Christmas.
Seems like we measure a good part of our year by the celebration of Christ's birth.
I know. For many people Christmas is very much a secular holiday. A time for family and friends. A time for decorating and hanging pretty lights. A time for the wonder of Santa Claus and flying reindeer. And a time for gift-giving.
And regardless of whether or not Target has the cajones to allow the nice Salvation Army people to ring a bell out front of their store or not (and they don't), Christmas by any other name is still Christmas.
As I reflect on Christmas, a number of thoughts come to mind... most of them pleasant.
I present you with my list of top ten favorite things about Christmas.
#10 - The Food
I know this is going to come as a shock to you, but I really like to eat. Too much, in fact. And if you ever want to know what it feels like to go against the grain, just try losing weight around the holidays. It's not really possible because there are too many opportunities to gorge yourself with goodies! I appreciate my friends and associates that send me treats and I'm glad that I have a staff that will gladly help me dispose of them!
#9 - The Christmas tree
Growing up as a cultural Jew, I didn't have much religious training. Oh, I know enough, but faith wasn't something that was deeply ingrained in my family of origin. I guess that's why we had the occasional Christmas tree. And what child doesn't enjoy a tree with brightly decorated lights and the promise of presents underneath on Christmas morning? I still enjoy the tree and the warm glow of the lights, especially when enjoyed with my family.
#8 - Snow
Growing up in the midwest, snow in December was not an uncommon sight. Now that I am in Colorado, it's also not uncommon. For the twenty years that I lived in Texas and Oklahoma, it was rare to have a white Christmas. I don't mind a lot of snow, as long as the roads aren't bad. This year on our visit to Oklahoma, we got hit with a terrible blizzard. Still, if I have to choose between snow and no snow on Christmas, I'll take the white stuff.
#7 - Christmas movies
I grew up watching the Rankin/Bass cartoon, now known as classics amongst my generation. Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Frosty the Snowman and others were annual favorites. But as an adult I've grown more fond of the classic films. Hollywood has churned out crappy Christmas movie after crappy Christmas movie for the last decade or so. Films such as Christmas with the Kranks, Deck the Halls, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Four Christmases are destined to be forgotten.
With that said, I present you with a list within a list. Here are my favorite Christmas movies ranked in order of preference.
- It's a Wonderful Life - Frank Capra knew exactly what he was doing in this Jimmy Stewart classic. Get us attached to an incredibly likable guy who puts others before himself and show us what the world would be like without him. The ending is a definite play at your heartstrings, but I say let them play and experience the joy of embracing life.
- White Christmas - Tap dancing and vaudeville may have gone out of style decades ago, but watching Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye do their thing should stir a newfound appreciation in any generation. The story of two singing and dancing veterans putting together a one-of-a-kind Christmas present for a four-star general who is past his prime contains witty dialogue and unforgetable musical numbers.
- A Christmas Story - Peter Billingsley rocketed to stardom as a child with his obsession over a Red Ryder BB-Gun. Phrases such as "You'll put your eye out, kid!" have become national inside jokes. The comical portrayal of experiencing Christmas in the midwest in the forties has plenty of laughs and a whole lot of heart. If you didn't appreciate this one as a child, get over it and put it in again when you are an adult. It's irresistible.
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - The earlier films with the Griswalds may have been inappropriate for the family, but this holiday film only contains a couple objectionable scenes that you can skip past if little ones are in the room. Chevy Chase plays the only character he was ever meant to play with the perfect mix of crazy and lovable. But it's Randy Quaid who steals the show with some of the funniest lines ever. "If that cat had nine lives it sure used 'em all."
- Scrooge - It's hard to believe Albert Finney was just 34-years old when he portrayed the miser from Dicken's Christmas Carol. And he did it with perfection. Take the classic story and mix in some refreshing musical numbers with a showstopper (Thank You Very Much) and you've got a grade-A Hollywood classic.
Sure, there are others worth mentioning. Miracle on 34th Street (both versions), The Santa Clause (but only the first, not the two lame sequels) and Elf (one of two types of characters played by Will Ferrell), but there just aren't many others that I see as classics.
#6 - Saying "Merry Christmas" to people
Happy Holidays. Pffft. How lame.
Being Jewish, I've nothing against Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights is a real celebration of a genuine miracle. Admittedly, I know nothing about Kwanzaa, but I'm sure it is significant to those who celebrate it.
But Christmas is Christmas. We all know why we decorate and have parties this time of year. We know why we buy lots of presents and tell stories of snowmen, reindeer and a fat guy who invades our homes via the chimney. So why the political correctness?
It's because of the very vocal minority who claim to be "offended" by Christmas. They have influenced political leaders and corporations to make changes in policy so as to keep the peace amongst those who don't believe as the majority do.
I won't wish anyone a Happy Holidays. If it's Hanukkah, I'll wish those people a Happy Hanukkah. If I meet someone who celebrates Kwanzaa, I'll give them a Festive Kwanzaa (or whatever it is they say).
But if it is Christmas, you are going to get a MERRY CHRISTMAS from me.
I will not minimize the holiday by calling it by another name. And even when they desperately try to dumb it down by making it more about the fictional Santa Claus character and less about the baby Jesus, I'll still say Merry Christmas and know that no human being on the face of the earth can ever steal away it's meaning with phrases, commercialism or political correctness. :-)
#5 - The company party - I've got the best staff on earth. You'll never meet a more talented and dedicated group of people anywhere. Those who have had the opportunity to visit our offices in Colorado will attest to this. I love to do things for the team all year 'round, but I especially love the Christmas party. No, we don't break out the Jack Daniels and go nuts. But we do get together for a great meal, fun games, camaraderie and a lot of laughs. Last year it was casino night with a dirty santa gift exchange and catered food. This year was at Johhny Carinos with a fun gift exchange and a surprise auction. It was a great time!
#4 - Opportunities to bless others - Christmas is really about giving, not receiving. And it reminds us that compared to other nations around the world, even the poorest amongst us would be considered wealthy. But there is plenty of need right in our own neighborhoods. Without providing details, every year I attempt to see a need that is significant and find a way to meet that need. I challenge you to do likewise, not just at Christmas, but whenever the need makes itself known. Be a blessing to others and you will be blessed.
#3 - Giving gifts to my wife - I've got everything I need and want. I don't need more stuff. I find it far more enjoyable to be creative and buy gifts that will bless others. For over two decades, I've had the privilege of doing exactly that for my wife. We have a tradition that we do our gifts to each other the night BEFORE Christmas. And if we are traveling, it's the night before we leave town. Over the years I've surprised her many times with just the right thing. I love her very much and love to see her smile. :-)
#2 - Giving gifts to my kids - There's nothing like Christmas with children. We recently watched videos of past Christmases when the kids were little and had a great time reminiscing. It's always been fun to get them the toys, games and other stuff that they've wanted, mixed in with the one "holy cow!" moment which is saved for last. You know what I am talking about. It's when they think they have opened all their gifts and one more seems to surface at the last minute. And it's the mother of all gifts. Even though they are now teenagers, it's still fun to do this for them.
#1 - The real meaning of Christmas - Christmas isn't about movies. It's not about lights. It's not about fruitcakes or cookies. It's not about Santa Claus, snowmen or flying reindeer. It's not about brightly wrapped presents. And it's not even about family.
All those things are important. Traditions, family, food, festivities, etc are all essential parts of the human experience.
But Christmas is a celebration of a different sort. It's not about us. It's about God and His love for us. It's about commemorating the birth of the Savior, born into our world so that we could begin to comprehend the character of our Creator. Just like one would become a dog to truly communicate with the canine species, God became man so we could have even the smallest inkling of what He is truly like.
Sure, there are those who mock this belief. I don't care. I know what I was like before Christ and I know the direct impact He has had in my life. I know the intellectual process I had to go through before I could allow my heart to be changed. And I know I am no longer who I was as a result.
Christmas is the beginning of this change. Christmas signals hope for mankind, in the form of an innocent baby destined to change the world forever.
And whether Christ was born in December or in the summer months really doesn't matter. What matters is that we take time out to recognize His birth and the ultimate sacrifice that He would make for each of us.
Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?
The wise men from distant countries recognized who He was two thousand years ago.
Wise men still seek Him, my friends.
May you find the true meaning of Christmas this year and every year.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives in even a small way. Be sure to leave your comments below and let me know what your favorite things are about Christmas.
Merry Christmas :-)
December 25, 2009 10:00 AM
Way to go on your Number 1 Joel. You've got it right, and I hope Christ continues to bless you immeasurably in the year ahead. Keep up the great work!
Can't think of anything about your list I'd really change.
December 25, 2009 10:03 AM
Very nice Joel. We agree on the favorite Christmas movie which I just cried over, again, last night. The message is clear. We all make a difference, no matter how small, in the little things we do for others. Love is the answer, kindness is a way of being. May this day be special and full of love and kindness, good cheer and abundance. May we all do the little things in life that seem insignificant, but do make a huge difference in the vibration of the world.
In gratitude,
Susanna Jade
December 25, 2009 10:05 AM
My favorite thing about Christmas is saying "happy birthday" to Jesus in my prayers.
December 25, 2009 10:11 AM
May God Bless You, Your Family, and Your Staff.
Merry Christmas
December 25, 2009 10:23 AM
Thanks for your insights into Christmas. I like a white Christmas. It is snowing as I type here in Missouri. I like getting together with my family and having tons on treats. It's also fun to see all of the decorations and share gifts.
In our busy world we sometimes lose sight of what is most important about Christmas. And that is the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. That's the most beautiful part of the holiday.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
December 25, 2009 10:25 AM
wow is nice post my friends..... merry christmast my teach
December 25, 2009 10:26 AM
Thanks for an interesting read. Your are right...
"But Christmas is Christmas".
Too bad people, especially the medias try to de-Christmas it.
Merry Christmas and a great 2010!
December 25, 2009 10:30 AM
Joel!
Merry Christmas :)
be happy always.
qammar feroz
December 25, 2009 10:33 AM
Hey Joel!
Merry Christmas! Loved the post. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
And a very happy and prosperous 2010!
- Pat
December 25, 2009 10:43 AM
Hello Joel,
I loved all your Christmas musings. It is a great time for pausing in our endeavors of life and spend some time reflecting.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Levada Pendry
December 25, 2009 10:48 AM
Right on for #6. When I hear "Happy Holidays" it makes me want to slap someone and make them WAKE UP! Merry Christmas to you as well Joel. And, oh yeah... please don't tell me "Merry X-Mas" either... let's leave Christ in Christmas! And Happy New Year as well!
December 25, 2009 10:48 AM
Joel,
Thank-you for the great post!
I came to know Jesus Christ personally, as my Saviour, almost 30 years ago and it has been the best thing that ever happened in my life.
The key to the abundant life is found in the Christmas Story! It must be sought after, just as the wise men did.
Thank you for all the great material you provide for us.
December 25, 2009 10:54 AM
Good for you Joel! It seems like we've become so afraid to have a belief in anything that's not PC. I'm with you 100% about the real meaning of Christmas. Thank you for being the courageous leader that you are, and sharing your wonderful thoughts today.
December 25, 2009 11:05 AM
MERRY CHRISTMAS Joel!
I agree with you wholeheartedly about not diminishing the significance of holidays by secularizing them to appease the very small minority who might be offended by the connotation of the celebration. Christmas celabrates the birth of an actual historic person who has had THE greatest influence on the world in the past TWO THOUSAND years. Whether or not he was truly the son of God or not (which I believe he was) is beside the point. His birth and existence and death has influenced and shaped the lives of countless people through the ages. Again I say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!
Paul
December 25, 2009 11:13 AM
JOEL, That was a beautiful thing and right to the point and that my friend IS the gift of words that the world should hear,GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Robert Worth
Orlando,fl.
December 25, 2009 11:21 AM
Happy Birthday, Immanuel! Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours Joel, and may God's abundant love bless you all today and always.
God Bless,
David L. Cross
December 25, 2009 11:24 AM
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Be Well!
ECS Dave
December 25, 2009 11:31 AM
Joel,
I always enjoy reading what you post and I am always inspired to look deeper into your thoughts. May God continue to Bless you and your family. Travel safe back home and keep up the good work you share with all of us. Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2009 11:36 AM
I think evrything you said is great! I just wish I could get to thaat level.
Did you just recently find Christ? I was born in a catholic family and always believed God was and thats it! Lately I just dont feel a connection! How do you get to that? With a recent BK and foreclosure on the way I am trying to connect aand believe my family and I will be okay, but I just feel lonliness. What did you do to have such a stong conviction?
December 25, 2009 11:38 AM
I agree whole heatedly with your list and thank for having the cajones to give Target all the notoriety they deserve.
December 25, 2009 11:49 AM
I've love your stand on wishing someone "Merry Christmas," Joel. Those people aren't "offended"; they're just mad at the world. Political Correctness is for bottom-feeders.
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
December 25, 2009 11:53 AM
Thanks for sharing, Joel. I am copying your #1 in my mail.
Adolfo
December 25, 2009 12:01 PM
Happy New Year 1431 of Higeria With My Best Wishes to You For a Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2009 12:09 PM
Thanks so much Joel for speaking out what may indeed be politically incorrect but oh...so true. When push comes to shove Christmas is ultimately about Christ and what He came to do for us in dying for our sins. It is His example of unconditional love that has inspired all the giving and good will we experience during Christmas.
God has truly blessed you Joel. You have much to be thankful for.
May His blessings continue over your life as you seek to put Him first in all things.
Carlos
December 25, 2009 12:10 PM
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
GREAT JOB JOEL.......
December 25, 2009 12:16 PM
Merry Christ mas, Joel, with joy and blessings for you and your family.
Thank you so much for your "Top 10" list - all of which are on mine except the snow. (I'm in Florida, LOL - but I loved frosty windows and the warm fire when I lived up north and in Atlanta.) I especially enjoy wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas," and appreciate the way you expressed that for all... Regardless of creed, it's the spirit of goodwill and all the positive effects of the season. And it's one of the most cherished traditions in this country since its very foundation.
But my very favorite thing about Christmas is "the Reason for the Season," and your #1 sums it all up. Jesus of Nazareth, "the Christ," came as a babe that we might begin to comprehend our Creator and know fellowship with Him, that lives might be changed and souls saved. And He has worked visible miracles in my life... In this dark world of increasing perversity and oppression, there is this one light, "The Light," that shines in the darkness, and it's the brightest light of all at Christmas!
Be most blessed, my friend,
Margaret
December 25, 2009 12:37 PM
Awesome Post Joel (I Love It) ---> Merry Christmas To you and yours And may the Lord continue to bless your Hearts =)
Randy Toribio
December 25, 2009 1:04 PM
Merry Christmas,Joel!
December 25, 2009 1:06 PM
Because of Jesus, we all (even those of Target) can have a Merry Christmas. May we all enjoy Him in our lives.
December 25, 2009 1:18 PM
Hey Joel. Merry Christmas to you. A great top ten list. The magic of Christmas is shown to me by my daughteer Kamalei. She left out juice and a cup cake for Santa last night.
When she got up this morning everything was gone! She said: "Dad last night I heard two loud noises. One was my leg hitting the wall. The other noise was Santa!"
Pizza on Earth, Good Will to All!
albert grande
December 25, 2009 1:18 PM
thank you Joel for this great post.here is another great post from Perry Marshall
http://www.perrymarshall.com/merry-christmas-2008/
Merry Christmas
December 25, 2009 1:31 PM
Merry Christmas Joel,
I want to say I do enjoy your postings when I have the chance to read them.
I can only wish that I could enjoy some of the things that you mentioned in your list. However as you pointed out we all can celebrate what this season is truly about.
Some times we have to go through some really tough times to wake us up from a deep sleep that we really are not the ones in control of our lives. But that only through Him is there any hope.
It pains me that there are those who so diligently, willfully, and deliberately seek pain, and misery to that of hope and joy in the Lord.
I am thankful for the hope that Christ brought to us and that if it was not for the hand of God I would not be here to write this comment.
Gary
December 25, 2009 1:33 PM
Hi Joel,
Enjoyed your list. The Lord's birth is certainly important, His seed was from the Holy Spirit and this gave Him the divine life and nature, and Mary provided Him with humanity, which God had not had before the incarnation. When He died on the cross, this is where most Christians seem to miss a huge reality. In 1Cor 15:45, He became a divine life giver of the Spirit. This is how we as believers in Him can also receive the life and nature of God, but not the Godhead. There is much more, but I would just recommend you get a free copy of The Recovery Version of the New Testament and read the footnotes to have an overview of the Christian faith and God's heart's desire for mankind. You can get a free copy at
http://www.biblesforamerica.com and also read some sample footnotes at their site.
Praise the Lord,
Henry
December 25, 2009 1:56 PM
Joel, you always tend to 'speak' from the heart, and that's what you have done here. Sometimes, it is hard to believe that you are an Internet Marketer, or should I use your correct title, THE MASTER Internet Marketer?
Here in Australia, the push is on to get Santa to reduce his weight. Apparently, kids are getting the wrong upbringing by thinking that you have to be 'large' to be happy and jolly. Pathetic!
Joel, I wish YOU and your family and ALL readers of your blog, a VERY Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year. 2010 WILL be AWESOME!
December 25, 2009 2:05 PM
Merry Christmas Joel! Thanks for the list to remind us all of whats important!
Gary
:)
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December 25, 2009 2:16 PM
Joel,
Merry Christmas!
Abe
December 25, 2009 2:29 PM
Joel:
Merry Christmas to you and your family. May Our Lord and Saviour bless you for sharing what Christmas truly is with your membership.
You have a great opportunity to share the Love of Jesus. May you continue to be bold with what you understand of your faith. Be Bold...
John Harris
December 25, 2009 2:32 PM
Hello Joel,
Many thanks for the above post. It's really interesting and full of wisdom.
This is my first comment on your website and am really excited about it.
Just like you said, Christmas is all about God and the commemoration of the birth of his son--Jesus. As a christian, i believe in God and his son Jesus. Jesus came to reconcile man back to God. And today we're celebrating him. It's awesome.
Joel, I really love how you've been impacting the lives of millions globally. God will continue to bless and strengthen you more and more. I do hope to meet with you in the nearest future.
Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family.
Christian
December 25, 2009 3:20 PM
Rock on Joel.
Great post man especially the ending!
from a tech bro in France
Graham
www.gjmi.org
December 25, 2009 3:35 PM
I had to see what else you'd come up with after seeing your email about Target and the nice Salvation Army people. For a non-profit that does so much good all year long, you'd think they'd make an exception during Christmas time. Very good post. Glad I came to read it.
p.s. Your CAPTHCA code at this point reads: Among Hormones Aint't that the truth. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
December 25, 2009 3:44 PM
Hey Joel Great post. I too like to say Merry Christmas to people. I am not offended if people celebrate something else and wish that to me. Also I am a big It's a Wonderful Life fan. I make sure I watch it every year. I want to wish you and your family all the best this holiday season and in the coming year!
December 25, 2009 4:10 PM
Merry Christmas Joel & family.
Excellent comments about the most important holiday (Holy Day) the world will ever know. A truly universal day of celebration.
On one of my first visits to Israel I was at first disappointed on what seemed to me to be a commercialization of all the sites/churches that seemed to be so out of touch with the truth that was represented. One of our (Jewish) guides commented on the fact that if the Church had not built such expensive and lavish buildings around them, those historic sites would probably have been lost forever.
Since that time I have been able to see the REAL truth about the seeming crassness of Christmas as celebrated here in our great country.
Jesus Christ is the TRUTH and He is forever revealing himself to all those who seek truth. Articles like yours today will light the path for others to follow and find the Truth for themselves.
For that, I thank you and wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Keep doing good stuff.
Jim Watkins
December 25, 2009 4:22 PM
Hey Joel
Hope you & your family unit are having a wonderful Jesus Season who is the reason for every season of our lives.
For me I have to agree with you about the snow at Christmas time, I have dreams of it since I was a child ! Yes I live in Australia so may be not the location for me to pursue my dream of Christmas Snow ! Why do I have this dream I would bring it down to great influence of the old media likes of Television and Christmas Greeting Cards yes most cards I seen when I was a child growing up late 1970s to mid 1980s must of been printed in the Northern Hemisphere, I wonder what countries they would of come from ? My guess a majority of them would of come from marketing capital of influence in the world been America.
Now is this a good or bad influence American Marketing has had on me? Well lets say first of all I have not given up on the dream of having a Christmas in Snow celebrating what Jesus has given me, but I must say I had given up on that dream before I made the decision for Jesus to be my life time partner, in fact I had given up on most of my dreams of been self employed and employing others, Jesus has turned that around Iam on my way to pursing the God given passion in me more importantly helping and serving others I had no previous dream or passion of employing others.
In summary Yes those Classical Christmas movies you mentioned above had influence as well as Christmas Greeting Cards coming from the likes of America Christmas Snow season pictorial, Yes I believe God used the marketing influence as a child to give birth to a dream and vision to pursue in the future, but with out Jesus I would not have followed the dream through, but rather slaved my life to help a large corporation to pursue their own personal dreams and goals which would of meant trading family time for others to leverage off in corporate business world terms, not to say these are wrong for all people! but I believe now I have God given freedom through Jesus Christ to be Free in all areas of my life and do what I was created for to help and sever others with my God given talents and passions.
December 25, 2009 4:39 PM
Best blog post of the year!!!!
Love you Joel.
December 25, 2009 4:45 PM
Merry Christmas, Joel,
Your are right on the money on the #1 reason for Christmas. Without Jesus Christ, our Saviour, we wouldn't be able to be thankful for any of the other items on your list. Everything on Earth is His, we are just temporary stewards. Of course, there is nothing wrong for being thankful for success, money and what not, as long as we remember #1. For those who don't owe everything to Him, well, hopefully they will realize it before it's too late. At any rate,thank you and God bless you for having the cajones to be politically incorrect! As for the food, maybe that should be closer to the beginning, hmm?
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Michael
December 25, 2009 5:14 PM
Two tumbs up for your post Joel. This post alert me about the right meaning of Christmas. I hope your days be bright, your heart be light, and this glorious day of our Savior's birth resound with joy, hope, and peace in you n ur family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
December 25, 2009 5:14 PM
The number 1 reason could not have been said any better! Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
December 25, 2009 6:34 PM
Merry Christmas to you and yours Joel.
Well stated as always.
Its a funny year this year though.
No snow in Ohio (except by the lake)
and snow in Dallas! Too wild to be sure!
Take care and keep it safe.
December 25, 2009 6:41 PM
This is a nice list Joel. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to you and the best throughout the New Year.
December 25, 2009 6:49 PM
Thanks for speaking out....this happens so little
in our business circles today.
May God Richly Bless
Dale
December 25, 2009 7:49 PM
Thanks for making me smile, Joel. :)
You really are one of the "good" guys.
I pray that Christ blesses you, your
loved ones and your business ventures
mightily in the coming year
and forever after!
Hugs and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Kristi Sayles
http://SmartAuthor.com
December 25, 2009 9:24 PM
Joel,
What a great articulation on Christmas.
I certainly enjoyed mine this year.
Merry Christmas to All!
Jump for joy, a new decade is upon us.
December 25, 2009 9:31 PM
Great post but what on earth is a Dirty Santa Gift Exchange?!
December 25, 2009 9:41 PM
Wow--what an eloquent, powerful read. I've followed you on Twitter for quite awhile now, but this is the best thing I've seen your write. :) I was truly blessed and uplifted as I read your thoughts here. I would love to hear your testimony sometime. Perhaps in a future posting??? Merry CHRISTMAS to you and yours.
December 25, 2009 10:16 PM
Fantastic post Joel!!
#6 is something which irks me to no end! Happy Holidays???
It's Christmas, Hanukah, Hanukkah, Chanukah, or any other spelling!
The celebration is about the birth of Christ our savior.
It bothers me when some well known marketers decide to send me email
with "Happy Holidays" in the subject line or within the content.
All have replied to my questioning with "being politically correct"!
Since when did God and Christ have anything to do with politics?
I posted a much shorter version of this on my blog and will and a link
to this one now that I have read your excellent thoughts on the subject.
Sorry for the ramble Joel.
May God bless you and yours now and forever!
Walter Gavurnik
December 25, 2009 10:21 PM
Thanks for a great post, Joel.
Gotta disagree with you about "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." I think the Grinch "gets it" when he says "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more...."
Of course we know that the "little bit more" is really a LOT more. The thought of God giving up being God so He could be among us, knowing full well we would nail Him to a cross, just boggles the mind. Truly His thoughts are higher than ours.
If you have a minute hop over to my blog and read my Christmas greeting. I think you will like it.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Gene
December 25, 2009 11:20 PM
Wow! never would I have thought that a message like this would come from you ... and sure you've nailed the true meaning of Christmas ... it's His ...story ... of an unconditional love for human kind.
Let me say out of all the emails I got and all the presents too, this message have been simple the best ... for two things the message is so appropriate and the messenger very special ... God bless you and increase you in all areas of your life.
Thank you!
December 26, 2009 3:01 AM
Hi Joel,
Thank you so much for your list, and like you number 1 is top of my list too. You are a real Blessing Joel.
God Bless
Andrew
December 26, 2009 8:12 AM
You forgot another Christmas Classic. Most people don't think of it with other Christmas maovies. Die Hard
December 26, 2009 8:55 AM
Merry Christmas
My favorite thing about Christmas is how the birth of our savior has touched the hearts of men and women to inspire them acts of great kindness and inspire them write such a beautiful and an inspiring message as the your Top Ten Christmas Favorites. Thank you for reminding me of the beauty of Christmas.
December 26, 2009 11:25 AM
Your no 1 reason is all that needs to be said.
Thank you for saying it.
A Happy & Blessed Christmas to you & yours.
Robin Davies
Wales
United Kingdom
December 26, 2009 3:17 PM
Joel,
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
to you and everybody reading this post
December 26, 2009 3:18 PM
Respect to you, Joel! 100% respect!
I've had lots of the "Happy Holidays" e-mails over the past few days. I made a decision to unsubscribe from anyone who wishes me "Happy Holidays"! Yes, fickle I know, but I've had enough of the PC BS!!
CHRISTMAS IS CHRISTMAS!!
May you have a peaceful Christmas period and a successful New Year!
Best regards,
John
Ireland
December 26, 2009 4:29 PM
Amen brother, thanks for keepin it real. Blessings
December 26, 2009 5:50 PM
Thanks so much for this post Joel.
You have always stood for the truth - sometimes subtly, sometimes boldly - God bless you for that and I know that is one big reason your life, family and business are so blessed.
Merry Christmas! I trust you and your family did indeed have a Merry, Happy and meaningful Christmas!
God bless you with even great abundance in this New Year, and New decade.
December 26, 2009 8:13 PM
Joel,
This is fantastic. I've always admired your "faith-based" posts before, and your willingness to SAY how you feel. I don't know why, but it seems like only believers of Christ feel like we have to apologize for our beliefs. I guess it's like you say...the very vocal minority has somehow convinced the world they are the only ones whose beliefs matter.
Learning that you are Jewish, which I never knew, your testimony is even more powerful. Proud of you and happy for you, for sharing what the Lord has in your life, and glad to call you a brother.
All my best Joel, and Merry Christmas to you & yours,
Jim
@Referral_Pro
December 26, 2009 10:11 PM
It's always great to see someone come out and say what you said for #1....Few things I dislike more than political correctness about Christmas.
December 27, 2009 6:22 AM
First of all, MERRY CHRISTMAS.
i would like to inform you that i love Christmas because we gather all together in our home and eating the goodies that God gave us this year again,
Generally speaking Merry Christmas in everyone.
December 27, 2009 11:18 AM
Thank you Joel, well said. May God continue to bless you and your family. Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
December 27, 2009 5:29 PM
Well said Joel as your thoughts remind me of an old saying.
"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, and prosporus New Year.
December 27, 2009 9:50 PM
Earlier in the post you said you grew up as a "cultural Jews". Then towards the end of the post you said ""But Christmas is a celebration of a different sort. It's not about us. It's about God and His love for us. It's about commemorating the birth of the Savior, born into our world so that we could begin to comprehend the character of our Creator".
It's interesting to read about the transformation one of these days.
God bless, Joel.
Jose
December 27, 2009 11:38 PM
Hi Joel,
Thank you for an insightful piece of writing.
I too feel that Christmas nowadays is too commercialize...and the true meaning of christmas is often not defended in public.
I even read an article that mentioned that a christmas storytelling in Rome was about the birth of a baby ziraffe rather than baby Jesus. The character was changed so as not to offend the minority few who attended the storytelling.
I feel that is wrong. If you are celebrating chinese new year, Deepavali or the muslim new year, tell the true meaning ... do not dilute it with meaningless characters and such.
Once again, TQ Noel for sharing your thoughts and have a blessed and prosperous new year!
Max J
December 28, 2009 4:14 AM
Joel,this great!I have always read your mails here in Kenya as often as they come they are good. I now know you better!In a couple of days we have paused to celebrate the birth of Christ....Immanuel,"God with us".
As I do,one of my prayer of thanks will be for friends like you-friends who have been such a help,strength and encouragement to me this past year!
Truly you have been "God with them" I want you know that I am grateful for you.May this Christmas be one of joy for you and at the same time,one of thoughtful reflections to think of achieving our goals in life.This is my prayer to you over this Christmas period.
December 28, 2009 2:22 PM
Great article/list Joel. 'Tis the best time of year. Happy Holidays to you Joel and all. Enjoy!
December 28, 2009 8:11 PM
Yes Joel,
the true meaning of Christmas is not the presents, which most people think.
Then towards the end of the post you said ""But Christmas is a celebration of a different sort. It's not about us. It's about God and His love for us. It's about commemorating the birth of the Savior, born into our world so that we could begin to comprehend the character of our Creator".
December 29, 2009 3:51 PM
Hi Joel
My belated Christmas wishes to you, I am extremely late in reading your Christmas message, but as always your message comes with super content. Your emphasis on the true meaning of Christmas was something I did not expect from you, I am an active practising Catholic and it was such a JOY to hear you tell us the exact and true meaning of Christmas, with the Love and Kindness that it generates. All the favourites you stated are reflected in my life, almost the same way that I remember the Christmases in the past.
Hope you have a great New Year.