Nativity Drama in West Chester

Karen Porter, Director of the CCPM and Chester County Obama Team leader recently penned a letter to West Chester’s Daily Local newspaper expounding on what she perceives to be an offensive creche on display outside the Chester County Courthouse. Apparently, the offense stems from the use of non middle eastern statues in the display. If she finds this sublimely beautiful creche to be contemptuous, then there are creches from every culture that she may find equally offensive. Pope Benedict recently reflected on the meaning of the creche:

On Gaudete Sunday, December 14, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI said, “Standing before the crèche, we will be able to taste Christian joy, contemplating in the new-born Jesus the face of God who out of love made himself close to us”

Surely, as a life long christian, she would know that transcending any type of creche is the simple message of renewal, hope and love gifted to humanity on that fateful night. This gift is reflected in the faces of all those who believe regardless of ethnicity. In his ministry on earth, Jesus welcomed sinners, outcasts, crucified criminals, the wealthy and the poor alike:

“Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my load is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus did not discriminate based upon the ethnicity of his followers, only those that would seek to abuse Christianity would do so. However, I suspect it not the skin color of the statues that is offensive to Karen Porter, but the message itself. She is no more a Christian than Mohamed the prophet was.

Speaking of Islam, I took a closer look at the ‘decorations’ on the tree of knowledge that is looming over the creche. What I found did not surprise me:

Book covers discussing the fraud of Christianity:

Book covers discussing the fraud of Christ:

Book covers discussing the fraud of the God:

The case against Christmas and various similar themes:

What I did not find on this tree shocked me. Not one book cover detailing the fraud of Islam, or for that matter, the “fraud” of Hinduism, Buddhism or Jainism. Why not – they are organized religions as well? Why such a narrow focus on the ‘tree of knowledge”?

Perhaps a better name for this tree would be “The Tree of Bullhockey”.

The ‘offensive’ Creche of West Chester, Pa:

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people; for unto you is born, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10, 11)

Full disclosure prompts me to inform the readers that I am Catholic but claim no superior knowledge on any religion. However, I do possess an excellent BS detector!

A reader posted a great quote in the comment section that needs to be read far and wide:

Thanks ADN!

galatians 3.26-3.28

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

A Christmas Day Crossing

Christmas Day 1776:

My brave fellows. On our recent march through Jersey from New York, one of our own, Thomas Paine, aide-de-camp to Gen’l Greene, penned by firelight a tract which captures the essence of our present situation. Permit me to share with you a few lines…

The person acting in the role of General Washington for 2007 and 2008 is Ronald Rinaldi III.

These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot, will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country, but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

What we obtain too cheap we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.

You, the officers and men of this American Army must remember that you are free men fighting for the blessings of liberty.

At this fateful hour the eyes of all our countrymen are now upon us. The eyes of the world are watching. Let us show them all that a freeman contending for Liberty on his own ground is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.

And when the hour is upon us fight for all that you are worth and all that you cherish and love. The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct that you show.

The watch word is VICTORY OR DEATH — For I am resolved that by dawn both Trenton and Victory shall be ours – George Washington

Witnessing the annual Crossing is a great Christmas pastime in this corner of America. Listening the Washington’s speech to his fellow soldiers is especially poignant this year. Thomas Payne warned of the danger of what we obtain cheaply, I wonder what his opinion would be regarding the incoming administration and the voters who brought this about?

G.F. Handel "Messiah"

Merry Christmas!

Joy to the World – Faith Hill:

Remember, if Christmas isn’t found in your heart, you won’t find it under a tree.”
~ Charlotte Carpenter.

Merry Christmas to one and all!

THE FIRST NOEL:

Random Fluffines

Yes, he is just that cute! I’m sharing some random fluffiness with my readers and lurkers.

The Gift of Giving

Tis the season to give to donations of time, money or assets to charity instead of collecting presents. While this noble effort that brings home the real meaning of this season, you should take the time to check out a website called Charity Navigator. It is an indispensable tool to help you in deciding which charity will be the beneficiary of your good will.

The website is an independent charity evaluator. Through this database, you can find out where your charity dollars are going and get a snapshot of the fiscal picture of your particular charity. It is a great tool to make sure your donation is put to the greatest use.

As a general rule, I avoid UN backed charities based on the low efficiency ratings and non transparency of their charities.

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time

It wouldn’t be Christmas without this tune played over and over and over…

A Fairy Tale of New York

A Christmas Classic by The Pogues and Christie MacColl:

Longwood Gardens Christmas Display:

To my Longwood Garden visitor: thanks for taking time to visit this blog. I’ve not had the opportunity to visit Longwood this season, a shocking deficiency that I will soon correct. I’m looking forward to renewing my membership and admiring the artistic delights of the Conservatory at Christmas.

Tis The Season

Don’t forget to give the gift of real hope this year – not the sort that Obama was blathering on about this past year: Donate to Project Valour IT

Gift ideas for the Obama Voter

In these worsening economic times, I considered presenting my hapless relative who mistakenly voted for Obama with a beautifully wrapped empty box for Christmas. A celebration of all he really offered the voting public.

However, two items have caught my attention as perfect O-Christmas gifts:

Reindeer poop ornaments

LOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) _ The Christmas ornaments for sale at the Miller Park Zoo’s gift shop are partly manufactured by reindeer. Honest!

Staffers make decorations out of droppings from the zoo’s two reindeer, Ealu and Rika. The droppings are dried, then clear-coated and either painted or rolled in glitter.

Zoo marketing director Susie Ohley has named the products “magical reindeer gem ornaments,” and each comes with a label of authenticity. They cost $5 at the zoo gift shop.

A Planned Parenthood Gift Certificate

“Why not buy a loved one a gift this holiday season that they really need,” Cockrum says in a press release LifeNews.com obtained. “The gift certificates are also a wonderful idea for that person in your life who puts everyone else first.”

“Please join Planned Parenthood of Indiana and give the gift of health this holiday season,” she adds.

According to Chrystal Struben-Hall, PPIN’s vice president, buyers of gift certificates can give the gift of death, too.

She confirmed to WISH-TV that they can be used for abortions, even though that’s not the intended purpose.

“They really are intended for preventative healthcare. We decided not to put restrictions on the gift certificates so it’s for whatever people feel they need the services for most,” she said.

Tis the season to be jolly, and I predict a sparkling Christmas at chez Skye!