Taking "Christ" out of "Christmas"

[buckthesystem]

This seems to be a world-wide trend. Perhaps it is just a politically correct world-wide trend so as to "not offend" other religions, but it is seen as fine to offend Christians. Found this article, it sums it up perfectly:

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/02...-name_page.html

They've taken Christ out of our Christmas Nov 26 2006

Rachel Mainwaring, Wales on Sunday

CHRIST is being left out of Christmas across Wales with just one council featuring the nativity story in their official public celebrations.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show 72 per cent of Welsh people call ourselves Christian but our poll of Wales' 22 local authorities reveals Wrexham is the only one to stage an event which tells the story of the birth of the baby Jesus. Its Camels and Carols parade on December 21 will see the Three Kings ride camels through the town, accompanied by shepherds and carol singers, to St Giles' Church 'live' crib, including people playing Mary and Joseph.

A council spokesman explained: "Social cohesion is high on our agenda. We wouldn't back down from anything Christian, or anything Muslim, Hindu or otherwise.

"We recognise the importance that all communities make to our area but also feel it important to share our cultural heritage and identity."

By comparison, Cardiff council's Christmas centrepiece is the Winter Wonderland ice rink, big wheel and hot tubs. Swansea has followed suit with its Waterfront Winterland, complete with ice skating and fairground rides. Caerphilly council's celebrations are inspired by the Caribbean with samba and carnival dance workshops.

All three have denied excluding Christianity.

Caerphilly's spokesman said: "We haven't taken any measures to lessen the Christian side of events."

Cardiff council said it had "no active policy of avoiding any religious factors" and Swansea council said "we are making the Christmas period as inclusive as possible while maintaining strong religious elements to our organised events including carol singing at the Waterfront Winterland".

The results of our survey echo a national trend away from celebrations of Christian festivals. The Royal Mail has come under fire for issuing Christmas stamps free of religious images.

This week Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York who recently criticised the "systematic erosion" of Christianity from public life, appealed for BA to reconsider its decision to refuse an appeal by check-in worker Nadia Eweida, who was told she could not openly wear a cross to work. And a further example, critics say, of political correctness overriding religion was seen when Plymouth council ended free parking on Sundays so as not to offend non-Christians.

Religious leaders in Wales are appalled the story of Christmas has been detached from festivities here.

The Reverend Aled Edwards, who is chief executive of the Christian umbrella group Churches Together in Wales, said: "What we would ask people to remember is that while they are playing piggyback on this holiday, they should remember its Christian heritage.

(continues - go to link)

And I thought Wales was a Christian country.

[SueZQ]

This truly saddens me

[sweetycakes]

It saddens me, too.

What is Christmas, without Christ?

That is the joy of Christmas, for me.

Oh, I love seeing our Connor open his presents, but it's also the joy of thanking God for providing that makes the day for me.

This ties in perfectly with a thread posted by Ayin Jade earlier:

http://www.worthyboards.com/index.php?show...mp;#entry719247

[asap]

[size=5]They may be able to take Him out of the public realm. But there is no way He could ever be pryed out of my heart or life!!!!!