I read this funny story last week –in a conservative Catholic publication I hasten to add. The teacher was talking to the children in her class about how they spent Christmas. Patrick, who was Catholic, said that his family went to midnight Mass sang carols, came home and got their stockings ready for the toys Santa would bring. Jimmy who was Lutheran, said that they went to church sang hymns and carols and came home got milk ready for Santa hung up their stockings for the toys that Santa would bring. The next boy, Jacob, was Jewish. “Well, Jacob how did you spend Christmas?” “Well,” said Jacob, “it’s the same story every year. Dad came home from the office, we all piled into the Rolls Royce and he drove us to the Toy factory he owns and showed us all the empty shelves.” “And what did you do then?” “We all sang: What a friend we have in Jesus.”
Christmas celebrates the birth of the one who is called ‘the Prince of Peace in’ a stable in Bethlehem. ‘Prince of Peace’ is one title for Jesus but we might be better without the royal title and simply refer to him as the ‘Peace-Maker.’ We must ask what that title means today. Many who call themselves Christians believe in war and building weapons of mass destruction. Many who profess to believe in the God of Peace are not committed to peace.
Isn’t it a bit odd that many who celebrate the birth of ‘the Prince of Peace’ every year will go out and buy guns for their little boys? Okay, they are replicas -but they continue the old custom of giving children guns and tanks at Christmas. There is an acceptance that guns -even as toys -are suitable for children. Replica toy guns should not be part of the Christmas gifts from Santa or anyone else. They are completely contrary to the spirit of Christmas and the beginning of the reign of peace in our world. Jesus was not a kill-joy but I do not think he would be impressed with replica guns being given to children at the feast of his birth. Parents can change this culture. Indeed, they have the greatest responsibility to bring about change in attitudes towards the use of guns.
There is a widespread acceptance and glorification of guns and violence in Ireland. Is it any wonder this is the case when children from their early years are encouraged to use guns – even imitation toys? We have to change the culture in Ireland about the use of guns and violence and make them unacceptable and unsuitable as toys for children.
The fascination with guns which many grown men have probably began in their early years when they received a gun from Santa at Christmas and made some toy factory owner very happy. That should end. Who was it who said the only difference between men and boys was the price of their toys?
A Happy, violence-free Christmas to all!
somebody with no kids themselves dictating to parents what way to bring their kids up.typical.
Billy ,did anybody ever tell you you’re *************?
no,johnny
Michael C you do know that is pure abuse don’t you. I can only assume Jude hasn’t spotted this as I’d expect it to be taken down.
Perhaps you should attempt writing something constructive mate.
yes scott pure abuse as you point out,seems an almost daily thing on this site,but theres no point complaining as nothings ever done about it.even the blogs authors are given free rein to write abusive blogs,sometimes its better letting the general public reading here judge for themselves the one sided nature of it.
Michael – don’t sling insults. If you think someone is lacking in knowledge, point out where. I’ll redact your comment this time but you really mustn’t do unadorned insult…
Did you lads miss the message? Peace and Christmas? I’ll resist the temptation to join the squabble and instead wish you all, and everyone else at this site, a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
Nollaig shona duit Mary Jo
Jude I’ve replied to your email but as I’m unsure whether you wanted a response via email or in the comments section I’ve copied it and am posting it here also.
Hello Jude
The abuse that I wanted to highlight was directed towards the contributor known as billy.
It occurred in the blog called “Christmas” by Joe McVeigh on the 18th December 2016
The abusive comment was made by a contributor known as michael c at 9:02pm and it said the following
“billy, did anyone ever tell you you’re a ignoramus”
Kind Regards
Scott Rutherford
A response to this would be greatly appreciated
I was responding to the insult directed at Fr Joe McVeigh by Billy .
lets not try and turn this around,you done the insulting.i merely pointed out as somebody that has raised a family knows better than somebody that hasnt raised one.no insult there whatsoever.
AYE RIGHT!