The Christmas Industry

[SethWilliams]

Originally Posted by Angela

Not royster!

How dissapointing

More for the rest of us then



Or maybe?



I tried to find some festive ones, but no luck.

[royster]

Originally Posted by Angela

That's you! The sexy holiday angel.

I take it I'm supposed to ignore the corruption of "sexy angels". I'm assuming that the observation of Jesus and the angelic realms permits some hot sex. Oh, just a little.

Why not pull a 'George Castanza' and eat some hot pastrami during Christmas sex? Come all ye faithful!

Heck, why just a little corruption? Pull out the stops! Make it a ham on rye.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by royster

I take it I'm supposed to ignore the corruption of "sexy angels". I'm assuming that the observation of Jesus and the angelic realms permits some hot sex. Oh, just a little.

Why not pull a 'George Castanza' and eat some hot pastrami during Christmas sex? Come all ye faithful!

Heck, why just a little corruption? Pull out the stops! Make it a ham on rye.

What? Are you saying that hot sex during the yuletide = corruption?

[royster]

Originally Posted by Angela

What? Are you saying that hot sex during the yuletide = corruption?

No I did not say that. The illustration is that if you have a spiritual observation - Christmas - it should not be tainted with conflicting virtues, such as Santa Claus, Frosty The Snowman or anything else that diminishes the spiritual observation. The messages are so intertwined no one can possibly make useful sense of them. This was by design.

By the very clutter of virtually everything all at once you have no spiritual observation at all this time of year, yet you demand that you do. Well, great: then define it. The definitions, year after year, remain the same and are designed to excuse behaviors that are deemed unacceptable any other time of year. Not only that, but the spiritually in-tune can see quite a danger in such a broad window of opportunity for personal corruption, which becomes intrinsically tied to the broader corruption. Those chosing to deny or deflect this fact...well, it's YOUR life experience. It has long been my position in life to present unpopular views. The complacent hate that, the willing-to-learn find nurishment in the challenges.

Ancient observations...like American Indian...are for at least 16 days, and with a focused reverence. After 16 days, you tend to take something seriously, and it endures. By the same token, 16 days of gluttony, sloth and "what the heck" have created more work than is justifyable by any lifetime's standards.

Garbage in, garbage out. The angels I have known...and have been...find some things offensive. But we're expected to hold our tongues, of course, because you're defining what we are and how we are expected to function. After all, how can we possibly ruin Christmas and still work with God?

Angels as sex objects. See any corruption here we can dismiss?

[inri]

Originally Posted by royster

No I did not say that. The illustration is that if you have a spiritual observation - Christmas - it should not be tainted with conflicting virtues, such as Santa Claus, Frosty The Snowman or anything else that diminishes the spiritual observation.

What is the purpose of 'spiritual observation' if not to remind ourselves of our inherently spiritual nature? I don't see any better way to connect with my spirit than engaging in activities and introspections that cause me to feel joy. As each of us is an individual, the symbols, images and even perceptions of what constitutes a 'virtue' will vary greatly.....If frosty the snow man triggers a greater feeling of joy and love within my heart than an image of Jesus nailed to a cross, where's the harm?

Not only that, but the spiritually in-tune can see quite a danger in such a broad window of opportunity for personal corruption, which becomes intrinsically tied to the broader corruption.

Once again, this depends upon personal definition of 'spiritually in-tune.' The 'spiritually in-tune' in my experience actually don't have time or energy to focus upon danger or personal corruption...they're too busy focusing upon all the wonderful aspects of the physical experience.

Doesn't being 'tuned in' spiritually equal being at one with our greater spirit? My experience of pure spirit is that it does not judge.

When we view the path to greater connection with our spirit as being singular and narrow, we deny the myriad of opportunities that exist in every moment of our experience to connect with the larger part of ourselves...and.... When we judge the paths taken by others, we disconnect ourselves from our own connection.

Once again, it's impossible to see negativity when your heart is full of love. True connection with spirit means seeing that all life experience leads us to the realization of our true nature.....desire and the quest for greater levels of joy are the fuel that sets us upon the journey towards self realization...when viewed from this perspective, judgment of the paths of others becomes pointless. For many, Christmas serves as a 'break' from everyday life...a celebration of loved ones and friends....a time to 'en-joy' the perks of being physically alive.....when we are 'in joy' are we not experiencing a connection to spirit?

Why can't 'fun' be a part of 'spiritual observation'?

[Angela]

Originally Posted by inri

The 'spiritually in-tune' in my experience actually don't have time or energy to focus upon danger or personal corruption...they're too busy focusing upon all the wonderful aspects of the physical experience.

Doesn't being 'tuned in' spiritually equal being at one with our greater spirit? My experience of pure spirit is that it does not judge.

When we view the path to greater connection with our spirit as being singular and narrow, we deny the myriad of opportunities that exist in every moment of our experience to connect with the larger part of ourselves...and.... When we judge the paths taken by others, we disconnect ourselves from our own connection.

Once again, it's impossible to see negativity when your heart is full of love. True connection with spirit means seeing that all life experience leads us to the realization of our true nature.....desire and the quest for greater levels of joy are the fuel that sets us upon the journey towards self realization...when viewed from this perspective, judgment of the paths of others becomes pointless. For many, Christmas serves as a 'break' from everyday life...a celebration of loved ones and friends....a time to 'en-joy' the perks of being physically alive.....when we are 'in joy' are we not experiencing a connection to spirit?

So nicely said.

[royster]

The Messiah's hand book says:
"Argue for your limitations,
and sure enough:

they're yours'".

[inri]

Originally Posted by Angela

So nicely said.

Thanks Angela...love your take on this one as well.

It's a subject I feel really passionate about; Inumerabale paths that all lead us in the same direction.

[inri]

Originally Posted by royster

The Messiah's hand book says:
"Argue for your limitations,
and sure enough:

they're yours'".

...and I will definitely say 'amen' to that one. I'm guessing though that you are perceiving the 'limitations' in my and Angela's perspective and not your own...?

Try asking yourself which perspective is the 'limiting' one. If I view the majority of the world and it's people as evil, corrupt and greedy won't my life experience be far more limited than if I choose to focus upon the people of the world who are kind, generous and giving?

If I see a holiday as inherently bad or negative, where others see it as an opportunity to celebrate life and experience joy, then who is holding the 'limiting' perspective?

The fact is that both scenarios are true.....if i try, I can indeed find ample evidence to support either view.... It merely comes down to which perspective I choose to focus upon.

The state of the world is completely in the eye of the beholder. If I don't like what I you see, the only one that requires changing is ME.

[royster]

Given the choice between syphilis and gonarhea I choose to abstain from sex.

In the world, not of it.

Those of us who have been through a few civilisation destructions know the symptoms. We don't explain them away because we are unable to; we don't have that luxury. And we don't gloss over or dismiss our own foibles; we're required to face them unceasingly.

So defend your pineal-coating holi-day to your joyous contentedness all you want. It isn't my job to spoil your 'joy'. I merely challenge belief structures, because they seldom challenge themselves. And for the record, I appreciate having MINE challenged too.

Many blessings.

[st33med]

There is a few solutions:

1. Ask your partner if she has been tested.
2. Get yourself tested.

If you are so against sex and the pleasure that comes with it, then you are missing out. Good luck with hormones, cuz I have those right now in surplus and I have no one to um, play with.

[inri]

Originally Posted by royster

Given the choice between syphilis and gonarhea I choose to abstain from sex.

lol...and I'm so thankful that the myriad of results of what may ensue from a sexual encounter are so much more varied and positive than those two!...

My choice would be to simply take both symphilis and gonnorhea out of the equation so I could go ahead and enjoy myself!

In the world, not of it.

This is always dependent upon our level of awareness. When we view physical life with all of it's perks and accouterments as part and parcel of the ALL, a creation of our expanded self, it's impossible to get sucked in too deeply...and if we did...oh well....worse case scenario, we'd learn and grow.

To enjoy the perks of being physically alive and to do so with full awareness of our true nature is what it's all about imo.

So defend your pineal-coating holi-day to your joyous contentedness all you want.

I've come to see that The transcendent experience is not dependent upon engaging in activities or rituals have been deemed as holy or spiritual by the masses. We can connect with the greater part of ourselves at any time and I personally find that when I'm experiencing expanded awareness, joy and love, I'm particularly susceptible.

Many of my experiences of conversing telepathically with deceased loved ones, guides and the voice of my higher self have occurred while engaging in activities and experiences that I'm quite sure you'd deem as being 'un-holy,' and therefore inappropriate for such apparent pineal activation.....washing dishes, tobogganing with my children, enjoying a feast with family and friends, typing an e-mail...opening gifts around a tree....and horrors upon horrors..yes! even once while shopping.

It isn't my job to spoil your 'joy'.

...and it isn't my job to quell your judgment and therefore spoil the feeling that you receive from perceiving yourself as being someone who approaches spirituality in the 'proper' manner, whilst the majority of the masses go about it all wrong.

I merely challenge belief structures, because they seldom challenge themselves. And for the record, I appreciate having MINE challenged too.

I'm definitely with you here royster....two of my favorite things for sure...challenging belief structures and having mine challenged as well. The criteria I use to see if my own stand up is to ask myself if the belief I hold empowers or dis-empowers me.....limits me or adds to my freedom....helps me to create the reality of my highest vision or does it detract from my creation.


I've come to see that all beliefs or judgments that cause a contraction of my heart energy are judgments that I'd be best served to change.


Thanks for providing the opportunity for me to come to some new clarity myself on this issue...I know we don't see eye to on this one...despite this, I feel a really special energy emanating from you. I can see you're very serious about your connection to spirit...do you think that perhaps 'play' and 'fun' could also have a place in the process of spiritual growth and spiritual experience?

[royster]

worse case scenario, we'd learn and grow.

This is the case, here, Inri.

You've said some awesomely wonderful things. Due to where I am in mind and heart, I had to put off reading your post until I could sit here and listen openly. I'm glad I did that, because in many things lately, I've found myself being defensive, which definitely reflects what processes are going on in me and around me. I made it a point to post this word of thanks and "please be patient with me". Your points are quite valid and well worth considering. I'm experiencing Ascension PMS.

Joy and play are in my diet.

In lieu of everything, I ask forgiveness of the discordant energies I sometimes post. I'm working through those, and it reminds me I need to listen more, speak less, right now.

Many blessings.

[inri]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by royster

This is the case, here, Inri.

You've said some awesomely wonderful things. Due to where I am in mind and heart, I had to put off reading your post until I could sit here and listen openly. I'm glad I did that, because in many things lately, I've found myself being defensive, which definitely reflects what processes are going on in me and around me.

What you just wrote here actually reflects that above and beyond any current processes you may be experiencing....you have an uncanny ability for self introspection and a level of personal honesty and integrity that is quite uncommon....I'm incredibly impressed.

I made it a point to post this word of thanks and "please be patient with me". Your points are quite valid and well worth considering. I'm experiencing Ascension PMS.

Oh Boy..can I relate...lol...try pre-ascension PMS coupled with physical PMS...oh what fun!

Joy and play are in my diet

.

I was pretty sure they were, as seems to be indicated in many of your other wonderful & positive posts!

In lieu of everything, I ask forgiveness of the discordant energies I sometimes post. I'm working through those, and it reminds me I need to listen more, speak less, right now.

Actually Royster, this brand of 'discordant energies' is always welcomed in my books.....as I'm sure you're well aware, discord provides the greatest impetus to further expand our consciousness...often just when I'm thinking I've reached a permanent plateau of expansion and bliss, along comes some discordant energy to knock me on my butt....However I've found that if I don't allow myself to become immersed within it (well heck...even if I do!) I'll eventually float right on out and then rise to an even greater level of expansion!...So really...nothing at all to forgive...truly thanks are in order!..(Particularly for demonstrating here what true humility, self awareness and real expanded consciousness actually looks like!)

Just want to say also....Your points about over-focus upon the material aspects of physical have not been lost. I guess my point, and what I've come to realize through experiencing both polarities myself, is that exclusion, denial or lack of acceptance of any part of 'self' or the physical experience, often leads to an imbalance.

I see the process of spiritual expansion as follows; At a contracted level, we believe we are nothing more than physically based beings and thus focus solely on the material, becoming enraptured with physical acoutrements....(I think perhaps this is what you've written this thread about..?)

next step is realizing that we are primarily spiritual beings having a temporary physical experience. At this stage, many of us purposefully eschew that which is physical in favor of that which we deem as being 'of spirit.' We draw a line between that which we see as physical and that which we see as spiritual and deem one bad and one good.

The third stage of expansion (as I see it) is an acceptance and merging of ALL aspects of self, life, creation. From this vantage point, everything physical is acknowledged as a part of the spiritual..the whole....no better, no worse...just a creation of spirit....as nothing CAN be apart from the ALL.

Anyway, lol...I'll step off my soapbox now...I get a tad overzealous sometimes about these subjects.....like one could actually be right or wrong about any of this!!

Many blessings.

You've just provided me with a huge one!!...many blessings (& hugs & fun & frolic...confetti..silly string....maybe even a snowman image or two!!) to you as well!

[inri]

Originally Posted by royster

Lessons and blessings everywhere we go. I have found my greatest learning comes from humbling myself and admitting my mental dildos. (Should there be an "e" in there? "Dildoes"?) aH YES; dildoes...the lowest form of artificial intelligence except for Rush Limbaugh.

lol...lessons and blessings from admitting to mental 'dildoes'...now that is a 'pearl of wisdom.'

[royster]

I found that post a discordant energy so I deleted it. But I did post it with a light heart.

If you're following the "Ascension First Aid" thread, I explain a bit more.

Anyway, many thanks for your kind words. The exchange was syncronistic with the discordant energies within that I'm dealing with. I can't change the world, I can only change myself. This, apparently, may take another 53 years!!!

[royster]

Originally Posted by royster

I can't change the world, I can only change myself. This, apparently, may take another 53 years!!!

Think Christmas will still be around, then?

If Jesus makes good on his threat and returns, would Christmas still be valid?


And what about Monica?

[royster]

Originally Posted by royster

And what about Monica?

Santa Monica.

A couple years back, I was in a client's house during the 'holiday' season, and noticed a snow-globe with a blond Jesus in a cradle. Having just come from an AA meeting, I thought: "If this is the Jesus of their understanding, then i need to accept this." And for a while, I did, but I could never shake the fact that there are probably very few naturally-blond Palestinians.

Recently...and in part, due to this thread...I was reminded of the original pagan observation of this time of year; the Sun's birthday. As Jesus is Light, I came to an inner peace about this, and the solstice.

As I present unpopular views I also challenge myself. Those who choose to observe Christmas in its present condition are doing as they wish. By submitting the unpopular view, it is my hope they look deeper into the things they accept without discernment. I am not immune to my own words, and it doesn't hurt to return them to me when warranted.

That having been said, Peace On Earth.

NOW...STEP AWAY FROM THE CHOCOLATE AN' NO ONE GETS HURT!

[Angela]

Oh, man, this thread is so last year. We've already moved on to talking about the relative merits of Valentine's Day! (That one sparks up a controversial discussion every year!)

[royster]

I have every reason to observe Valentine's day.

It's my wife's birthday.

Oh, man, this thread is so last year. We've already moved on to talking about the relative merits of Valentine's Day!

What an energy-giving, encouraging insight you've provided us all! Thanks!

energy vampires ENERGY GIVERS

[royster]

Supposedly Christmas is to honor Jesus.

But does it?

From what I've seen, it diminishes the Christed message to the point of making it Disney-fied. And that's only when Jesus is even mentioned during the "Holiday" season.

Wait...wasn't it pronounced "HOLY day" originally?

By golly: yes, it was.

Looking at the over-all statistics of this event, Jesus is a mere 20% of the activity...relegated more to an excuse for it all, rather than a focal point.

.Are the Christed Ideals taught at this time of year?

.Do we show our kids, by example, what true giving-of-self is?

.Do we use this opportunity to conduct conversations about Jesus' teachings in a plain, simple-to-understand yet spiritual manner?

.We observe any number of military "holidays", and even a day to honor a black man...yet there is NO AMERICAN INDIAN OBSERVANCE HOLIDAY in the U.S.. Imagine a "Trail Of Tears Rememberance Day". It won't happen, because the U.S. Government does NOT acknowledge Indian Tribes.

.Do Jesus' teachings approve of a Christmas observation?

Answers may NOT be based on King James' bible, but rather the more ancient texts.

[Beingist]

Originally Posted by royster

.Do Jesus' teachings approve of a Christmas observation?

Not even (in my opinion). Otherwise, we wouldn't even be asking the question.

[newsight]

Oh Humbug.

[AngelPsychic444]

Originally Posted by ssandra

Seriously??

You are comparing a holiday to CANCER??

I'm sorry, but you've lost me now...

Christmas is what you make of it. If you don't like the big department stores stay out of them.
You can celebrate Christmas any way you like... don't confuse the people celebrating a holiday (and how they do it) with the holiday itself.

That's such a good answer thanks for that!

[royster]

Seriously??

You are comparing a holiday to CANCER??

Originally Posted by royster

Absolutely. In understanding the fractal universe, Christmas is identical to several diseases, all of them taking root by opportunistic laxity..."Oh, that's just..." These diseases don't occur suddenly; they are introduced by small corruptions over time. On the cellular level, the invasive cells set up shop, begin to set "norms", and proceed to then make healthy cells feel "stupid", "because you're not like the rest of us!"

What is cancer? It is the unregulated manufacture...industry...of dysfunctional cells, irrespective to the host's resources or well-being.

But as I've said elsewhere, many folks will spring forth to defend their "belief" and fondness of Christmas, and that's their choice. I have learned that there is little chance of re-educating belief systems, as each of them is fatally flawed, and will eventually collapse under their own weight.

One subtle change that has been allowed to take root, and no one seems to mind: "holiday" is rooted in "Holy day". I see nothing "holy" about the Christmas season, when compared to legitimate spiritual observations.

I will also add that the thought process that most people use to justify Christmas is identical to that which the alcoholic uses for "just one more drink".

the invasive cells set up shop, begin to set "norms", and proceed to then make healthy cells feel "stupid", "because you're not like the rest of us!"

Look, I'm not tampering with anyone's right to harbor a bald-face lie. But if you defend the right to subscribe to outright lies on this topic, how many OTHER lies are you defending the right to harbor? Because the fact is: you're using a specific thought process in this area. It is more than likely this is your overall thought process. If you're into "self-help", you might take the cue and look deeper. Otherwise, you're putting on airs. Eliminating unnecessary and harmful thought processes is what self-help and recovery is all about.

[Angela]

It's that time of year again!

I am once again appreciating what LostMyMap said:

I think Christmas is a nifty little test of where you are with yourself.

Christmas is a rather large complicated thing, so you can decide for yourself whether you want to see materialism and greed and wallow in your depressive cynicism, or you want to see a time of joy, happiness, and generosity. Is it a time to view all that's wrong with humanity, or a time to stop and ponder all that is right with humanity, and celebrate our capacity to have love and peace and good will toward our fellow people?

When you walk by a manger scene, or a Santa, real or plastic, they ain't nothing but a big ole mirror showing you a bit of yourself. If you didn't like what you saw.....

What Christmas is, is what you decide it to be for yourself. It isn't Wal-Mart, ToysRUs, your TV, or Jesus. It's all you.

Peace. and HO HO HO!!!

God (or whatever) bless us everyone!

[hazelfern]

For those who are interested in reviewing their Christmas celebrations and scaling back I recommend the book "Unplug the Christmas Machine" by Jo Robinson and Jean C. Staeheli. I read this book years ago and scaled back much of my Christmas activities that I did because I felt I "had" to.

Also, for this quote:

Originally Posted by inri

The third stage of expansion (as I see it) is an acceptance and merging of ALL aspects of self, life, creation. From this vantage point, everything physical is acknowledged as a part of the spiritual..the whole....no better, no worse...just a creation of spirit....as nothing CAN be apart from the ALL.

Yes, I am realizing this myself. I have focused for many years on the mental and spiritual and neglected the physical. I now see that there needs to be a balance, that all need to work together. If we did not need the physical experience, if only mental and spiritual were sufficient for growth, why would we need to live here on Earth? The physical contributes to spiritual and mental well being, accepting the physical potential and limitations, in my experience, is part of growth and learning. Which, unfortunately, doesn't mean that everyone else has reached this same conclusion.

[royster]

Christmas was once a moveable feast celebrated at many different times during the year. The choice of December 25, was made by Pope Julius I, in the 4th century A.D., because this coincided with the pagan rituals of Winter Solstice, or Return of the Sun. The intent was to replace the pagan celebration with the Christian one.

Jesus Christ, son of Mary, was born in a cave, not in a wooden stable. Caves were used to keep animals in because of the intense heat. A large church is now built over the cave, and people can go down inside the cave. The carpenters of Jesus' day were really stone cutters. Wood was not used as widely as it is today. So whenever you see a Christmas nativity scene with a wooden stable -- that's the "American" version, not the Biblical one.

There are approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees sold each year. Christmas trees are actually gown in all 50 states and Canada with Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington being the biggest producers. When a tree is cut down one to three seedlings are planted in it's place. It takes a tree an average of seven years to mature.

Facts on Holiday Waste
From Thanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25%. Added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons - it all adds up to an additional 1 million tons a week to our landfills. (EPA and Use Less Stuff)

In the U.S., annual trash from gift-wrap and shopping bags totals 4 million tons. (Use Less Stuff)

Cards
The 2.65 billion Christmas cards sold each year n the U.S. could fill a football field 10 stories high. If we each sent one card less, we'd save 50,000 cubic yards of paper. (Use Less Stuff) Consider sending an electronic card.

If every family reused just two feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet.

Every year 200,000 trees will be cut down to make holiday cards.

Food
At least 28 billion pounds of edible food are wasted each year - or over 100 pounds per person. (Use Less Stuff)

Paper
Half of the paper America consumes is used to wrap and decorate consumer products. (The Recycler's Handbook)

Christmas Trees
Each year, 50 million Christmas trees are purchased in the U.S. (Cygnus Group). Of those, about 30 million go to the landfill. (Environmental News Network)

Gifts
The average American spends $800 on gifts over the holiday season.
According to a national survey, 70% of Americans would welcome less emphasis on gift giving and spending. (Center for a New American Dream)
About 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. (EPA)

Transportation
If each family reduced holiday gasoline consumption by one gallon (about twenty miles), we'd reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one million tons. (Use Less Stuff)

More household waste is produced between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than any other time of the year–about 6 million tons of added waste nationwide.

The denial thought process to participate in Christmas requires glossing over the above facts and several hundred more.

When we permit one denial, it tells our belief system that other denials are okay, too. When we refuse to see the dysfunctions in ourselves and our world, we're contributing to the problem, not solving it. In fact, we enable it.

STATS NOT MENTIONED:
.Factory farming of turkeys, veal, pork and other animals
.Third-world labor exploitation
.Manufacturing impact of Christmas plastics, glass and fiberglass -hazardous wastes from that process
.Suicide rate spike at Christmas
.Accidents due to holiday drinking-DUI charges and encumberances
.Billions of dollars sent to China for goods that are Christmas-specific
.Long-term psychological impact on children
.
.

[royster]

WAS JESUS CAUCASIAN?
http://www.anointedlinks.com/real_jesus.html
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070430053732AAojim4
The Real Face Of Jesus - What Did Jesus Look Like? - Popular Mechanics

Jesus descended from Abraham who migrated from what is today modern day Turkey.

He was raised in the culture of Israelites who referred to themselves as Jewish. While most believe Jew is an ethnic heritage it is actually more of a system of belief referenced to the time when Jehovah established his wisdom in the tribe of Judah, thus the term Jew.

[Angela]

One thing I love about the Chrismas industry is fairy lights. I love those strings of lights that have 8 different functions, from steady light to slow and fast blink, to chasing racing to waaaarm up cooooool down. The ones I've got are those LED lights that use less power than a lamp, and I love just basking in them at night without any other indoor lighting except maybe candles. Sometimes I toss a whole string of them into a trifle bowl and use that as a lightshow centerpiece.