Major Restaurants Remove Christmas Spirit

[righteousdude2]

In the past ten days we ate at a Marie Cllendar's and Olive Garden and notice how sterile and nonfestive their decor was for this time of the year. There were no Christmas trees; no decorations; no signs of any kind that we are in the midst of the most wonderful season for mankind: Christmas, and the Birth of Our LORD and Savior!

My wife and I requested to talk to the manager at both places of business, and both told us that their corporate offices directed them to eliminate Christmas decorations and trees because of the many other religions that may be "offended" with the presence of a Christmas tree, holly wreaths, bright lights, and poinsettias.

My wife told the managers that she "was offended" by the social tolerance given to the folks who may be offended. So, there we sat....it was a Mexican stand-off [so-to-speak, nothing racial meant], and it looks like the spirit of Christmas will be missing at least this year from those two chains, and unless we [as believers] make a stand, more of our traditions for this holiday will be PERMANENTLY removed forever.

It's time to voice your concern about what is going on in the places we enjoy a meal, now and then, so tell the managers that their decision to not offend the other religions has DEEPLY offended each of us.

God Bless, and be ready to rise up and stop political correctness and religious tolerance from snuffing out the true spirit of Christmas.

Pastor Paul :type:

 

[dan e.]

In the past ten days we ate at a Marie Cllendar's and Olive Garden and notice how sterile and nonfestive their decor was for this time of the year. There were no Christmas trees; no decorations; no signs of any kind that we are in the midst of the most wonderful season for mankind: Christmas, and the Birth of Our LORD and Savior!

My wife and I requested to talk to the manager at both places of business, and both told us that their corporate offices directed them to eliminate Christmas decorations and trees because of the many other religions that may be "offended" with the presence of a Christmas tree, holly wreaths, bright lights, and poinsettias.

My wife told the managers that she "was offended" by the social tolerance given to the folks who may be offended. So, there we sat....it was a Mexican stand-off [so-to-speak, nothing racial meant], and it looks like the spirit of Christmas will be missing at least this year from those two chains, and unless we [as believers] make a stand, more of our traditions for this holiday will be PERMANENTLY removed forever.

It's time to voice your concern about what is going on in the places we enjoy a meal, now and then, so tell the managers that their decision to not offend the other religions has DEEPLY offended each of us.

God Bless, and be ready to rise up and stop political correctness and religious tolerance from snuffing out the true spirit of Christmas.

Pastor Paul :type:

too much time.....too much time on your hands to go that far because you don't like that there is no wreath up.

Puh-leaze.

 

[Rubato 1]

I've stopped expecting this old world to uphold Christ and God. Let the restaraunt do its thing--the restaraunt is not contirbuting to society's demise, it is only reflecting it. Olive Garden does not uphold Christ any other day of the year, and I see no porblem with it then, either; do you see my point? If the world system does not want to include Christ, what precedent do we have when we try to force it to do so?

The best thing you can do if this upsets you (which it should), is to preach the gospel to those around you, and teach them the things of Christ.

The world will do what the world does. The reason the world gets away with it is because "Christians" don't do what Christians do.

The world will eventually ditch God altogether. Should we spend time trying to stave off the inevitable or trying to live righteous ourselves and spreading the gospel?:jesus:

 

[preachinjesus]

I find tinsel distracting...

 

[Andy T.]

I think demanding the lost world to celebrate Christmas is like polishing brass on the Titantic.

 

[Rubato 1]

I think demanding the lost world to celebrate Christmas is like polishing brass on the Titantic.

That was GREAT!:thumbs:

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be
most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own.

I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate
My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree
a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth
here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My
birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope
to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and
lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know
them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write
and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family
this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you
again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't
afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town
calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there.
Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a
missionary - especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole
families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas"
tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or
receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few
gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other
charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery
for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love
Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all
the rest.

Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll
help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a
most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and
remember:

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

~Earthly Author Unknown~

 

[Bob Alkire]

At one time most of the Christians tried to do business with Christians and so much of this we didn't see. Some lost owners of shops and restaurants did show a little to a lot of Christmas, because it was good for them. I don't think we can expect the lost to do things our way, but it does give us a good place to start getting the Gospel out. I for one try and spend what little money I spend with as many Christians shops and restaurants as I can, so I don't see much of a problem. You pick out where you go, so pick out places you agree with, I'm sure a fellow Christians owner would enjoy you going to his shop or restaurants.

 

[Magnetic Poles]

Of all the silly things to get in a twit over...no Christmas tinsel. WAY too much going out of the way to find offense. It is a private business. They may do as they like.

 

[Baptist Believer]

This is silly.

I currently don't have any decorations up at my home... No lights, no tree, no idealized model town with snow on the roofs.

Does that somehow mean I don't love God or am trying not to offend others?

Not at all.

 

[Bob Alkire]

This is silly.

I currently don't have any decorations up at my home... No lights, no tree, no idealized model town with snow on the roofs.

I too, never had and never will, but each is free to do as they wish.

 

[Jillian]

I dont celebrate Christmas, and think it is weird how so called Christians who used to stand against Christmas in this country until the mid-1800s knowing it was pagan, and CATHOLIC:

CHRIST-MASS

are now going nuts over DEFENSES of Christmas.

As for Christmas trees, forget it, I was done when I found this verse in the Bible and realized Christmas has far more to do with the winter solstice.

Jer 2 2Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

 

[Rubato 1]

I dont celebrate Christmas, and think it is weird how so called Christians who used to stand against Christmas in this country until the mid-1800s knowing it was pagan, and CATHOLIC:

CHRIST-MASS

are now going nuts over DEFENSES of Christmas.

As for Christmas trees, forget it, I was done when I found this verse in the Bible and realized Christmas has far more to do with the winter solstice.

Jer 2 2Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

It's not like we're not worchipping Baal here or something. This is like the Corinthians and their meat sacrificed to idols. It's not a sin to cut a tree w/an axe, or to decorate it. It is a sin to use it as an object of pagan worship, and in a society where that symbol is recognized as such, Christians should probably avoid it, but in America? We have had Christmas decorations for years, never seeing plagues, captivity or famine, as was promised in Jer. :saint: The issue is living the way of the heathen.

Each to his own, though, brother or sister!

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

Good post Rubato!

If we would just live our lives and let other's live theirs, this world would be a much happier place.

When we put our righteousness above others...we lose our humility.

 

[Alcott]

Jer 2 2Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen

If you have learned about this, you are ruined already.

, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

So much for sky-writing, I suppose. But 'be not dismayed;' not dis-decembered.

3For the customs of the people are vain

Artery and capillary too.

: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest

Better choice than the desert or Antarctica.

, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Then either cut with your feet or use a chainsaw.

4They deck it with silver and with gold;

Then use popcorn or electric lights.

they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Then use a stand with I-bolts.

 

[Jillian]

If you have learned about this, you are ruined already.

Why?

I dont get what you mean.

I am following What God directed me to do.

I know many do not want to give up Christmas, pray to God about it. This is a controversial topic, trust me I know but I dont let controversy silence me.

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

We celebrate many holidays that USED to be pagan, but are now Christian.

That's what the Christians had in mind (possibly) when they started celebrating...to take away from the pagans OR to have them join in the Christian celebrations.

Satan means a lot of things for evil...but God can change them into good.

 

[tinytim]

We celebrate many holidays that USED to be pagan, but are now Christian.

That's what the Christians had in mind (possibly) when they started celebrating...to take away from the pagans OR to have them join in the Christian celebrations.

Satan means a lot of things for evil...but God can change them into good.

Good post..

I can't wait to put up a Chrismon tree next yr at church...
We have a Christmas tree up this yr, but with the Chrismon tree, it will have a meaning that reflects more of what Christmas is all about... Christ.

One of the purposes of the church is to edify (build up) weak brothers and sisters in the faith so that they don't cause all these silly controversies.

 

[J.D.]

"One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind"

So goes it for individuals. But I wonder by what authority a Church might observe Christmas?

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

If it is Jesus' birthday (and no one knows for sure when that is...they are just suppositions) why shouldn't the church celebrate it?

We celebrate His ressurection...why not His birth?