Katrina, Christmas, and a crisis of faith

[intheflow]

I've been having a very hard time with Christmas this year. I dont' feel like decking the halls, I don't feel like having a holly, jolly Christmas. I don't want any gifts for myself or to shop for gifts for others, I want people to donate to hurricane relief efforts, that's where I'm shopping. This is beyond "Bah, humbug!" It's really a lot more like depression that so many are suffering so much in our own backyards, and 85% of the country seems to be in denial about it. :cry:

WWJD? Not spend his time on lavish birthday parties for himself, I'm sure. So where exactly is God/dess this holiday season? Where have you seen God/dess working in the world?

[wildflower]

1. This has been a hard time for me...but what I've been doing is...

...focusing on learning more about Jesus and the life he lived (though I have never considered myself Christian).

Whether or not one believes Jesus was the son of God or that he even existed, the values of peace, forgiveness, and helping others that he represents can be admired. So I thought, why not honor that this season. It is as good a time as any, I figured. And certainly one way to do that is to keep trying to help those who are suffering.

I think about Jesus' life and teachings, and admire them the same way I do Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Mother Theresa and Peace Pilgrim.

I listen to songs such as "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and try to do what good I can. I try to make the decorations and traditions spiritual. (For example, the tree can be an altar to peace, forgiveness, nature, etc. A nativity scene symbolizes the birth of one who taught these values.)

I try to ignore the claims of "War on Christmas" and other things (in my own life and the world) that ruin the spirit of it.

I hope this makes sense and helps. I think I can understand what you're feeling.

wildflower

[intheflow]

2. Ooh, the tree as a peace alter!

Now that's a concept I can embrace! Whenever I feel alienated from God/dess, I always find renewal in nature. I should probably just admit I'm a pagan once and for all! LOL

This year I almost feel like it's better for me to keep Jesus out of it (probably the last time I can ever do this, since I'm looking for my first church and will have to talk about Jesus and Christmas for the next 20 years whether I feel like it or not). It just bothers me so much that Jesus is used as a political football, when neither the left nor the right Christians seem to fully be able to embrace either Jesus' intent or message. I'm not talking about individual Christians, but about denominations (i.e., the Christian religious right just misses the point altogether but they can mobilize the troops like crazy, while the Christian left "gets" what Jesus was about but doesn't seem able to motivate their members into massive peaceful/just action).

OK, I'm just howling at the moon now. Thanks for your lovely answer. I posted this same question in the Liberal Christians group. Everyone's response to me so far has made me cry, and also made me grateful for this wonderful online community. :hug: