A step in the right direction.
Visit to Santa.
“What would you like for Christmas?”
“Bring me what Jesus wanted.”
“What was that?”
“Peace on Earth.”
“Be reasonable that is not what I am here for, there is no profit in peace.”
“It does not cost the Earth.”
“You are a problem child; ask for something expensive that will help the economy.”
“I would like good-will to everyone.”
“Look kid, stop being difficult, you must have seen something you want advertised on TV.”
“I have all I need; there are people in the world that need the necessities of life.”
“If you don’t want anything, why are you taking up my time?”
“Respect for my Grandfather he is going senile, like second childhood, he believes in Santa Clause, I believe in God, Jesus and the holy spirit but not in Santa Clause.”
“You are not a child, but you are still not an adult.”
“Why not?”
“Because you still believe in myths, so don’t waste my time.”
St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney.
I made up this story between a shopping complex Santa and a sincere Christian upholding the true values of Christmas. I do not believe any myths, the point of my story is we do not have to believe to have respect. Nor should we disregard the positive things found in other people’s beliefs. The peace and compassion Jesus taught is the same ethical values Jews and Muslims revere. Hindus and Buddhists also promote love and kindness. The conversation shows how the kindness of giving at Christmas has been over commercialized. Read carefully and you will note kindness does not cost the earth, but buying unnecessary luxuries does cost the environment. Giving to those in need will promote peace on earth and reduce hate.
Sydney Town Hall and Christmas lights.
We must grow up, in the past ignorance, fear, hatred and greed have caused conflict and wars. Calling other people’s beliefs myths is not nice, we have a right to our opinion but we must be reciprocal. If we cannot accept some ones opinion we should still respect their feelings. Wars have been caused because of dogmatic people who ironically disregard their own moral values and kill. Greedy people exploit the situation promoting distrust, fear and hate giving religion a bad name. Religion was invented to promote law and order and it has caused chaos.
Sydney Town Hall Christmas lights.
Christmas is a holy day for Christians, for others it is just a holiday and is a wonderful concept if we are sensible and show respect. If we are foolish Christmas can be a disaster. Please be mindful of your action, balance your behavior. Too much Christmas spirit could be your undoing. Be thoughtful in your giving, it need not be expensive, it is the thought you put into picking an appropriate present that counts. We should remember it is not our birthday, so we should not expect gifts. The joy is in giving and the importance of a gift is to expect nothing in return, otherwise it is a deal, a transaction and business as usual.
Chinese Santa at Sydney China town.
Being respectful for others promotes goodwill, if we show respect we will be respected. We do not need to accept everything if it conflicts with our view. Still we can use what is beneficial wherever it is found and accept the gift graciously. Christmas is a holiday I look on as a Christian gift of kindness, opening our hearts to everyone. The best of the Christmas spirit should be practiced on everyone’s birthday. Then there would be peace on earth. Imagine how wonderful it would be if we emulated those admirable qualities attributed to Jesus.
Christmas department store window display.
There are things prevalent at Christmas not advantageous to our wellbeing but these negative practices are not only exhibited at Christmas. Over indulgence, wild extravagance and stupidity, no need to rave on, all these cravings are spoiling our wonderful world. In Australia whatever you hold as sacred virtues can be practiced at Christmas, as we are a multicultural country. The mistakes of the past are many, hopefully they can be laid to rest and as a democracy we can be tolerant, for regardless of one’s ideology we are all from the same source, we are one, we all bleed the same colour.
“Look Mummy.”
Tell Santa I would like a small piece of Christmas pudding and want a big piece of peace to share with everyone.
Children enjoy window shopping.
Good Christmas post, Jack!
The song by Bryan Adams…I can’t remember the title..but it says “make Christmas everyday” is one of my favourite ones!
I agree with what you say about respect, regardless of believe. All religions to promote the same ideals…it’s just been tainted by…stuff.
Have a wonderful Christmas Shree.
You too, Jack! 🙂
Jack I love this post! I agree wholeheartedly and have always endeavoured to remember the true reason for the season. All of this is well written but this really stood out: “Be thoughtful in your giving, it need not be expensive, it is the thought you put into picking an appropriate present that counts.” I love making homemade gifts, as well as ‘food’ gifts of pies and casseroles to those who could use and appreciate them. A wonderful post. Thank you so much! Gina
Thank you for your feedback it is appreciated as your blog is well writen and a positive inspiration.Gina, I know you will fully joy this wonderful time of rejoycing.
Jack, your post resonated so well with my own … So many of us forget the simple things…. Loved when you said all religions teach the same thing… Love… and this “Religion was invented to promote law and order and it has caused chaos.”.. So true……. So many become prejudice against another’s belief thinking there way is the only way…
There is only one true way, and that is through loving and forgiving.. We have just lost a great man in Nelson Mandela who showed us how to use his compassionate skills in uniting a divided nation of differing beliefs.. So many in that country now have learnt to get along… Yes there is still much further yet to go… as in all of our countries… But he learnt through time spent within his own Inner soul, the way forward was not to hold onto bitterness and hatred… but in forgiveness…
I Believe in Santa! I believe in the Spirit of Giving!.. The Spirit of Christmas is embracing each other with warmth and love in our hearts despite our various beliefs and faiths, despite our cultural differences… When we can share from our hearts in love and learn that we are all of us equal regardless of creed or wealth, then I will truly rejoice 🙂
May I share that small piece of Christmas Pud with you Jack, and can I please have a portion of PEACE for the whole World…
Much Love as you share your enlightened thoughts Jack 🙂
Sue xox
Sue I know what I write in my blog is nothing more than confirming what my followers already know. It is only a reminder to them.
Still we write in the hope that some one needing help may pick up a thread and unravel the confusion that greed hate and ignorance brings. Then find the peace,in forgiveness and compation.
Then feel the interdependent conection of love these qualites bring. Thank you for your comment. Kind regards Jack.
Jack that is all we can do, be the blanket as we throw out our stories and inspired thoughts… If some pick up the threads, I hope they too go onto weave in their own ways and so the Webs we create go ever further afield..
Now that to me is Believing in the Story of the Gift of Giving..
Love how you weave your posts Jack.. 🙂 and I have not forgotten Paulines posts, will have more time this evening 🙂
Thanks Sue, Just go with the flow take some time out with the garden and family. I used to get in a tangle trying to acheive too much. Christmas feelings to you and your family from Jack and Pauline.