Maybe "The Reason for the Seaon" is a "shallow slogan" to some but it may mean alot more than that to Art -- it does to me. True -- The date for Christmas and some of the customs were picked so Christians would not be tempted to join in the pagan holidays. I don't really have a problem with that. The important thing is what you are celebrating (it's a heart thing) -- what's important is what is the "reason" you are celebrating.
Wrong, it was so that the pagans would accept Christianity better. The Christians changed many fundamentals of their religion for this very reason.
You could look at that way. Or you could look at it as the celebration being redeemed by Christ, which isn't uncommon among evangelicals at least. Historically, I think it is BS to cast it as a marketing ploy. The persecuted church celebrated at the end of the year because that was when everyone else was celebrating and they wouldn't be painting a big target on their backs. People make way too big a deal out of the origins of Christmas anyhow. Do you really think the celebration is somehow less genuine regardless of how it started?
That isn't a "fundamental" to me. I could care less if someone celebrates the Sabbath on Tuesday or Sunday. The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). I don't know of any fundamental beliefs that were compromised (if so that would also mean the Bible was rewritten -- because all the "fundamentals" of Christianity are in there not in any denominations doctrines or rituals).
any vietnamese brethen want to provide input? i never believed in Santa because i never got presents, haha. darn parents. dad: "you want a present? you got a shirt on don't you?". haha. i love my folks. we DID go to toys r us during chinese new years, but forget christmas. that being the case - i'm not sure what i would do with my kids. i don't mind being honest. i don't see the harm, as long as they don't ruin it for other kids.
How do you feel about the way that the Bible was handled at the Council of Nicea? I apologize for having such short answers, I'm kind of busy today.
I certainly wasn't trying to belittle Art's beliefs, I just thought it was interesting that he repeatedly used a trite slogan. I know Jesus is important, but why do you have to use slogans? Why not use your own words? As for the day of Dec 25, my point was that Jesus actually was not the original "reason for the season" so the slogan is extra silly. Personally, I agree with you...it is about the heart. Whether it is the spirit of religion, of giving, of family, of childhood magic - whatever - it is not something quantifiable. Although I am unsure with your next statement that the "reason" for celebrating is most important that we are fully in agreement. I do not celebrate the birth of Jesus so I guess I am something different.
I tell my kids the truth about good ole Santa from the start, and they still enjoy Santa in the mall, even though they aren't quite excited about sitting in his lap and all. They like the jolly spirit of Santa giving toys to kids all around the world, but they are keen to look to dad and mom for their presents. My kids were told about Santa being a man dressed up playing a part and still had a lot of fun with it. They love the movies with Santa. My eight year old son likes Santa and he knows that people are being paid to do it. They just find it a part of the holiday and they like it. Either way kids should really enjoy Christmas as a special holiday, being a celebration of the birth of Christ- makes everything fun for our family, at least we try to really enjoy and appreciate the season. MY kids loved the movie Elf.