A Christmas Present From The Jesus Freaks

[browng-08]

Why is it that the outrageously rude non-believers always find these threads first?

I was just being honest... I don't even like Christmas. It's far too commercial for my liking... Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, not Santa, bright coniferous trees and really really bad music. You should spend the season giving to the poor, praying and with the ones you love and then f*ck all the damned trees and toys! That's what I have to say...

Yeas, well, December 25th wasn't even the day Jesus was born. It was originally a Pagan festival that Constantine (or so people say) incorporated so Pagans would be more into Christianity, or something along those lines.

Yeah, well, Jesus didn't even historically exist. Heand his story was a metaphore developed by sun-worshipping Egyptians to symbolize the human life and guide them to live morally. He was passed down and evolved as he changed cultures. Jesus is Greek for Joshua. Eventually, his cult, which would become the first Christians made the stories literal, believing them to be history. Then Constantine came and, most of you know the rest...

I learned something completely different... If there was Christ, specifically, at his time he was nothing special. There were lots of people that were claiming to be the Savior of the Jews back then... So, a while after his death, Paul, I believe it was, started trying to spread Jesus's supposed word (the New Testament) in Rome (where it was outlawed at he time). Then Constantine comes along, makes it legal AND the dominant religion and uses it as a political tool. 1500 or so years later, here we are.

Constantine needed to unify his crumbling empire, and his solution was to pick a religion and make it mandatory. he chose the previously obscure cult of Christianity because it demanded the worship of only one god and only the one religion. After it was made the official religion, any dissenters were sought out and slaughered. All evidence of non-christian images were altered/destroyed. Constantine held a meeting where he decided how to show the sory of Jesus and tha'ts where he was made son-of-god and the Virgin birth and it was all made literal history, and not just a myth.

[Strife]

Why is it that the outrageously rude non-believers always find these threads first?

I was just being honest... I don't even like Christmas. It's far too commercial for my liking... Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, not Santa, bright coniferous trees and really really bad music. You should spend the season giving to the poor, praying and with the ones you love and then f*ck all the damned trees and toys! That's what I have to say...

Yeas, well, December 25th wasn't even the day Jesus was born. It was originally a Pagan festival that Constantine (or so people say) incorporated so Pagans would be more into Christianity, or something along those lines.

Yeah, well, Jesus didn't even historically exist. Heand his story was a metaphore developed by sun-worshipping Egyptians to symbolize the human life and guide them to live morally. He was passed down and evolved as he changed cultures. Jesus is Greek for Joshua. Eventually, his cult, which would become the first Christians made the stories literal, believing them to be history. Then Constantine came and, most of you know the rest...

I learned something completely different... If there was Christ, specifically, at his time he was nothing special. There were lots of people that were claiming to be the Savior of the Jews back then... So, a while after his death, Paul, I believe it was, started trying to spread Jesus's supposed word (the New Testament) in Rome (where it was outlawed at he time). Then Constantine comes along, makes it legal AND the dominant religion and uses it as a political tool. 1500 or so years later, here we are.

Constantine needed to unify his crumbling empire, and his solution was to pick a religion and make it mandatory. he chose the previously obscure cult of Christianity because it demanded the worship of only one god and only the one religion. After it was made the official religion, any dissenters were sought out and slaughered. All evidence of non-christian images were altered/destroyed. Constantine held a meeting where he decided how to show the sory of Jesus and tha'ts where he was made son-of-god and the Virgin birth and it was all made literal history, and not just a myth.

Now now, this arguement belongs in a different thread. This is for holiday spirit not for holiday arguements. Just telling you guy's that it's doesn't belong here. If you wish carry on.

[Caleb the Cruel]

lol I forgot to mention that it's very nice of you. I just joined a few days ago so I'm guessing I don't deserve premium yet, but I'll be more than happy to spread a little christmas spirit! I know I could use some.

You deserve premium more than anyone else right now as you've shown the most Christmas spirit so far by simply posting that picture! Don't lose your lead!

[radiojake]

christmas is lame

[Strife]

All I have to say. Enjoy Christmas JFC members, and all christians.

Caleb, Ariel is not the only one. Check the first page. But I don't need premium, someone already got it for me.

[browng-08]

Now now, this arguement belongs in a different thread. This is for holiday spirit not for holiday arguements. Just telling you guy's that it's doesn't belong here. If you wish carry on.

Heh, sorry. That's why I posted the apology; I'm an 17 yr old ex-christian moral atheist. I'm generallly on good terms with all theists, but I can't help getting into a good arguement/rant. I really do suggest reading this book, though.

http://www.tomharpur.com/books/books_thepaganchrist.asp
The Pagan Christ by bishop Tom Harpur
After the discoveries he made in his research, hebeleives his faith in Christianity has increased, and for "non-believers" (rude?) it might offer some insight. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[got tonkaed]

I would nominate got tonkaed. He has always been respectful in his disagreements and also promised me that he would let me use his free premium if he wins.

ha as long as your gaining me points i dont see how i could turn you down. Though id admit its not hard for people to play this game better than i do.

[OnlyAmbrose]

There are quite a few people I would nominate for contest 3. vtmarick and got tonkaed to name two, but there's plenty of others out there we all know and love

[lucky_topher]

I don't have an "amazing" story about me, but came across one on another forum I frequent...

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/show ... p?t=110195

[lucky_topher]

as for christmas spirit... here we go...

We went and got a REAL tree (keep in mind this is texas, not typical snow areas or anything with tree farms)...



here's when we got it up



and all decorated...



and with all the presents (this pic i just took, the other is from a few wks ago)



here's the towels in the bathroom...



and the hand towel in there...



we made a gingerbread house...



and put our initials in it hehehe <3



here's my fireplace, our stockings, the nativity scene (that is as old as me!), my christmas cards, the wreath with angles, etc...



my kitchen table... with a snowman runner, and a decorative corner complete with "electric reindeer" brand wine...



plus we went to my company christmas party... here's before at her parents' house..



and us there...



and then we both got to meet santa at the party










we have known each other for 14 years.... she is my sister's lifetime best friend... but only 6 months ago did we even consider dating when our paths crossed AGAIN for a random time and i decided to ask her out... we've been together ever since, and will have been together for 6 months on dec 22nd... this is of course our first christmas together (and my first ever with a significant other) and it is wonderful...

also there are other decorations, snowmen on top of the bigscreen tv and in the entertainment center... decorations on top of both dvd storage cabinets, hot plate in the kitchen and candles everywhere... all in a less-than-700-sqft 1-bedroom apartment!

[bedub1]

lucky_topher .... I love your photos....


And what kind of xmass story do you want? I love writing stories and am willing to take that one on.....do you have a length limit? will you actually read it if it's long?

[freezie]

Why is it that the outrageously rude non-believers always find these threads first?

Probably late to answer to this, but here it is: The spammers ( AKA those who click refresh every 5 seconds to see who has posted on the forums since ) are the rude ones

[Ariel*]

That's awesome lucky topher, thanks for sharing! You guys look pretty together, beautiful pictures. Cute gingerbread house! And I like the towels lol I don't think I can top your christmas spirit spreading!

[bedub1]

‘Twas a couple nights before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for Santa, some reindeer, some elves, a bunch of department stores, lots of card companies, some Santa’s with bells begging for money, bums on the street looking for a handout, and lots of ads on the television, commercializing the day beyond all hope. Yet in a small town, in the hills of a slightly populated State, nestled in between the majestic mountains covered in snow and the lake with ice forming on the edge, did a miracle appear. The miracle wasn’t like you hear of in the Bible, with men walking on water, or water turning into wine, or a loaf of bread feeding 5000. It was a realistic miracle, an everyday miracle that isn’t even seen as a miracle. Only with the light of God could can the miracle been seen.

After finishing a hard day of work, a man stepped out of his small office, and onto the street. Trudging through the freshly fallen snow to his car, the sound of a Choir singing in the distance, a Santa’s bell jingling in the air, he notices a $10 bill lying in the snow. What a lucky day he thinks to himself, picking it up, brushing off the snow, and placing it in his pocket. At the end of a long work day, without any further work until after the holiday, and nothing but a trip to the grocery store before the trip home to be with his wife, he is excited at the prospect of his find.

After hopping in his car, warming up and defrosting the windshield, he heads off to the grocery store for the necessary items his wife has requested. A quick jog through the store, filling up his cart, he gets in line to wait and pay. As typical, he finds himself trapped behind a little old lady, digging through her purse for the money to pay for her items. As she comes up $8.36 short, the clerk informs her she needs to remove some items from her cart in order to proceed. As he screams inside his head at this delay, his mind returns to the $10 bill in his pocket. His heart begins to warm as he reaches into his pocket, extracts the bill, and hands it to the teller. Merry Christmas he wishes the old woman. She smiles at him, takes the change, and heads off into the night.

Gently placing the groceries into her car, she waves at the kind man as he exits the grocery store. He smiles and waves back. Nimbly she settles into the car, and heads off into the night. Momentarily she arrives at her destination, and begins to unload her groceries. She gives a nod to a frigid man sitting on the street as she heads into the soup kitchen. He shivers and shakes, curling up against the harshness of the wind. Inside, unpacking the groceries, the cook begins to prepare the meal. As the aromas of food drift out the front door, the frigid man manages to lift himself up, pulling on the side of the building for support, and then stumbles into the building.

As he waddles into the line, the warmth of the building crashes over him like a wave on the beach. He picks up his bowl, and proceeds through the line. A simple meal and 15 minutes of rest on a warm bench inside the facility give him strength as he has never known. His soul is warmed, and he is able to stand up strong and firm and instead of stumble out of the building, he is able to walk upright like a normal person. As he crests the entrance of the building, he looks to the left as a young child runs out of the shadows and into the street, just as a bus is barreling down the road. With the agility of a cat, he darts into the street, and pulls the young child out of the way of the oncoming vehicle. The child with a look of shock on his face, smiles, looks both ways, and runs across the street to his waiting family.

Climbing into the back of the SUV, he and his parents head off to church for Mass. The child sneaks in the back, and manages to wind his way up onto the stage with the rest of the choir. As the final song is played, he steps up for his solo,, where he sings to the praises of the Lord and his wonderful actions. The congregation, normally quiet and subdued, rise to their feet as the pastor leads the way out, singing with enthusiasm and cheering with joy as the child’s voice resounds through the acoustics of the building. In the back, a rich old man has a tear brought in his eye at the wondrousness of the sound.

The old man follows the pastor out of the building, as singing echoes throughout the town. He hums to himself as he slowly meanders down the street, heading towards home. As he approaches the grocery store, the sound of the singing softy fades out, and the sound of a ringing bell fills his ears. He spies the Santa, huddled in the corner, ringing his bell. With a warm heart, he reaches into his pocket, pulls out his wallet, removes a dollar, and fails to notice the $10 bill fall into the snow. He gives the Santa the dollar and heads off into the night.

Only through God could a single $10 bill found in the snow buy the groceries to feed the man to save the boy to sing the song to warm the heart that drop the bill.....

[happy2seeyou]

Very nice idea Jesus Freaks. I don't need the premium, but maybe tomorrow I will post pics of my tree.

And btw, bedub.... great story!!

[Minister Masket]

Does lucky topher realise that he has the exact same face in every one of his pictures?

Merry Christmas everybody, I hate you all!

[lucky_topher]

Does lucky topher realise that he has the exact same face in every one of his pictures?

Merry Christmas everybody, I hate you all!

it's my zoolander pose

i have braces so i rarely smile with teeth for now

[Beastly]

I nominate CoffeeCream, because he wasn't a Christian, He was very respectful and deserves a nice Christmas present from the Jesus Freaks.

[Daring Overlord5]

well here is my attempt at a christmas story, iknow its kinda short but anyway.


The Soldier’s Christmas Present

I come to tell a tale full of joy and spirit. But also I must warn you, full of sadness and grief. It comes from a time full of war and oppression where men can be mean and people are selfish.

“Wake Up People!! We got a job to do!!”
Why do mornings have to come so soon, and with such a rude awakening?
“Just because its Christmas Eve doesn’t mean you can sleep in. This is the Army, and the Army doesn’t take holidays.”
Well that’s the Army for you. Don’t get to see your family or even take a rest. At least it pays ok. Oh what I wouldn’t give to be back in Kansas with my and kid. I wonder how he will handle Christmas without me?

He got stuck on patrol that day walking the streets, trying to keep the peace. Chaos unfolded around him and the rest of his squad.

“Watch the left flank!”
“Take Cover!”
“To the Right! In the Building!”

They charged the building, most saying prayers as they entered. The insurgents inside were ready for them. Bullets whizzed around the room. The squad was mowed down and the insurgents left for their next ambush. They were all killed or injured beyond hope and left for dead.

Where the *ell am I? What’s going on?
The lone soldier passed out.

He wakes up the next morning to the sound of voices, English speaking voices.
Could another squad have raided the block and found us?

“Who are you?”
The person didn’t answer.
“What are you doing to me?”
The man answers, “Merry Christmas, I have a present for you. It’s your life.”
The wounded soldier passes out again.

When he awakes, and finds himself in a hospital.

“What happened?”
“That’s what we want to know,” the nurse replied. “They found you at the gate of the camp you are stationed at. Someone saw you carried to the gate but didn’t get there fast enough to see who it was who saved you.”

And to this day the man doesn’t know who saved him.
Was it another soldier?
Was it the enemy?
Was it Santa Clause?
Was it an angel?
Was it his will to live?
Was it his child and wife?
Was it Jesus?
Was it God?


Merry Christmas

[heavycola]

It's good to see that in keeping with christmas, these stories are all fictional

I've got one.

Heavycola's Christmas story...

With Jimmy Stewart as Joseph and Kate Winslet as Mary.

Once upon a time there was a lady called Mary. She gave birth to a son depsite being a virgin and claimed he was the son of god. Some people fell for this.
Her son Jesus grew up a carpenter, but one day he got bored of making chairs and wandered off around Galilee asking people to stop being assholes to each other all the time. He kept his audiences listening with fantastic illusions and was a bit like David Blaine in this respect. Once he famously wowed partygoers at a wedding in Canaa with a water-to-wine routine.

But the Roman overlords decided they quite liked being assholes and who the hell was this guy anyway? So they crucified him. But it was all a set-up! 3 days later jesus reappeared. This trick was SO good that he inadvertently started a religion. Panicking, jesus did his levitiation party piece and told the crowd he was going up to heaven. In actual fact he escaped to France, where his descendants were to feature in badly written blockbuster novels many years later.

THE END


I woudl like to have my premium cut short, please. IS this possible (Seriously).

[radiojake]

It's good to see that in keeping with christmas, these stories are all fictional

I've got one.

Heavycola's Christmas story...

With Jimmy Stewart as Joseph and Kate Winslet as Mary.

Once upon a time there was a lady called Mary. She gave birth to a son depsite being a virgin and claimed he was the son of god. Some people fell for this.
Her son Jesus grew up a carpenter, but one day he got bored of making chairs and wandered off around Galilee asking people to stop being assholes to each other all the time. He kept his audiences listening with fantastic illusions and was a bit like David Blaine in this respect. Once he famously wowed partygoers at a wedding in Canaa with a water-to-wine routine.

But the Roman overlords decided they quite liked being assholes and who the hell was this guy anyway? So they crucified him. But it was all a set-up! 3 days later jesus reappeared. This trick was SO good that he inadvertently started a religion. Panicking, jesus did his levitiation party piece and told the crowd he was going up to heaven. In actual fact he escaped to France, where his descendants were to feature in badly written blockbuster novels many years later.

THE END


I woudl like to have my premium cut short, please. IS this possible (Seriously).

Gold

[InkL0sed]

It's spelled "submission".

[Heimdall]

It's good to see that in keeping with christmas, these stories are all fictional

I've got one.

Heavycola's Christmas story...

With Jimmy Stewart as Joseph and Kate Winslet as Mary.

Once upon a time there was a lady called Mary. She gave birth to a son depsite being a virgin and claimed he was the son of god. Some people fell for this.
Her son Jesus grew up a carpenter, but one day he got bored of making chairs and wandered off around Galilee asking people to stop being assholes to each other all the time. He kept his audiences listening with fantastic illusions and was a bit like David Blaine in this respect. Once he famously wowed partygoers at a wedding in Canaa with a water-to-wine routine.

But the Roman overlords decided they quite liked being assholes and who the hell was this guy anyway? So they crucified him. But it was all a set-up! 3 days later jesus reappeared. This trick was SO good that he inadvertently started a religion. Panicking, jesus did his levitiation party piece and told the crowd he was going up to heaven. In actual fact he escaped to France, where his descendants were to feature in badly written blockbuster novels many years later.

THE END


I woudl like to have my premium cut short, please. IS this possible (Seriously).

[Caleb the Cruel]

I nominate CoffeeCream, because he wasn't a Christian, He was very respectful and deserves a nice Christmas present from the Jesus Freaks.

There's only one problem with that now...CoffeeCream is now a member of the JFC.


Well we've had a few nice(and a couple not-so-nice) posts now, but let's get some more Christmas spirit before this contest ends!

[suggs]

any chance you could leave our pagan festival alone, jesus boys?
its got nothing to do with your ridiculous cult, so please stay in doors and leave us to our drinking, eating, and raucous shouting.
Merry winter solstice to you.