Christians celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, a time when his kindness is traditionally remembered.Saint Nicolas is the patron saint of children. Cleverly disguised as Father Christmas, on Christmas Eve Santa Claws brings presents to all children. We may not believe all the Christmas stories we have heard but we should respect those that do and all the kindness and the goodness Jesus taught. A birthday in his honor should up hold these Christian values.
Unfortunately many people only think about what they are getting for Christmas as if it was their birthday. Others worry how they can afford to give to everyone and are too stressed out to give a kind word or a friendly smile to the passerby. Others are too busy capitalizing on the commercial opportunity available at Christmas to give good will a second thought.
I have heard the wondrous story of the birth of Christ and many Christmas stories. I also read the classic story Treasure Island, By Robert Louis Stevenson. There is no Christmas spirit in this story, Long John Silver is an unstable, one-legged, uncharitable greedy pirate and gave young Jimmy Hawkins nothing but a hard time. Nothing in his makeup fits in with the Christmas spirit. Rum was the traditional spirit of pirates.
I made a pottery figure I call Long John Silverclaws he represents modern day commercialized Christmas. He is clothed like Santa Claus but is a greedy rascal using Christmas an excuse to plunder, drink, eat and indulge to excess. The parrot on his shoulder repeatedly calling out “Pieces of eight ” or “ Polly wants a cracker.” That bird will never be satisfied always wanting.
Christmas celebrates Jesus Christ’s birthday he stood for goodness, peace love and charity. We should stay mindful of this and not let advertising and rampant commercialism turn this sacred day into a stressful greedy business. Thoughtful kindness, peace and charity should be celebrated at Christmas and extended throughout the year on every ones birthday
Dad, we have so much in common. You have conveyed my thoughts exactly. Thank you for putting a respectful point of view across about the true meaning of Christmas. Would you like me to contribute some verses from the bible that predicted, hundreds of years before, the precise events surrounding Jesus birth, such as time and place, the star, and the way Herod would try to stop the birth? I will only write them here if it is appropriate for you.
of course you knew in advance that i would approve and applaud this post! i love long john silver claws!
this message is a kind one and reminds us without preaching to remove the commercialization from the holiday and restore the true meaning.
thank you!
z
Pleased you commented, it is good to know I am not comming on too strong, I just like to remind people to respect special occasions that other people hold dear and sacred. Also not to get presured into buy rubbish as love is not measured on a cash register.
On Sun, Nov 25, 2012 at 9:54 PM, jacksjottings
You like the idea of my John Silverclaws? I also made a colourful one in earthen-ware, heigh fireing burns out the coulour. I display my pottery in the garden and everything is subject to change and pottery in the garden sure reminds me of that fact. thanks for commenting.
I really like the photos, they fit in with the theme.
Thanks for the comment pommepal, I hit on and visited an old Christmas post of yours, the one offered by word press when you go to see who is liking your post, then crused around to other 2009 posts. The comments are closed on those old ones, or I would have sent you a greeting.