Summary

The author expresses their initial sadness about Christmas due to the commercialization and superficiality of the holiday, but then discusses the harsh realities of the world, such as climate change, inequality, injustice, poverty, war, hatred, and hunger, ultimately finding hope in the true meaning of Christmas and the potential for positive change.

Abstract

The author begins by expressing their disillusionment with Christmas due to the commercialization and superficiality of the holiday. They then discuss the harsh realities of the world, such as climate change, inequality, injustice, poverty, war, hatred, and hunger, which make the holiday seem even more meaningless. However, the author finds hope in the true meaning of Christmas and the potential for positive change. They criticize President Trump for his lack of Christian values and hypocrisy, despite his claims to support the holiday. The author also highlights the importance of standing up for what is right and making a positive impact in the world, regardless of one's faith or lack thereof.

Bullet points

The author initially feels sad about Christmas due to its commercialization and superficiality.
The author discusses the harsh realities of the world, such as climate change, inequality, injustice, poverty, war, hatred, and hunger.
The author finds hope in the true meaning of Christmas and the potential for positive change.
The author criticizes President Trump for his lack of Christian values and hypocrisy.
The author highlights the importance of standing up for what is right and making a positive impact in the world, regardless of one's faith or lack thereof.

My Saddest Christmas Ever — But There Is Hope!

When I woke up this morning, I thought this will be my saddest Christmas ever. The meaningless jingles and pious platitudes are in all the muzak and elevator music everywhere I go these days. They are all calculated to make you feel warm and fuzzy and more willing to flash your credit card.

You know the ones I mean:-

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas — Bing Crosby, 1942
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer — Gene Autry, 1949
Let It snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! — Frank Sinatra, 1942
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree — Brenda Lee, 1958
Jingle Bells — Ella Fitzgerald. 1960

The reality is frightening

So the jingles sound vulgar and fake as I turn on the TV and see a planet devastated by

Climate change — Australian bushfires and melting glaciers
Inequality — still on the increase in North America, Russia, India, and China
Injustice — discrimination based on apartheid, ageism, gender, and unfair labor laws
Poverty- eradication in Africa is becoming a mirage and in Yemen. China and India's poverty levels have improved, though.
War — 15 countries are at present torn apart by war. Syria and Yemen are the most hideous examples.

Read about our beautiful journey to Syria when there was peace.

Travels In Christian Syria — When Peace Made It Possible.

When we visited Syria as independent travelers in 2000, there was no restriction on our movement. But we were under…

medium.com

Hatred — Race, sexual orientation are the basis of most hate crimes (highest in 16 years in the US according to the FBI.) Latinos are a prime target.
Hunger — One in nine people are starving.

A ray of sunshine?

Christmas is normally Christians’ gift to the world- a time for celebrating the birth of the Christ who will save the world. It is a time for peace and goodwill.

Time to disown POTUS who will take great pleasure in wishing everybody (any day now you will see him on TV) a very Merry Christmas.

A man who has broken almost every Christian rule in the book has the nerve to say he represents this fine Christian tradition. He even ran a campaign to preserve the name of Christmas but he cannot lead by example.

It is disheartening and puzzling to discover that 7 in 10 white evangelical Christians still approve of his work as President.

This morning, I began to feel a little more hopeful when Christianity Today (founded by Billy Graham) warned Christians not to support Donald Trump because of his immoral standards in general and more importantly for what was revealed in his impeachment trial.

In fact, they say that Trump should be removed from office.

“Consider how your justification of Mr Trump influences your witness to your Lord and Savior. Consider what an unbelieving world will say if you continue to brush off Mr Trump’s immoral words and behavior in the cause of political expediency. If we don’t reverse course now, will anyone take anything we say about justice and righteousness with any seriousness for decades to come?” Christianity Today editorial.

Stand up and be good

Whatever faith or non-faith we possess, we should be celebrating Christmas for the very precious message it can bring to our hearts. Here are some practical ways we can all bring peace and goodwill:-

Think before we vote
Donate to charity
Reach out to help an elderly or poor neighbor
Buy goods and donate them to your local food bank

Watch the video here where kids have definitely understood what Christmas is all about

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

I’m feeling a bit better so I would like to wish you all a very

Merry Christmas!