It amazes me if he's not bashing Trump He's bashing other Christians I guess every liberal progressive needs to feel they need to be a Judas to help their cause
@revedtrevors4961 Thank you. I am relieved. We had a group like that where we used to live. They thought any Mass not in Latin was of the devil. I often wonder if God laughs at us like an "I Love Lucy" show or weeps about our mean pettiness. Well, Scripture sometimes makes me weep for Him because it sounds like a broken-hearted Father pleading with us. Jesus wept several times and lamented the same way. And as He was dying from the torture, he asked that the Father would forgive us because we just don't get it. God, help us to get it and receive and share Your gift. Please help us. I am so sorry that we break Your Heart. Thank You for Your Love, patience, and forgiveness. Sometimes, i honestly wait for a lightning bolt to devour us when i hear such arrogant words from some or from me as i encounter various situations. Yet, You never do it. It must be very hard not to. I wish we could hug you, i really do.
@@tommartel7386 how is he "bashing other Christians?"I don't hear that at all. I hear him pointing out that Christ talked about forgiveness, and love, not "ownership," and certainly not judging others. Could you please explain what you mean? Thanks
The bible is a workbook. A congregation sits down with a pencil and crosses out the parts that don't align with their church doctrine or their existing beliefs.
"This is Our Season, Not YOURS".... this Christian is spitting chips. How ridiculous and rude! This sign just proves the Athiest's point. Some people also need to learn some of their church history as to why we celebrate the way we do. Thank you for this video.
@timdowney6721 You might be looking in the wrong places. I suggest you look in soup kitchens, groups that visit people in prison and hospitals (including those who go to entertain) - look for those groups or individuals who help the homeless, orphans, poor , and marginalized. Then you will find joyful Christians.
The phrase "Joy to the World" is most famously associated with the Christmas carol of the same name, written by Isaac Watts in 1719. Watts was a prolific English hymn writer, and "Joy to the World" is one of his most enduring contributions to Christian music. .........
Victim hood is astounding in Christianity… Let’s get something straight. My parents (born in 1930 & 38 - both silent generation) were Christians, not fanatical like it is nowadays.. and in the Chicago area, I grew up around a lot of Jewish families. We never said “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” to insult Christians. We did it to be RESPECTFUL of folks with other beliefs and traditions. You remember respect???? What a disgrace that basically this entire religion has become so divisive, hateful and rude. 💔 Thank you Reverend, for this video. Wishing everyone worldwide, peace and joy in this season of light, and good health in the coming new year. 🕎🎄🕊️
There is one person who had his feet washed and had a seat at the table that we have to remember was there... that was JUDAS ISCARIOT. If Jesus could do that to him, we can work things out with others. Just saying.
I don't understand how anyone, with a straight face, can say that they should have exclusive right to a day. We are not a single religion in this country, let alone a single Christian denomination. We should enjoy the diversity rather than trying to have exclusivity. I guess I learned from Star Trek that the best thing in the universe is Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination.
That multiplicity of religions is exactly what they're fighting against. They'll address the multiplicity of denominations once they've stamped out any shred of non-Christian faith (or no faith at all) in the country.
@@donaldwert7137 Yup. Once they start drawing exclusionary circles to mark who is "allowed" and who is "disallowed", those circles always get smaller and smaller and smaller. It's a damaging mindset. Be well!
It's not a particular day the want control of. They want control of EVERY day. And every dollar over and above what's required for survival. This is about the growth of totalitarian power. It just happens to be clothed in an organized religion.
Really such a brazen attitude that sickens me as a Catholic - 70 years, walking away two years ago because of very similar attitudes and when Trump became their man - I just couldn't stomach anymore! If we can use our gifts for the good is what matters, I truly believe that also. Thank you for your honesty on this and much, much, more! You put into words what I think and feel deeply and it makes me cry inside and out! Happy Holidays Father Trevors, to you and your family!
Also raised Catholic. Walked away for the long term when my kids were little. Couldn’t stand the increasing embrace of the right. Couldn’t condone with my presence the intolerance and cruelty being preached as piety.
I’m a Buddhist who spent this Silent Night singing Carols at the local Church in Taiwan with Family & Friends I dearly love, & I’ll do so again next year too. Merry Christmas Everybody. 😊❤️🎅🏻🎄🐱
I have a couple of Jewish friends. Every year I give them Christmas cards and cookies, and they give me challah and dreidels, and we each other a happy - and we both feel blessed and not offended in the least.
Every single year we have endless Christmas movie marathons, decorations everywhere, sales upon sales, time off at the end of the year. Even PBS shows Christmas Concerts every year. Where is the war?
@@VincentValentine33 the puritans were more worried about the the drunken mass football games than the Mass services. (Although a game of 40 a side football and loads of beer sounds like a good time to me)
How arrogant of the Catholic League to think they own a season. It's like they can't acknowledge other beliefs and think it's offensive to acknowledge them.
That sign is ridiculous. 😢 This is the season for EVERYONE, whether they know it or not. Jesus paid for every single person. I celebrate both Christmas AND the Winter Solstice.... Christmas for my Savior and Solstice because the days start getting longer, and I hate the dark. 😊 Thanks for being a peacemaker! ❤❤❤
Hey Rev Trevors. Been watching your content for a while. I really appreciate your takes on the state and condition of your faith. I've Been an atheist for about 30 years. I find you to be a very reasonable and accepting person with a warm heart. Going to admit if I had a pastor like you when I was a teen I might still be a Christian. Still not too sure that would be a good thing. Just wanted to say the atheist community appreciates your kindness and reason. Merry Christmas!
Excellent preaching Rev. Your point about the spirit of Christmas being celebrated without favor, also exposes the fallacy of Christain Nationalism. The meaning (blessings) of Christianity is meant for all of humanity, with no preconditions as regards to Nationality, Race, Ethnicity, GENDER, or social/ economic class. The very premise of Christ's teachings is held meaningless otherwise.
Actually, Christmas is pagan in origin. It's not even really something the early church celebrated or came up with, so this whole billboard thing is just silly - much ado about nothing!!
As I understand it the Christmas/Santa Claus we know and "celebrate" was a media campaign by the Coca-Cola Company. Which is an American company. So I believe that's what people are thinking when they say that.
It's even worse than that....." our season".....like the winter solstice, which honors a seasonal change for ALL, is a season just for them.....I've had enough of hate like that in the name of religion, and I consider myself a Christian.....
I'm in Wisconsin and want to wish everyone (EVERYONE) a blessed, happy, loving Christmas. I'm catholic too but don't have my head up my butt. God bless or good vibes to you. 🎅 🎄
Achukma (good), Nanāya (peace) : A state of tranquility, quiet, and harmony, e.g., a state free from civil disturbance. Choctaw NV-WA-DO-HI-YA-DV : Peace in Cherokee nahn ah-yah : Peace or ǐt-ehn-nahn-ah-yah (make peace) Chickasaw sìtheil (peaceful) beannachd (Blessing) Scottish Gaelic teacht faoi shíocháin : to come in peace Irish Gaeilge Joyeuses fêtes : Happy holidays in French Good vibes to you as well over this Holiday season 😊
@taitraining3055 It’s easier to be happier or sadder at this time of year. Please remember we are responsible for ourselves and to others. We are allowed to celebrate our blessings, just as we are allowed to mourn our losses.
Merry Christmas, Rev. Ed and family. Just thinking about the money it cost to put up that billboard. It could have gone to feeding or housing a homeless person or family during this Christmas time. I think THAT is how Christ would have preferred the money spent.
Thank you Rev Ed! You get the true spirit of Christmas! I truly enjoyed today's message. (I honestly enjoy all your messages! ) Jesus was never about excluding people but welcomed them in to learn the lessons and how to walk in Faith and Love. And honestly, if it weren't for the winter solstice and other pegan festivities we would not celebrate Christ-mas on Dec 25th! (That date was chosen to bring in those who were celebratimg the Yule and solstice.) So many of our beloved Christmas traditions originated in other spiritual celebrations. And if God is omnipresent, everywhere and in everything and consequently everyone, then He's just as much in the Atheist, the Jew (like Jesus), the Buddhist, Hindu, Pagan and everyone else, as He is in the Christian. That billboard feels very EGO driven and reminds me of its acronym... Edging God Out. I use to live in a very diverse area near Los Angeles. One of our favorite things about Christmas was that all the various local Spiritual Leaders joined together in multi-religion festivals where folks would sing, eat, share stories and get to know more about each other and their unique faiths. To me, that was the true Christ Spirit and loving thy neighbor as thyself. Unfortunately a lot of Christians don't seem to understand the whole love part. We still need to love them tho and be the one to live the Word.
The opportunity to contribute to others is truly a great blessing. Perhaps the greatest. It does not require financial wealth, but rewards with something worth far more.
Great to hear that you watch The Friendly Atheist as well! I enjoyed your talk. While no longer religious, I still celebrate Christmas because it is so important to so many people in my life. Things have changed in how I celebrate it, but the people are the reason and the cause for celebration. There is one point I would like to bring up about FFRS. Like The Satanic Temple and several other atheist organizations, they are really about keeping religion, any religion, out of America's secular government. Because America in 78% Christian, most of the time this translates into stopping the Christian majority from using the tyranny of the majority to establish a de facto state religion. They are reactive, not proactive, and will only respond if someone is contemplating or has taken an action that favors one religion (and usually excludes others). Their displays are only posted if there is a Christian or other religious display on public land. Other than that, they pretty much could care less about what you do. Finally a small point on The Catholic League. As was pointed out in The Friendly Atheist video, the "Catholic League" is one person sitting in an office on 7th Avenue in NYC not too far from Madison Square Garden using almost $55M in assets to post a billboard. As an American, I am fine with this right up to the point where he tries to affect US politics and laws to hurt minorities. Believe in who and what you want, but I draw the line at deliberately hurting people for personal gain.
What I find cool is the fact that so much of the message of not only this video but almost every video of yours that I've seen, is the fact that the message holds true with or without faith. A truly universal message. In a sea of hate disguised as faith, knowing that there's an island of the loving faithful gives me the hope that we so desperately need. I hope that your Christmas is as warn and loving as you are!
It's so ironic that that Catholic League chose to respond with a closed mind and a hard heart. And to believe that the seasonal celebration of your childhood is the only way anyone should celebrate it is childish, not the ancient Winter Solstice celebrations. As Rev. Trevor suggested the other day, if you feel that people are rejecting the church, look at your own words and actions first. Each of us is generally the cause of the conflicts in our lives.
It's not really ironic given the history of the Catholic League. That organization accused church abuse victims of being actors and that they should keep quiet to "protect" the Church. They're the Alex Jones of the Roman Catholic Church.
And this is why I follow you .. because you get it right .. each of us are blessed by God in some form if you give that blessing away it comes back tenfold my entire life is based on this principal and i’ve not ever done without , 11 years of Him faithfully providing everything ❤️💚
Thank you Rev Ed! You are so right on! As if there isn’t enough conflict going on, some people want to have a battle over religion. Shame on those who feel a need to publicly insult others with whom we disagree.
Thank you. Recovering Catholic here. 😂 I call this religious narcissism. The arrogance, boosted by geographical & historical ignorance stuns me every time. Sigh.
I always appreciate your comments Rev Ed. As I've been listening to you since early Nov. 2024, I am wondering if I might identify as Christian again. Actually my spirituality is very eclectic and "spiritually eclectic" is what I'm calling myself. But your words reflect the Christianity I always thought Jesus Christ was teaching.
Thank you for your "sane" take on this, you remind me of the priest that I had when I was in my teens and married my husband and I. My husband is not baptized and he got permission to marry us in a FULL mass with the Catholic church.
Oh good! I was afraid I wouldn't get presents with Christmas having been taken and all. Thanks Wisconsin Christians! Now I can get gifts after all! Ohhh, the wonder of it all!
Hi Rev Ed - I really enjoy all of your messages but this one got my dander up. I was baptized and raised a Catholic - including Catholic school. One of the earliest things I remember the nuns stressing was that "catholic" means universal. It includes a wide variety of things; it's all-embracing. Whoever commissioned this billboard - especially if it was a priest - needs to go back to the very beginning (🎶it's a very fine place to start🎶) and rethink what it should mean to them. We are supposed to embrace everyone and welcome them to the table. This ad was clearly done by a misguided person. But, then, if this is a Trumper it makes sense because that whole platform was based on hate and not at all on love. ✝
There's a place in Ireland called Newgrange. It's older than Stonehenge; it's older than the pyramids in Egypt (or anywhere else) - and it was engineered by our far distant ancestors to recognise the Winter Solstice over 5,000 years ago... Christians need to begin to act humbly in the face of the achievements of their ancestors - and I seem to remember that that was what the Prophet Miciah called on them to do maybe 2,500 years ago...
Rev Ed, I thank God who has given you insight, wisdom, knowledge , courage, and the Holy Spirit. It is so refreshing to hear your messages. In Christ’s Love, may he continue providing for all who hear a voice of reason.
Dear Christians, want to "reclaim" Christmas? Feed the hungry, help the poor... visit the imprisoned as the Lord who's birth you claim to celebrate commanded you to do!!!
the kind of Christians who reactby putting up that billboard are a big part of the reason why the atheist group put up those billboard in the first place.
Rev Ed, have you ever heard Seth Andrews ? He has the thinking atheist podcast. I think you and he should converse with each other. You both are such loving kind people. Just a thought.
As I recall, Jesus is believed to have been born back in September, but as something of a business decision, the early church moved the celebration to compete with winter solstice and such. If celebration is a competition right now, it's because we probably should also be celebrating harvest in the northern hemisphere, not winter. What an ignorant sign. 😂
Judah Maccabee cleansed the Temple and rededicated it on December 25, 165 BC. The birth of Christ can be calculated from that of John the Baptist and Temple service schedules.
All I can say is WOW, and I’m just shaking my head. How have “we” as a world of souls fallen so far? I have little yet I am blessed every single day, and there’s always a space, a place, and a plate for others every day. I’ll be spending the holiday quietly reflecting this year. Thank you for your words this morning. Peace ☮️
Rev Ed, this appeared in my feed and I live in Wisconsin so, I had to find out. Thank you for this response!. I will correct people when they ask if I'm a Christian, I tell them I believe. I'm, I guess you could say, a lapsed Lutheran. I still belong to the church my family joined when we moved to Wisconsin in the early 1970's. I was confirmed there, had my first Communion there and around the time I was 15/16, my parents seperated and then divorced around my senior year of high school. I tell you this, because at that time, the Minister of my church was a man that, I think, had NO business being a minister. My father apparently had asked him for help to keep his marriage together. Minister had come out to our farm to see my father. I had bad vibes the moment this Minister was introduced to us in Confirmation class. He had been chosen to replace our former Minister. And during his time there, there were a lot of things through the years he did or said, particularly about/around the younger members of the church, like myself, that I and others took issue with. Anyway, sorry, the day he was at our farm talking to my father he stopped me on my way back into the house after doing some work outside and told me to sit with them. He then proceeded to ask me how my father could get my mom to stay with him and not get divorced. Me, being me, told them that there wasn't anything he could do, mom was leaving, dad had had time to try to work on things and he wouldn't. I think I left not too long after that, kind of a blur. That's one example of that Minister and his tactics. There are so many more. Needless to say, I had as little to do with the church as mom would allow while finishing high school and my early adulthood. Wow, sorry for that. I've never told that stuff to a Minister. There were worse things he said/did over the years. Some I found out about many years later. Too late to do anything about it. People sometimes get mad at me about this; I always say, I'd rather try to deal with an addict than a "Good Christian". The addict has a reason they might be difficult to deal with.
I found you and although i am not a "traditional" Christian, I am a follower of Christ's teachings and I love that you are on the same page. A question though, When you say "the Church" I am wondering what you mean by that since there are so many types of churches. It would be interesting to know what you believe about that
🎶 The Church is not a building, where people come and pray. It's not made out of sticks and stone, it's not made out of clay. We are the Church 👏👏 The body of our Lord 👏👏 We are all God's children, and we have been restored🎶
Thank you for this channel. you articulate my own faith so well. youe, inclusiveness, humble heart, following the teachings of Jesus the Christ. All of this I have learned during my faith journey in the Roman Catholic Church, but it's the true Christian faith and traditions. Thank you. I listen to your talks and feel our commonality as fellow travelers on this journey, despite differences in our traditions. I do not know the Catholic League, and I do not recognize the message on that sign. Christmas blessings to you and yours.
I consider myself a Buddhist, and every Christmas eve I go with my 2 sisters to the early service called, "lessons and carols, (Anglican). I go because it is a lovely service filled with music and universal wisdom, and I share time with family. Afterwards I go to my sister's house and eat tocos with her family. That, to me is the real meaning of Christmas, and not shopping till you drop and put another grand on your credit card.
I decided to join my family for xmas church service for the first time in years and you're a primary reason why ive softened. Thank you revered. Merry xmas to you all!
Pagans celebrate the solstice (and good luck to them) they also by definition are atheists. All atheists are not pagans. I have never meet an atheist that doesn't celebrate Christmas 🎄or care who does or doesn't celebrate. No atheist (or someone of the LGBTQ) ever knocked on my door and told me i have do as they say or I'll be punished. Merry Christmas to the reverend and all in his wonderful community. Peace and love From an atheist and an Aussie. Cheers
I absolutely believe as Rev. Ed does that if we are Blessed in certain ways, that we need to share with others what our Blessings are. I have believed that ever since in early adult life.
I had trouble paying attention after all the mentioning of "feasts" and "feast days" and "feasting" and started having visions of sugar cookies dancing in my head. *sigh* And now I'm mad at myself because someone offered me cookies to take home earlier in the day but I said, "nooooooo" like a maroon and now it's too cold and dark and the store is too far away to get cookies.
I just love your messages so much!! And I find it really awesome that we followed some of the same people . 🎄Merry Christmas Everyone, no matter HOW or WHO you celebrate! 🎉
Catholics have changed since i was a kid. Pretty sad. I don't know... everyone at the stores today who looked woe be gone or just exhausted, i smile and gave a heart felt, "Merry Christmas!" And it changed us both like a breath of fresh spring air had passed over us reminding us the Joyous reason, and of that Love we can share. We shared that moment as we were asked to by Christ. We do live in a small community, maybe it's different elsewhere... i hope not. It was such fun. Life has been so challenging... more than normal for so many of us in too many ways this year, so that this Christmas, it seems, everyone is saying, celebrating has been a real struggle. Even for us, but today i decided to help, to visit, and to linger in the second overly crowded store we went to. There were so many concerned, weary people. We decided to give His love to anyone who could receive it. And they did. Some seemed so startled, then smiled, like, "oh yeah, it is, isn't it?" It was like each walked away with a bow. In another store, i just started singing, and suddenly the music changed to happy carols! 😄🙌 That was weird. So, if we can't get everything done even tomorrow, we can't feel sad because we know we did have Christmas and celebrated the Real Christmas.
As a non Christian, I love the Christmas season for the joy people have. The music and the different celebrations I love like the Lucia Fest, church choirs and Xmas Eve dinner, give me the joy I have with my fellow humans that I don’t feel or see the rest of the year. It’s a shame that after Jan 6, it’s gone.
The only reason for Christmas being celebrated in December was decided by an early church synod that chose a day after the Winter Solstice because the birth of Jesus was bringing light to the world. Likewise, the conception was back counted 9 months, which also aligned with the Spring Equinox, when light over comes dark. It is the same observations that set the quarter and cross quarter days.
You're talking about Christmas on December 25 and the Annunciation on March 25. However, another idea occurred to me: the vernal equinox (spring) takes place on or near March 21, and then Easter follows within a month's time. I can think of Christmas as the day that the light appears in the darkness, and Easter as the day that the light overcomes the darkness--that is, Jesus as the light of the world.
In my first year of college I lived in Madison in the university dormitory. My home life was very bad so over winter break, I didnt want to go home. I tried sleeping in a parking garage with my boyfriend but it was so cold we could'nt do it. We ended up finding a church on campus with the door unlocked so we went in and sat very quietly in the balcony trying to figure out what to do. A priest came in, saw us, and tried to pick up my boyfriend and throw him over the balcony.
IMHO, this was one of your most beautiful, poignant & powerful messages I have had the privilege of hearing. Thank you for choosing the life of service that you have. Please never doubt you are making an incredible difference in the world. Wishing you a beautiful Christmas season. May the world wake up with hearts filled with the Love & Light of the Christed One. ✨💖✨
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Friendly Atheist Video...
ruclips.net/video/zA2Wq6VN9B0/видео.htmlsi=dWlsOTaWx4eDXGXA
Another article...
www.christianpost.com/news/catholic-league-unveils-new-christmas-billboard-in-wisconsin.html
Thanks Rev for sharing the Friendly Atheist video about this. Happy Holidays to all and Merry Christmas.
It amazes me if he's not bashing Trump He's bashing other Christians I guess every liberal progressive needs to feel they need to be a Judas to help their cause
@revedtrevors4961 Thank you. I am relieved. We had a group like that where we used to live. They thought any Mass not in Latin was of the devil. I often wonder if God laughs at us like an "I Love Lucy" show or weeps about our mean pettiness. Well, Scripture sometimes makes me weep for Him because it sounds like a broken-hearted Father pleading with us. Jesus wept several times and lamented the same way. And as He was dying from the torture, he asked that the Father would forgive us because we just don't get it. God, help us to get it and receive and share Your gift. Please help us. I am so sorry that we break Your Heart. Thank You for Your Love, patience, and forgiveness. Sometimes, i honestly wait for a lightning bolt to devour us when i hear such arrogant words from some or from me as i encounter various situations. Yet, You never do it. It must be very hard not to. I wish we could hug you, i really do.
@@tommartel7386 how is he "bashing other Christians?"I don't hear that at all. I hear him pointing out that Christ talked about forgiveness, and love, not "ownership," and certainly not judging others.
Could you please explain what you mean? Thanks
Why can't more "Christians" be like Rev Ed?! Love this guy's perspectives!
💯💯
Agreed 🙏
the christianity that he follows expects something from you.
the type that just lets you tell other people what to do is a lot more fun.
The bible is a workbook. A congregation sits down with a pencil and crosses out the parts that don't align with their church doctrine or their existing beliefs.
Those that are, don't make the headlines. Hard to find the gold through the dross.
"This is Our Season, Not YOURS".... this Christian is spitting chips. How ridiculous and rude! This sign just proves the Athiest's point. Some people also need to learn some of their church history as to why we celebrate the way we do.
Thank you for this video.
Sounds like something a petulant child would say, doesn't it? 😂 Smh
Yep. Just like a child to snatch a toy from another kid instead of sharing.
? Jesus came to save the world not condemn it. John 3:17
They forgot to add “Nya nya-nya nya-Nya Nya!”
That's the bit that threw me -- how the heck do you own a season?
Yes!! ... "Joy to the World!" ... not just joy to the believers. Thank you.
Amen
I don't see much joy in many Christians.
@timdowney6721
You might be looking in the wrong places.
I suggest you look in soup kitchens, groups that visit people in prison and hospitals (including those who go to entertain) - look for those groups or individuals who help the homeless, orphans, poor , and marginalized.
Then you will find joyful Christians.
The phrase "Joy to the World" is most famously associated with the Christmas carol of the same name, written by Isaac Watts in 1719. Watts was a prolific English hymn writer, and "Joy to the World" is one of his most enduring contributions to Christian music.
.........
Victim hood is astounding in Christianity… Let’s get something straight. My parents (born in 1930 & 38 - both silent generation) were Christians, not fanatical like it is nowadays.. and in the Chicago area, I grew up around a lot of Jewish families. We never said “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” to insult Christians. We did it to be RESPECTFUL of folks with other beliefs and traditions. You remember respect???? What a disgrace that basically this entire religion has become so divisive, hateful and rude. 💔 Thank you Reverend, for this video. Wishing everyone worldwide, peace and joy in this season of light, and good health in the coming new year. 🕎🎄🕊️
Thank you, and thanks to your parents.
Jesus welcomed everyone to the table. As you said, music, food, love. All!
There is one person who had his feet washed and had a seat at the table that we have to remember was there... that was JUDAS ISCARIOT. If Jesus could do that to him, we can work things out with others. Just saying.
I don't understand how anyone, with a straight face, can say that they should have exclusive right to a day. We are not a single religion in this country, let alone a single Christian denomination. We should enjoy the diversity rather than trying to have exclusivity. I guess I learned from Star Trek that the best thing in the universe is Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination.
Hooray! "Star Trek" shout-out!😁
That multiplicity of religions is exactly what they're fighting against. They'll address the multiplicity of denominations once they've stamped out any shred of non-Christian faith (or no faith at all) in the country.
@@donaldwert7137 Yup. Once they start drawing exclusionary circles to mark who is "allowed" and who is "disallowed", those circles always get smaller and smaller and smaller. It's a damaging mindset. Be well!
It's not a particular day the want control of. They want control of EVERY day. And every dollar over and above what's required for survival. This is about the growth of totalitarian power. It just happens to be clothed in an organized religion.
When a religious group embraces a message of exclusion neither Jesus nor humanity is served.
Since religion ITSELF excludes, humanity is not served by religion.
Really such a brazen attitude that sickens me as a Catholic - 70 years, walking away two years ago because of very similar attitudes and when Trump became their man - I just couldn't stomach anymore! If we can use our gifts for the good is what matters, I truly believe that also. Thank you for your honesty on this and much, much, more! You put into words what I think and feel deeply and it makes me cry inside and out! Happy Holidays Father Trevors, to you and your family!
I grew up a Methodist...a more liberal form of Catholic..I'm glad i found Rev Ed..
Also raised Catholic. Walked away for the long term when my kids were little. Couldn’t stand the increasing embrace of the right. Couldn’t condone with my presence the intolerance and cruelty being preached as piety.
I’m a Buddhist who spent this Silent Night singing Carols at the local Church in Taiwan with Family & Friends I dearly love, & I’ll do so again next year too. Merry Christmas Everybody. 😊❤️🎅🏻🎄🐱
I have a couple of Jewish friends. Every year I give them Christmas cards and cookies, and they give me challah and dreidels, and we each other a happy - and we both feel blessed and not offended in the least.
I'd love to get Challah bread for Hanukkah from a Jewish friend. ✡️ ❤
Snarky billboards are a child's game
Yep. I was thinking that it reminds me of a toddler, clutching a toy to their chest screaming "Mine!".
And a hideous waste of money that could be used for actually helping people.
@@donaldwert7137 Haha....
Maybe we should raise funds for a billboard response of "I know you are but what am I?"
😂 Exactly so.
Some people need a visit from Krampus.
Who the hell is krampus? Just used the word hell for lighting ✨️
😂😂😂
Perfectly said 😂❤
I prefere Zwarte Piet.
I'm not Christian but I cannot understate how deeply this video effected me
Thank you
No one has ever taken "Christmas" from anyone. Do what you want to do or say,...respectfully done. Give me a break 🙄
The only people I know of that banned Christmas were the Puritans of a certain colony known as Salem....and they were christian.
Every single year we have endless Christmas movie marathons, decorations everywhere, sales upon sales, time off at the end of the year. Even PBS shows Christmas Concerts every year. Where is the war?
@@philippschwarz4539 These guys can't stand having to share anything with ANYBODY!! Truly sad...🙄
It's a made up excuse to be a victim, and then feel justified in violence against non Christians. The motive is racism and anti-semitism.
@@VincentValentine33 the puritans were more worried about the the drunken mass football games than the Mass services. (Although a game of 40 a side football and loads of beer sounds like a good time to me)
How arrogant of the Catholic League to think they own a season. It's like they can't acknowledge other beliefs and think it's offensive to acknowledge them.
That sign is ridiculous. 😢 This is the season for EVERYONE, whether they know it or not. Jesus paid for every single person. I celebrate both Christmas AND the Winter Solstice.... Christmas for my Savior and Solstice because the days start getting longer, and I hate the dark. 😊 Thanks for being a peacemaker! ❤❤❤
See the post I just made on the front page. I am a Christian who has gone to beautiful Solstice Ceremonies for the various seasons.
Hey Rev Trevors. Been watching your content for a while. I really appreciate your takes on the state and condition of your faith. I've Been an atheist for about 30 years. I find you to be a very reasonable and accepting person with a warm heart. Going to admit if I had a pastor like you when I was a teen I might still be a Christian. Still not too sure that would be a good thing. Just wanted to say the atheist community appreciates your kindness and reason. Merry Christmas!
You are a beautiful human being.
@@heathercontois4501Thank you for saying that. Sometimes I'm not too sure of that. But thank you regardless. And Merry Christmas.
Excellent preaching Rev. Your point about the spirit of Christmas being celebrated without favor, also exposes the fallacy of Christain Nationalism. The meaning (blessings) of Christianity is meant for all of humanity, with no preconditions as regards to Nationality, Race, Ethnicity, GENDER, or social/ economic class. The very premise of Christ's teachings is held meaningless otherwise.
Nothing says "Come and celebrate the love of Jesus and join us" like saying "Stay the hell out of our holiday !"
Shows a shocking ignorance of their own religious history too.
Celebrating Winter Solstice is a “Child’s Game.”
But, you know… SANTA CLAUS and pouting about owning seasons. 🙄
Ya gave me a chuckle. Merry Christmas and Happy HolidayS.
I can’t help but think that Jesus might be disappointed with what we have done to Christmas.
Just like America somehow invented Christmas lol
Actually, Christmas is pagan in origin. It's not even really something the early church celebrated or came up with, so this whole billboard thing is just silly - much ado about nothing!!
Actually, it was Mike Huckabee...
Christmas was invented centuries before the USA or any modern countries in the Americas were established.
As I understand it the Christmas/Santa Claus we know and "celebrate" was a media campaign by the Coca-Cola Company. Which is an American company. So I believe that's what people are thinking when they say that.
Ofcourse, Jesus was the first American! 😂
Sounds just like the people saying only Americans should be in the USA. The people who think like this are why I left the church.
What a great thought, and that statement about" this is OUR Holiday, not YOURS", is so stuck up!
It's even worse than that....." our season".....like the winter solstice, which honors a seasonal change for ALL, is a season just for them.....I've had enough of hate like that in the name of religion, and I consider myself a Christian.....
Merry Christmas to you Rev. Trevors! Wishing you a great 2025, Peace!
Get ready for Moses (Aquarius) to return as the rainy month of January.
I'm in Wisconsin and want to wish everyone (EVERYONE) a blessed, happy, loving Christmas. I'm catholic too but don't have my head up my butt. God bless or good vibes to you. 🎅 🎄
A majority of people are sad at christmas and you're unconsciously celebrating that
Achukma (good), Nanāya (peace) : A state of tranquility, quiet, and harmony, e.g., a state free from civil disturbance. Choctaw
NV-WA-DO-HI-YA-DV : Peace in Cherokee
nahn ah-yah : Peace or ǐt-ehn-nahn-ah-yah (make peace) Chickasaw
sìtheil (peaceful) beannachd (Blessing) Scottish Gaelic
teacht faoi shíocháin : to come in peace Irish Gaeilge
Joyeuses fêtes : Happy holidays in French
Good vibes to you as well over this Holiday season 😊
@@taitraining3055To me, he seems to celebrate every day, not just Christmas. It's just another day to me, but, this man gives me hope-every day.
@taitraining3055
It’s easier to be happier or sadder at this time of year.
Please remember we are responsible for ourselves and to others.
We are allowed to celebrate our blessings, just as we are allowed to mourn our losses.
@K.L.M.Online I understand. I also have losses. My condolences to you.
Merry Christmas, Rev. Ed and family. Just thinking about the money it cost to put up that billboard. It could have gone to feeding or housing a homeless person or family during this Christmas time. I think THAT is how Christ would have preferred the money spent.
Thank you Rev Ed! You get the true spirit of Christmas!
I truly enjoyed today's message. (I honestly enjoy all your messages! )
Jesus was never about excluding people but welcomed them in to learn the lessons and how to walk in Faith and Love.
And honestly, if it weren't for the winter solstice and other pegan festivities we would not celebrate Christ-mas on Dec 25th! (That date was chosen to bring in those who were celebratimg the Yule and solstice.) So many of our beloved Christmas traditions originated in other spiritual celebrations.
And if God is omnipresent, everywhere and in everything and consequently everyone, then He's just as much in the Atheist, the Jew (like Jesus), the Buddhist, Hindu, Pagan and everyone else, as He is in the Christian.
That billboard feels very EGO driven and reminds me of its acronym... Edging God Out.
I use to live in a very diverse area near Los Angeles. One of our favorite things about Christmas was that all the various local Spiritual Leaders joined together in multi-religion festivals where folks would sing, eat, share stories and get to know more about each other and their unique faiths. To me, that was the true Christ Spirit and loving thy neighbor as thyself.
Unfortunately a lot of Christians don't seem to understand the whole love part. We still need to love them tho and be the one to live the Word.
What a wonderful post you wrote! Amen!
The opportunity to contribute to others is truly a great blessing. Perhaps the greatest. It does not require financial wealth, but rewards with something worth far more.
In only a matter of hours, Moses will toss a tree into the bitter waters and light will increase vs darkness.
Just more pearls of truth and wisdom. Thank you, Rev. Ed. I feel the exact same way but could never articulate it as beautifully as you.
Thanks Rev Ed thanks for your insight and message on this video...the sign is ignorant period... Thanks God Bless 🕊️
Great to hear that you watch The Friendly Atheist as well!
I enjoyed your talk. While no longer religious, I still celebrate Christmas because it is so important to so many people in my life. Things have changed in how I celebrate it, but the people are the reason and the cause for celebration.
There is one point I would like to bring up about FFRS. Like The Satanic Temple and several other atheist organizations, they are really about keeping religion, any religion, out of America's secular government. Because America in 78% Christian, most of the time this translates into stopping the Christian majority from using the tyranny of the majority to establish a de facto state religion. They are reactive, not proactive, and will only respond if someone is contemplating or has taken an action that favors one religion (and usually excludes others). Their displays are only posted if there is a Christian or other religious display on public land. Other than that, they pretty much could care less about what you do.
Finally a small point on The Catholic League. As was pointed out in The Friendly Atheist video, the "Catholic League" is one person sitting in an office on 7th Avenue in NYC not too far from Madison Square Garden using almost $55M in assets to post a billboard. As an American, I am fine with this right up to the point where he tries to affect US politics and laws to hurt minorities. Believe in who and what you want, but I draw the line at deliberately hurting people for personal gain.
What I find cool is the fact that so much of the message of not only this video but almost every video of yours that I've seen, is the fact that the message holds true with or without faith. A truly universal message. In a sea of hate disguised as faith, knowing that there's an island of the loving faithful gives me the hope that we so desperately need.
I hope that your Christmas is as warn and loving as you are!
Jesus said "Follow Me." Some people understood what he meant, the rest formed a line. 😢
It's so ironic that that Catholic League chose to respond with a closed mind and a hard heart. And to believe that the seasonal celebration of your childhood is the only way anyone should celebrate it is childish, not the ancient Winter Solstice celebrations.
As Rev. Trevor suggested the other day, if you feel that people are rejecting the church, look at your own words and actions first. Each of us is generally the cause of the conflicts in our lives.
It's not really ironic given the history of the Catholic League. That organization accused church abuse victims of being actors and that they should keep quiet to "protect" the Church. They're the Alex Jones of the Roman Catholic Church.
And this is why I follow you .. because you get it right .. each of us are blessed by God in some form if you give that blessing away it comes back tenfold my entire life is based on this principal and i’ve not ever done without , 11 years of Him faithfully providing everything ❤️💚
Thank you Rev Ed! You are so right on! As if there isn’t enough conflict going on, some people want to have a battle over religion. Shame on those who feel a need to publicly insult others with whom we disagree.
Thank you. Recovering Catholic here. 😂 I call this religious narcissism. The arrogance, boosted by geographical & historical ignorance stuns me every time. Sigh.
I always appreciate your comments Rev Ed. As I've been listening to you since early Nov. 2024, I am wondering if I might identify as Christian again. Actually my spirituality is very eclectic and "spiritually eclectic" is what I'm calling myself. But your words reflect the Christianity I always thought Jesus Christ was teaching.
It’s ironic that they say ‘the solstice is a child’s game’ then be incredibly childish in the next sentence!
Thank you for your "sane" take on this, you remind me of the priest that I had when I was in my teens and married my husband and I. My husband is not baptized and he got permission to marry us in a FULL mass with the Catholic church.
Oh good! I was afraid I wouldn't get presents with Christmas having been taken and all. Thanks Wisconsin Christians! Now I can get gifts after all! Ohhh, the wonder of it all!
Thing is, it wasn't Wisconsin Christians. It was a bunch of meddlers from NY. Anyone can buy billboard space in another state.
I am a hard core atheist. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you my friend!
Thank you Rev. Ed! I'm a Unitarian Universalist Pagan that loves the teachings of Christ. You give me hope.
Hi Rev Ed - I really enjoy all of your messages but this one got my dander up. I was baptized and raised a Catholic - including Catholic school. One of the earliest things I remember the nuns stressing was that "catholic" means universal. It includes a wide variety of things; it's all-embracing. Whoever commissioned this billboard - especially if it was a priest - needs to go back to the very beginning (🎶it's a very fine place to start🎶) and rethink what it should mean to them. We are supposed to embrace everyone and welcome them to the table. This ad was clearly done by a misguided person. But, then, if this is a Trumper it makes sense because that whole platform was based on hate and not at all on love. ✝
There's a place in Ireland called Newgrange.
It's older than Stonehenge; it's older than the pyramids in Egypt (or anywhere else) - and it was engineered by our far distant ancestors to recognise the Winter Solstice over 5,000 years ago...
Christians need to begin to act humbly in the face of the achievements of their ancestors - and I seem to remember that that was what the Prophet Miciah called on them to do maybe 2,500 years ago...
When we say anywhere else are we referring to pyramids anywhere else or stone monuments
@@NopeUghUghAbsolutelyNot Personally, I was thinking about Ziggurats of Asia and Meso-American structures...
@michaelodonnell824 Ahhh gotcha
Amen, Rev. Ed! Although I’m not Christian, I enjoy immensely your messages - Thank you, and Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Rev Ed, I thank God who has given you insight, wisdom, knowledge , courage, and the Holy Spirit. It is so refreshing to hear your messages. In Christ’s Love, may he continue providing for all who hear a voice of reason.
Dear Christians, want to "reclaim" Christmas?
Feed the hungry, help the poor... visit the imprisoned as the Lord who's birth you claim to celebrate commanded you to do!!!
It’s almost like whoever thought that sign was a good idea wanted to prove the atheists are right, isn’t it?
Well, hello there!
Merry Christmas, everybody!
the kind of Christians who reactby putting up that billboard are a big part of the reason why the atheist group put up those billboard in the first place.
Rev Ed, have you ever heard Seth Andrews ? He has the thinking atheist podcast. I think you and he should converse with each other. You both are such loving kind people. Just a thought.
@TereCamilletti I would love to listen to that conversation!
History recordsthe one and only attempt to steal Christmas . That was written by one Dr. Seuss concerning that adorable malcontent, the Grinch.
And what did we learn? That you can’t steal Christmas, because it is in your HEARTS! ❤❤❤❤
I also have a friend who celebrates solstice. I don’t, but we cooked together, and I wished her a Happy Holiday.
Merry Christmas, Reverend Trevors and a happy new year!
As I recall, Jesus is believed to have been born back in September, but as something of a business decision, the early church moved the celebration to compete with winter solstice and such. If celebration is a competition right now, it's because we probably should also be celebrating harvest in the northern hemisphere, not winter. What an ignorant sign. 😂
Judah Maccabee cleansed the Temple and rededicated it on December 25, 165 BC.
The birth of Christ can be calculated from that of John the Baptist and Temple service schedules.
The Jewish civil year begins and ends at the autumn equinox.
All I can say is WOW, and I’m just shaking my head. How have “we” as a world of souls fallen so far? I have little yet I am blessed every single day, and there’s always a space, a place, and a plate for others every day. I’ll be spending the holiday quietly reflecting this year.
Thank you for your words this morning.
Peace ☮️
Celebrating winter solstice is a childrens game.
And celebrating the first sunday after the first full moon in spring is how the grown-ups do it?
Rev Ed, this appeared in my feed and I live in Wisconsin so, I had to find out. Thank you for this response!. I will correct people when they ask if I'm a Christian, I tell them I believe.
I'm, I guess you could say, a lapsed Lutheran. I still belong to the church my family joined when we moved to Wisconsin in the early 1970's. I was confirmed there, had my first Communion there and around the time I was 15/16, my parents seperated and then divorced around my senior year of high school. I tell you this, because at that time, the Minister of my church was a man that, I think, had NO business being a minister. My father apparently had asked him for help to keep his marriage together. Minister had come out to our farm to see my father. I had bad vibes the moment this Minister was introduced to us in Confirmation class. He had been chosen to replace our former Minister. And during his time there, there were a lot of things through the years he did or said, particularly about/around the younger members of the church, like myself, that I and others took issue with. Anyway, sorry, the day he was at our farm talking to my father he stopped me on my way back into the house after doing some work outside and told me to sit with them. He then proceeded to ask me how my father could get my mom to stay with him and not get divorced. Me, being me, told them that there wasn't anything he could do, mom was leaving, dad had had time to try to work on things and he wouldn't. I think I left not too long after that, kind of a blur. That's one example of that Minister and his tactics. There are so many more. Needless to say, I had as little to do with the church as mom would allow while finishing high school and my early adulthood.
Wow, sorry for that. I've never told that stuff to a Minister. There were worse things he said/did over the years. Some I found out about many years later. Too late to do anything about it. People sometimes get mad at me about this; I always say, I'd rather try to deal with an addict than a "Good Christian". The addict has a reason they might be difficult to deal with.
God Bless you ❤❤❤❤
Your gift for hearing the Spirit and for your words is incredible. You also recognize gifts in others! A rarity. Merry Christmas! 🎄
I found you and although i am not a "traditional" Christian, I am a follower of Christ's teachings and I love that you are on the same page. A question though, When you say "the Church" I am wondering what you mean by that since there are so many types of churches. It would be interesting to know what you believe about that
Generally I mean the community of all believers regardless of denomination or location or language. The Church Universal
🎶 The Church is not a building, where people come and pray. It's not made out of sticks and stone, it's not made out of clay. We are the Church 👏👏 The body of our Lord 👏👏 We are all God's children, and we have been restored🎶
Thank you for this channel. you articulate my own faith so well. youe, inclusiveness, humble heart, following the teachings of Jesus the Christ. All of this I have learned during my faith journey in the Roman Catholic Church, but it's the true Christian faith and traditions. Thank you. I listen to your talks and feel our commonality as fellow travelers on this journey, despite differences in our traditions. I do not know the Catholic League, and I do not recognize the message on that sign. Christmas blessings to you and yours.
Thank you! ❤
The funny thing is, these guys are literally the reason why atheists get pissed off...
I consider myself a Buddhist, and every Christmas eve I go with my 2 sisters to the early service called, "lessons and carols, (Anglican). I go because it is a lovely service filled with music and universal wisdom, and I share time with family. Afterwards I go to my sister's house and eat tocos with her family. That, to me is the real meaning of Christmas, and not shopping till you drop and put another grand on your credit card.
Thank you again. We break bread around the table and we are one family. From this old atheist, Merry Christmas and may your God bless you. Amen.
I decided to join my family for xmas church service for the first time in years and you're a primary reason why ive softened.
Thank you revered. Merry xmas to you all!
If one is thin-skinned about any belief, it indicates that they are not deeply convicted in their belief and fear any challenge to their ideas.
Ironically enough, Hanukkah this year actually begins on December 25th. 🕎
Works out perfectly. In only a matter of hours, Moses will toss a tree into the bitter waters and light will increase vs darkness.
Amen!
Pagans celebrate the solstice (and good luck to them) they also by definition are atheists.
All atheists are not pagans. I have never meet an atheist that doesn't celebrate Christmas 🎄or care who does or doesn't celebrate.
No atheist (or someone of the LGBTQ) ever knocked on my door and told me i have do as they say or I'll be punished.
Merry Christmas to the reverend and all in his wonderful community. Peace and love From an atheist and an Aussie. Cheers
Right back at you! And a Happy New Year.
Lovely message. Though, pagans are not atheists. They are polytheists, pantheists, or believe in other forms of god/goddeses.
@libbycollins9349 stay awesome
Amen. I know it's corny but for me it comes around to asking what Jesus would do.
He wouldn't criticize the Catholics about that sign.
May everyone everywhere have a wonderful holiday season.
I absolutely believe as Rev. Ed does that if we are Blessed in certain ways, that we need to share with others what our Blessings are. I have believed that ever since in early adult life.
Santa’s gonna leave some Christians lumps of coal this year 😮
I had trouble paying attention after all the mentioning of "feasts" and "feast days" and "feasting" and started having visions of sugar cookies dancing in my head. *sigh* And now I'm mad at myself because someone offered me cookies to take home earlier in the day but I said, "nooooooo" like a maroon and now it's too cold and dark and the store is too far away to get cookies.
I will eat some for you😇
Random days of the year, my friend's mom would bake a cake and invite us kids over to party on Jesus' Birthday.
I just love your messages so much!!
And I find it really awesome that we followed some of the same people .
🎄Merry Christmas Everyone, no matter HOW or WHO you celebrate! 🎉
Catholics have changed since i was a kid. Pretty sad.
I don't know... everyone at the stores today who looked woe be gone or just exhausted, i smile and gave a heart felt, "Merry Christmas!" And it changed us both like a breath of fresh spring air had passed over us reminding us the Joyous reason, and of that Love we can share. We shared that moment as we were asked to by Christ. We do live in a small community, maybe it's different elsewhere... i hope not. It was such fun. Life has been so challenging... more than normal for so many of us in too many ways this year, so that this Christmas, it seems, everyone is saying, celebrating has been a real struggle. Even for us, but today i decided to help, to visit, and to linger in the second overly crowded store we went to. There were so many concerned, weary people. We decided to give His love to anyone who could receive it. And they did. Some seemed so startled, then smiled, like, "oh yeah, it is, isn't it?" It was like each walked away with a bow. In another store, i just started singing, and suddenly the music changed to happy carols! 😄🙌 That was weird. So, if we can't get everything done even tomorrow, we can't feel sad because we know we did have Christmas and celebrated the Real Christmas.
Amen. I could not have said this better! 🙏 thank you!
Great message. Hope you, Naniya , and the kids had a great day and a really good. 2025. Love you all and God bless. Keep up the good work. Marg
AMEN
Yeah, so much for " peace on earth, good will to all men"
What a generous Christmas message? ❤
Thank you so much for this. I truly believe this!
Rev Ed very well put i just love that you speak up about issues and not afraid to do it.
So well.said! My family loved both Christmas and the Winter Solstice! Thank you, Rev. Ed! 💜
That was a good talk, thank you. I REALLY missed your blessing at the end.
As a non Christian, I love the Christmas season for the joy people have. The music and the different celebrations I love like the Lucia Fest, church choirs and Xmas Eve dinner, give me the joy I have with my fellow humans that I don’t feel or see the rest of the year. It’s a shame that after Jan 6, it’s gone.
Bless you, Merry Christmas and thank you for your thoughtful words.
The only reason for Christmas being celebrated in December was decided by an early church synod that chose a day after the Winter Solstice because the birth of Jesus was bringing light to the world. Likewise, the conception was back counted 9 months, which also aligned with the Spring Equinox, when light over comes dark. It is the same observations that set the quarter and cross quarter days.
You're talking about Christmas on December 25 and the Annunciation on March 25.
However, another idea occurred to me: the vernal equinox (spring) takes place on or near March 21, and then Easter follows within a month's time. I can think of Christmas as the day that the light appears in the darkness, and Easter as the day that the light overcomes the darkness--that is, Jesus as the light of the world.
In my first year of college I lived in Madison in the university dormitory. My home life was very bad so over winter break, I didnt want to go home. I tried sleeping in a parking garage with my boyfriend but it was so cold we could'nt do it. We ended up finding a church on campus with the door unlocked so we went in and sat very quietly in the balcony trying to figure out what to do. A priest came in, saw us, and tried to pick up my boyfriend and throw him over the balcony.
Wow. No Jesus in that church. So sorry that happened to you. Wishing you better days!
@obviousalias9506 thank you! Things are definitely better now, but that was a shock.
I love everyone in the world Amen
IMHO, this was one of your most beautiful, poignant & powerful messages I have had the privilege of hearing. Thank you for choosing the life of service that you have. Please never doubt you are making an incredible difference in the world. Wishing you a beautiful Christmas season.
May the world wake up with hearts filled with the Love & Light of the Christed One. ✨💖✨
Thank You for this video , Merry Christmas 🎄
The Japanese have a much better take on the Sun Goddess being tricked to come out of her cave.
Those who can say nothing without using slurs, insults and allegations mostly have nothing to say...
L.O.V.E.*Rulz
Pro💜Love
👣🕊👽
The only priest this atheist regularly agrees with....
Oh also the billboard is ugly. The Catholic League sits on millions and that is what they buy?