During weeks leading up to this holiday, color-blind donations are made to give poor children Santa presents and warm clothes. Food drives are conducted by churches and civic organizations. Everyday people fill boxes to distribute to families less fortunate than themselves. Then comes the New Year and we revert to our selfish, hateful, fearful selves. Doesn't that seem odd?
Shouldn't we be good and do good every day? Holiday generosity could easily translate into supporting social programs providing food and healthcare for children each day of the year. Hey, let's support job training programs that provide real skills to their parents while we are at it.
Geez-o-Pete, we could love our neighbors regardless of color, religion, country of origin, or who they choose to kiss under the mistletoe. We could even celebrate differences because they are so damn interesting. The recipients of our kindness wouldn't even need to be citizens. This love stuff is crazy! Once unleashed, who knows where it might end? Love may be a Bizzaro World Pandora's box.
I'm neither perfect nor a Christian; however, I have always liked Jesus for the radical social justice superhero he was. It seems like some of his followers don't take his teachings all that seriously. Why is it that Buddha and Krishna had better luck with their followers actually following through with the whole love thing? This makes me wonder where Christianity went wrong. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.
And extra points for anyone willing to point the finger (not the middle one) at St. Paul.
You must be a carpenter because you hit the nail right on the head. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteChristmas does seem to highlight the Christian hypocrisies. Or perhaps it is there to remind folks of what could/should be.
ReplyDeleteWhere did it go wrong? I have always been taught when searching for these kinds of answers - follow the money.
Good reply!
DeleteWouldn't it be a wonderful world if we all shared?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about Christianity and find it shameful that so many who call themselves Christians are bigots. However, all religions have this problem, not just Christianity and no I'm not a Christian. Myanmar, a Buddhist nation, committed genocide on the Rohingya people and the Hindus and Muslims committed atrocities against each other during the Indian partition.
It seems that any religion that includes human beings is subject to distortion. We are a difficult species, capable of great kindness and equally capable of great cruelty. It's a wonder any of us are still here.
Depressing I know. That being said, I made a large donation to my local food bank, I am trying to share, to overcome my natural tendencies to pull back and protect. I will continue to push myself to be kinder, more accepting, less judgemental and share more of what I have.
I wish you a wonderful Christmas!
Same to you, Lily. And thanks for calling me out on being too simplistic. You are right.
DeleteI agree with Lily's assessment, humans are a difficult species capable of great kindness and great cruelty.
DeleteI have no answers. I'm glad that people can find their true humanity and spirit and wish it would last all year long.
ReplyDeleteI guess it just isn't the nature of this world.
DeleteWhatever the motivation is that drive folks to give, do, love more this time of year, thank goodness for it.
ReplyDeleteYes, it would be nice if IT could be year-round.
That loving spirit of Christmas is a joy. Giving love and being kind makes people feel happy.
DeleteLove all year, yes, that would be idyllic wouldn't it? Seems to me that hatred and being unlovely is so much harder to sustain, yet some sustain it or revert back to it by default, I know not Why? I'm a Christian and yet I do Believe that so many Spiritual Leaders of major Faiths have attempted to guide their followers on a Path of being the best version of our Species... Mankind is so very flawed tho', it's curious indeed, and one of the greatest Mysteries as to why we can't all get along and play well with others in a more Harmonious way and have greater Unity and Positive Purpose. I am Thankful that at least for a Season, some can muster the Love part more unconditionally and act with compassion and kindness.
ReplyDeleteWishing you lots of joy this holiday season, Colette. :)
ReplyDeleteYou, too!
Delete'tis Christmas Day but not officially. Our house still slumbereth. Paul, who was once Saul, said it is better to marry than to burn. A thing any fule knows that but I'll drink to that. And to your wit and friendship. Bless.
ReplyDeleteYou are a joy, Robbie! Cheers to you and your family today.
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