A piece of cake, so easy.
It is time to bake a Christmas cake to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birthday. I am pleased that it is not traditional to decorate it with candles, two thousand and fourteen candles would create a fire hazard. As I do not believe in the supernatural I would only put thirty or thirty-three, the date of his crucifixion, still that would be enough to create problems in blowing them out. That would be a minor feat for Jesus and divided by three, The Father the son and the Holy Ghost that is only eleven candles to extinguish.
I am going to respect tradition, no candles, only cake, compassion and kindness. This is what Jesus promoted, not putting on a big show to sell candles. Christmas is a good opportunity to share some of our cake with others. Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. This is true Christmas spirit, not the kind that is bottled and sold. Once the cork is pulled the dangerous intoxicating spirit escapes from the bottle and can turn Christmas into a time of grief. In other words don’t drink and drive or lose your senses and act stupid.
Jesus did not object to a slice of bread and glass of wine. To some Christian denominations this represents Jesus’ flesh and blood. I do not understand or see any value in many Christian observances, rites and rituals. But I do like and respect the sincere loving believers that do kindness where it is needed. I trust these people because they up hold the values Christ advocated. These are same principle other people of different beliefs practice.
Jesus was one role-model to emulate as a path to morality there are other paths to the same destination. Let us not squabble over who we are following. Try to see the good in people and do to them as you would like them to do to you. This quote in some form is in every religion. It is known as the Golden Rule, the rule of reciprocity. It features in Confucianism 551 – 479 BC, also in Hindu and Buddhism. All this is ancient history; let us not get too excited about who did this and who said that, that would spoil the joy of Christmas day.
Do not get all fired up, hot and excited, that is probably why there are no candles on a Christmas cake. The candles may have been omitted to remind us not to turn this special birth day into a party but keep it a tasteful occasion to spread peace and kindness. To put behind us the petty upsets and use this as a time to show forgiveness. Christmas can be a time for all to show respect.A great opportunity to renew old friendships that have been neglected in the hustle and bustle of modern life. We have an excuse to send a card and get back in touch. Christmas can be a wonderful time for everyone.
You do not need to stress out worrying about buying expensive gifts as commerce encouraged us to do. Our loved ones just want our loving kindness. We cannot smile and be full of love if we are stressed about finance. That is why I am cooking a Christmas cake One of life’s joys is sharing a slice of cake with friends. I can afford a little more than just a cake and it will give me pleasure to do so. As Jesus would agree it is better to give than receive. Real joy is in giving kindness and love it is not measured in dollars.
I remember my childhood Christmases not the material gifts but those wonderful Christmas dinners. Sharing food cooked with love by my mother. The Christmas pudding had silver three penny pieces in it. We had to eat carefully and the whole family enjoyed sharing the fun. If I missed getting a coin, Mum would say “here have another small slice” and her magic ensured I got a coin. A trick my Dad played was to slip a half-crown, like fifty cents today, disregarding the effects of inflation, into his pudding and pretended to almost choke retrieving it. It did not fool anyone but did create a laugh still echoing today. I played this game with my sons and the laughter was worth more than the money.
As well as a cake I am going to cook a pudding and get some old silver coins and ply the old joke with my five grand children. Christmas lunch with the family and especially the young children is a special time for love to flourish. Those that cannot be there we visit when we can and keep them informed through modern technology. I am thankful for Christmas and what it means compassion and peace on earth.
Merry Christmas Jack.
Thanks Dawn, will do that and I wish you the seasons best.
That was a beautifully written piece! And it’s true…the meaning of Christmas has been drowned out by a lot of things…but it’s nice to read so many posts on Christmas…like yours which reflects the true meaning of this day. In fact, wouldn’t it be awesome if we remembered to spread the joy and kindness everyday…making it Christmas (or any other festival) everyday?
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas Jack!
Thank you for the comment and I am having a wonderful Christmas already.
I went to Sydney for a week to see my some and I will be spending Christmas day with the rest of my family,
It will be a wonderful day with five grand children to liven it up.
I hope ou have a blessed Christmas too Shree. .
Hi Jack,
I used to go to Asia for Christmas as I didn’t like all this crazy over-consumption rush those days. Huge marketing campaigns and stressed people everywhere to get all “tasks” done on time to be ready on time. And on the other side a lot of lonely people and increasing suicide rates. That’s what Christmas has become to a lot of us, but fortunately not to all of us as you describe it in your post. 🙂 But this year, as last year, I’ll stay at home and prepare a nice dinner for my loved ones. I will not make presents as I don’t need a special day to share my love. An unexpected surprise brings more joy than an expected gift on a given day, and it doesn’t really need to be an object. There is so much more that can be shared and that brings more joy that material objects.
I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas Jack,
JC
When I write a post I try to get people to look on the positive, benificial things in life.
The ones most in need of help are too bust to read my blog or they are people that are following a fauls path.
I am sure you will have a plesant day with your family.
I plan to spend a day with my family and with five gradn children it will be good.
They will play their keyboard, saxaphone, guitars,ukulelies and sing songs.
I have already given them their presants because I think it is better than all at once on Christmas day.
Kind regards from Jack and Pauline.
Happy Christmas Jack – I know you and Pauline will enjoy your family time together very much.
Lovely observations as ever . So calming .
As you predicted we had a wonderful time and I predict a excellent 2014 for you. Kind regards Jack;
LOVE those sort of predictions Jack !
Happy New Year and here’s to some fantastic times for you in NZ .. it’s February isn’t it .. just round the corner now 😉
Jack I have been absent from your blog longer than I thought.. And yes you are right Kindness and Care.. are the real gifts we can give…. And no amount of money will substitute Love …
I hope your Christmas was Joyful 🙂
I know you lead a busy life and we sing the same song and are mostly in tune. So a like or a smiley is all I need to keep me inspired.<;-)