of that anytime, but its just easier over Christmas

The kids love it, everyone loves gifts

its all good in my book

2 weeks off, ideal time to spend with friends and family

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

You could spend 1,500'ish or get them for nothing on the NHS.

The NHS only do battery operated ones , no good for a confused elderly person

[dembethewarrior]

By people I presume you mean most people?

I can't be arsed for this.

Have a nice life.

[Gofer Blue]

I can't be arsed for this.

Have a nice life.

And you too

BTW I was just pointing out that yes, most people (but not all) don't even pretend Christmas is about Jesus or religion anymore.

[Des Parrot]

It’s all about a couple of weeks respite at the end of a manic year. I love Christmas as do all of my family. I shut down my laptop, forget work for 2 weeks (3 this year) & just immerse myself in the relaxation of the festivities. We even go to the carol concert in Gloucester cathedral, not for religious purposes but just for the singalong and remembrance of primary school days six decades ago.

[Croesy Blue]

personally, I love Christmas, it a few days off work, chance to see family and friends, eat " special food ", sure I can do all of that anytime, but its just easier over Christmas

The kids love it, everyone loves gifts

its all good in my book

I agree I absolutely love it. Time off work, seeing family and friends, buying property gifts, few more drinks and food than usual.

I understand why people might not like it as all experiences of it are probably quite different but I always really look forward to it.

[delmbox]

I agree I absolutely love it. Time off work, seeing family and friends, buying property gifts, few more drinks and food than usual.

Wish I could afford to buy people houses for Christmas

[dembethewarrior]

Anyone got any idea what I can get my mother for Christmas?

what is this thread about? There are 12 days of Christmas and none of them are in ****ing November.

HtH

[Croesy Blue]

Wish I could afford to buy people houses for Christmas

****ing autocorrect

[delmbox]

****ing autocorrect

Bullshit, the mask has slipped, you're a right wing tax avoiding millionaire slumlord who didn't go to Preston and is probably antivax

[Croesy Blue]

I wish!

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Ah, so the references to Tiberius and Pontius Pilate (which would date the crucifixion to around 30AD) by the Roman historian Tacitus would not count as independent evidence in your opinion then? It's a shame that you had to resort to such a belittling comment. I know most of the posters on this MB would love to be able to prove that Jesus never even existed but somehow he inconveniently just won't go away will he!

If bloody Christians would stop going on about him he would