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Wow, Chris, thank you.
Have a sense of humour...I don't think any of us are up for another debate. I actually laughed at the neon light.As soon as I can get this reindeer up and running, I'm going to put him up on the roof with a big neon light.
Yes I do, all the trappings, decorations, music the whole 10 yards.Do you?
I don't celebrate it. My wife does, as does the extended family. I am the family scrooge. I continue to tell my wife to study the issue as she is not convicted of the pagan connections as I am. I told her that I will wait until the HS binds her conscience. In the meantime, It's Santa's, snowmen and silver bells.
(deja vu)
No. (but the church are attending at the moment is doing the entire Advent and Christmasstide thing)
I am in the same boat Scott only in reverse. My husband is not fully on board yet, I know that he has doubts since I fully explained my problems especially with the Christmas tree. I have decided that I just can't stand it any longer so I am the scrooge in my house this year. I will have nothing to do with the tree this year. I have come to despise the tree more than any other thing about it. I read that verse in Jeremiah and I cringe. I had to stop my daughter singing "Oh Christmas Tree" the other day since it made me wince to hear my daughter singing praise to the tree!!
I voted "not sure but have deep theological issues." I am waiting a while to make sure I am not just jumping on a bandwagon or having a knee jerk reaction. This is the second year I have struggled with it and my conviction has only been strengthened. The only thing I do like is that eggnog is available in stores and I really like eggnog lattes. Yum!
Colleen,
If you don't mind me asking, have either you or your husband ever felt any inclination to speak out against what your church is doing? (I assume from your use of the word 'Christmass' and my vague recollection from older threads that you think it is wrong)
Do you 'wince' when you hear family members using the names of the days of the week?
No, but I would if they started singing praise to any of them. Just because some things are unavoidable does not give us license not to avoid the things we can.
I doubt it was tongue in cheek. Poetry is one thing, but the song is actually sung TO the tree. I spent some of my childhood on the west coast. In K I was forced to sing to the tree, to dance around a maypole and welcome in the seasons in quite pagans ways and festivities. I despise that song myself.you have heard of "poetry" right? That song (like many others) uses a poetic device to personify an inanimate object. It certainly does NOT "praise" a tree!
Do you really honestly believe that people are worshipping a tree???
On-line I can't 'read' your body/face so I am asking you in all candour, you did mean that "tounge in cheek" right?
you have heard of "poetry" right? That song (like many others) uses a poetic device to personify an inanimate object. It certainly does NOT "praise" a tree!
Do you really honestly believe that people are worshipping a tree???
On-line I can't 'read' your body/face so I am asking you in all candour, you did mean that "tounge in cheek" right?
You tell me.
Praise–noun:
1. the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation.
2. the offering of grateful homage in words or song, as an act of worship: a hymn of praise to God.
3. the state of being approved or admired: The king lived in praise for many years.
4. Archaic. a ground for praise, or a merit.
–verb (used with object) 5. to express approval or admiration of; commend; extol.
6. to offer grateful homage to (God or a deity), as in words or song.
Lyrics:
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!
Your boughs are green in summer's clime
And through the snows of wintertime.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
What happiness befalls me?
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
What happiness befalls me?
When off at joyous Christmastime
Your form inspires my song and rhyme.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
What happiness befalls me ?
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
Your boughs can teach a lesson.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
Your boughs can teach a lesson.
That constant faith and hope sublime
Lend strength and comfort through all time.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Chirstmas Tree,
Your boughs can teach a lesson
This tree inspires, teaches, makes one happy, and is steadfast.