[Advent Conspiracy] Enter the Story 2011

[brothachiken023]

26 Satanists as to 829 smart people

[dob1997]

:)

[UnicornDEATHRAY]

I am so proud to be a part of The Crossing and support the Advent Conspiracy! Let's not all get hung up on religious mumbo-jumbo and argue in the comments... Take that 15 seconds you'd use to type your response to some silly-head that may have a negative attitude and use it to spread this message on Facebook, Google +, Tumblr, ect! Let's spend our time on spreading words of love and charity, not hate! Thumbs up to keep this message strong, please! Let's make this AC COUNT!

[Reesesp13ces]

I completely agree with this, powerful message.

[elph98]

so youre not against spending, just spending on the people you love. right.

[ProdigiousHdawg]

I'm not religious, nor do I believe in God, but wow, I really liked this video. Totally agree with this message.

[minimemy]

If i got a crappy sweater i'd just give it away anyway so win-win

[godrod5]

What's the song they play.

[rmacsc2003]

@godrod5

k 

[BeAtsCircuitRider]

@iruparatso Not all Christians are what the media would have you believe any more than all of any people are what the media paints them to be. Please learn more about progressive Christians through a variety of venues. The UCC is a good place to start to meet Christians who care for the most vulnerable citizens, ordain and marry LGBT people like me and are trying to lift our voices of radical hospitality amidst the cacophony of Christians of limited love.

[rmacsc2003]

@BeAtsCircuitRider

It is shameful that there are so called Christians "of limited love." However, what is more unloving than affirming, condoning and promoting behavior that is medically destructive and inherently risky i.e. homosexual behavior? And it is not just for men.

Please read what the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association has to say about Lesbian health risks at glma. Speak the truth with love and respect.

[350orbust]

@rmacsc2003 Christ never mentioned homosexual behavior, but he did talk about, and exemplify, loving and caring for all, especially those that society marginalized. Think about the implications of that as you post anti-gay nonsense.

[rmacsc2003]

@350orbust So is any behavior acceptable that Christ did not actually talk about? I will go out on a limb and say no. Actually, there was nothing anti-gay in my comment. The nonsense you speak of come from the Center for Disease Control and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. If you have information that goes against that info please direct me to your source. Typically when someone has not logical response based in verifiable fact they resort to name calling and get dismissive.

[EnigmaInDisguise]

Does anyone know if there's a name to this song, and who did it???? It's really, really, REALLY powerful.

[iruparatso]

Being lectured on goodwill by Christians is a little like being lectured on marriage by a Mormon.

[werdnativ]

I am an atheist and I endorse this message. Thumbs up!

[Liiekejustme]

@werdnativ Me too!

[hal9thou001]

You either believe in Jesus or you don't. Doesn't matter. The message here is what is important no matter what diety/god/mystic you believe in.

[jakesonaplane305]

I haven't read this whole discussion, don't have time at work. Just wanted to quickly pop in and point out as someone who actually reads greek and has seen microfilms of the earliest manuscripts that we have that yes, in fact, the most reliable and earliest sources do claim that Mary was a virgin. Some people do debate the meaning of virgin in that context, but please do not make erroneous claims with no sources to site if you've not checked the facts yourself. Thanks!

[MarkanicsIceMan]

Mary was a virgin. I don't see why this should be so hard for people to believe. If God can create us and the whole world and universe, then surely He can place baby Jesus in the womb of Mary without her loosing her virginity.

What seems impossible to man is NOT impossible to God. If God said it happended like that, then we just have to have faith that that is exactly how it happened. Besides, who are we to question God?? Who are we to try and fit God into our own little box of thinking???

[MrDelusionalPenguin]

@MarkanicsIceMan Yes but if you don't believe in god in the first place then its fairly easy not to believe that she was a virgin.

It was a translation error.

It has been proven that the bible never even claimed that she was a virgin. The bible in its origional and purest form at no point said that she was a virgin. Calling her a virgin is going against the bible and if your a god fearing christian thats kind of a big thing.

[Bigstanky86]

Who sings that song at the end?

[trevorrasmussen]

For those of you on here arguing about religion and other ridiculous things, you are missing the point of the video. This video is about bringing hope to people who need some hope. The video was created to be shown in churches, hence the church angle but honestly, this is a challenge for everyone regardless of church background. What can we do to end lack of water across the world. Just doesn't even seem possible that people don't have water...something I take for granted.

[maxzmillion1979]

Can you make a video about Hanukkah please?

[GraydonW]

This is how the word of Jesus must be spread. Not through hate and judgement.

[MrDelusionalPenguin]

Jesus was not born on December the 25th

Mary was not a virgin it was a mistranslation she was merely refered to as a "young woman"

yada yada

yada u

[cro9710]

@MrDelusionalPenguin Yes, the translation of "young woman" is correct. However, if you look at the cultural times, those referred to as "young women" were by in large always virgins.

[MrDelusionalPenguin]

@cro9710 Yes but if you look at the fact that she gave Birth you can assume that she was not a young woman >.>

This should not shake anyones faith in god just wise them up a little about the absurity of the bible.

[cro9710]

@MrDelusionalPenguin I am not worried about my faith. But I must contest, as the age of giving birth is irrelevant in this matter. She was of birthing age (meaning she was likely 13-17. But at that time, she was only betrothed to Joseph, not yet married, and marriage out of wedlock was incredibly untolerated. Due to these cultural factors, it actually makes MORE sense to believe she was a virgin. As to the Bible being absurd, we'll have to disagree on that one too.

[MrDelusionalPenguin]

@cro9710

I think it makes more sense to assume that she was not a virgin seeing as she had a kid...

I really should not have to say any more than that.

You can live your life by Jesus and his message thats fine. But believing in stuff like this is not silly its downright retarded and anti progressive. There is no reason why you should not believe in santa clause but believe in the bible.

What do you say about the fact that Jesus was never born on the 25th of december?

[cro9710]

@MrDelusionalPenguin It is proven that December 25th is likely not the actual date. It’s a symbolic date to reflect upon his birth, however. I would recommend a series on TV right now called “Bible Mysteries Explained.” They try to scientifically prove how many of the miracles in the Bible could have happened (like the 10 plagues, parting of the red sea, etc). It’s not even from a Christian perspective, but it looks for natural explanations to these occurrences. Pretty cool.

[MrDelusionalPenguin]

@cro9710 Thanks for reccomendation! Theres a fantastic show by the BBC about the devil and how hes just a creation of the church because people of previous religions would not accept that if there is just one god then why is there evil in the world. Unless the god is a evil god and therefore they would not worship him.

A fantastic example of people molding religion into what they need it to be rather than what it is.

[cro9710]

@MrDelusionalPenguin I will check that out as well. I disagree wholeheartedly with the premise, but I am curious to see it. I can tell already that it's built from the atheistic worldview (i.e., biased), but it should be interesting nonetheless. I truly enjoy these conversations (so long as they remain civil and respectful). If you have any interest in continuing the dialogue, let me know and we can chat via email or something, rather than here on youtube. :)

[MrDelusionalPenguin]

@cro9710 full name is Andy Hamilton's Search for Satan and thanks for being civil. Its not the most faverable format rather than a documentary its a bloke called Andy Hamilton who is a writer and he explores various things about the devil he also goes into the books of the bible that never made the final cut.

[cro9710]

@MrDelusionalPenguin Probaly didnt make the final cut because it was bogus. ;)

[tromba25]

Guys, please don't argue about religion here. Please live out the change, and start giving. I just went to their website and ordered "gift cards" for my family, which they can redeem and donate to different projects in different countries. I'm excited to raise awareness! Google "Living Water International"

[AnalisaWong]

Epic. <3 This is such an awesome way to spread the word about the True Meaning of CHRISTmas! I pray that we will do our very best to honor the Lord and give our whole lives to Him. We need to spend more time developing our relationships with Jesus than figuring out what gifts to get, how to decorate our houses or strive for recognition for our good deeds. It's all about Jesus during this time, not about Santa Clause and presents! ^_^

[eugenebongoboy]

I wish that folks of all religions/ philosophies may have a winter/ Christmas/ Solstice/ Hannukah/ whatever season with meaning, giving and love and not driven by consumerism. :) If you celebrate winter special days differently or not at all, why harsh on those who are attempting to make their celebrations more meaningful and less market driven?

[PreciselyRandom]

The message delivered is brilliant. Reigning in excessive consumerism is far overdue. Why is this attitude only being suggested for such a limited time. I'm far more interested in following this mentality throughout the year! Regardless, I hope everyone enjoys their holidays :)

This video link provides RELEVANT information for the interest of everyone:

youtube.com/watch?v=m_zytOaQxY­g

[generalmushroom]

Wow, really? A message about helping the less needy has degenerated into hate messages. Go debate pagan celebrations somewhere else. You're not going to change anyone's opinion over youtube comments...

[BoxOfAdam]

If you have chosen to comment on whether or not Christmas is a Christian holiday after watching this video, I pity you. You have missed it.

[FoxxNightingale]

but how do i spend less at christmas.. wait

adventconspiracy

adventconsPIRACY

IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE NOW.

[SnoopyKendall]

How about you don't tell me what Christmas should be about? I will celebrate however I want, and if that entails my giving gifts (of whatever kind) to my friends and family, then I will happily give to them. My time, energy, and money will be spent on the people I love deeply, and you will NOT make me feel guilty for it.

The real shame is those who try to make people feel guilty for celebrating however they want to.

[mdmakk]

The Catholic Church and the network of megachurches of the world can afford to feed, clothe, and house every man, woman, and child in the entire world. But apparently the clergy's silly costumes and televangelists' possessions are more important.

[OrientalTech]

God this video is full of idiots and wanna be know it all's. Long story short, whether your a Christian or not, give alittle, don't be so dam greedy. Only 20$ billion for everyone to have clean water? That's great. 460$ billion spent of gifts? Really?

[MrVargovic]

This would be a great message if you didn't bring Jesus into it. The churches of the united states spend more money on themselves then helping the community and the world. Self interest prevails.

[OrientalTech]

@MrVargovic you sir, have never been involved in a church. Don't say you have, cause you haven't

[MrVargovic]

@OrientalTech I can say whatever I please, Sir.

[cablob]

Christmas was a pagan holiday, stolen by the Christians/Catholics.

[CindyKRoberts]

I love this! We celebrate Christmas because of Christ's birth. Enough said.

[rhymeswithmike]

I'm not big on the religious part of this, but the underlying message is a very good one. Seriously, the next person on your list for whom you don't know what to buy, make a donation to a charity in their name, and send them a card saying what you did (so they can even claim a tax credit). Problem solved, in more ways than one.

[bunnygirl129]

@PreciselyRandom And what exactly do you mean by that? Just wondering.

[PreciselyRandom]

It's unfortunate this great message is tarnished with fallacious religious reference.

[FashionablyK8]

@PreciselyRandom Except for the fact that Christmas is all about Christ. I'm sorry that religion is ruining your "Christmas."

[JexiesGhost]

@FashionablyK8 Christmas is all about pagans celebrating the solstice. Seeing Christians whining about having it taken away is the greatest poetic justice for what they did.

[MissMangAddict]

@JexiesGhost Lemme explain something to you: CHRISTIANS believe that CHRISTmas is about CHRIST's birth. Coincidence? Not really.

[JexiesGhost]

@MissMangAddict Are you seriously that fucking stupid? Nobody knows when he was born, the timing was to co-opt a pagan holiday. Where do you think the tree tradition came from - your own bible is against the practice:

go read Jeremiah 10:2, as usual Atheists know more about the bible than christians do.

[MissMangAddict]

@JexiesGhost Are YOU really that fucking rude and stereotypical? You just insulted an entire religion, you fucking loser. And what makes you think you know more about the Bible than the ones who basically read it every day? Btw, Jeremiah 10:2 says "Do not learn the way of the nations" - not the religions. It's disgusting people like you who piss me off - so quick to insult everyone who defends religion.

[JexiesGhost]

@MissMangAddict It's easy to condemn an entire religion as they're all for simple-minded idiots who need to be controlled by others to get by in life. The point of the Jer. quote is that the tree pre-dates xtian celebration which obviously flew right over your head.

Speaking of which, 'MissMangAddict', maybe you should pay more attention to 1 Timothy 2:12; "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet"

[generalmushroom]

@JexiesGhost Wow. Just wow. How do you keep your business cards dry under that bridge?

Dude, you're clearly not going to convince anyone over youtube comments, why bother? Go spend that time and effort more wisely.

[JexiesGhost]

@generalmushroom I'm not trying to convince anyone, when you get a christian whining about the holiday being about christ then replying to it's pagan roots with 'well we just started celebrating it for other reasons' and then proceeding to freak out at the suggestion that others just have started using different reasons as well there's nothing left to do but antagonize for fun. Attempting to use reason and logic on a xtian is like administering medicine to the dead.

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost Why are you acting so hateful? Simple-minded idiots only believe in God or gods? Einstein, Newton, Planck, Descartes, Luther King Jr., CS Lewis and more - the list goes on and on of people who understood that God or gods had to exist, yet you call group them as simple-minded? You are misquoting religious books completely out of context, personally attacking strangers on the internet, and clogging the front page of an awesome promotion video - yet everyone else is simple. Trolololol.

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 Why are you bothering to read comments that bug you so much? I'm not arguing against the possibility of a god, I'm arguing the absurdity of all religion (and Einstein was certainly not religious). If you feel my biblical quotes are out of context then please provide the proper context and prove me wrong. The universe must have some explanation but it's sure not coming from a book written by bronze age sheep herders. If everything must have a creator then so does god.

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost Okay, you have some good points, I'll try and address them all. First, they are the front page comments of a video with an incredible message. I couldn't help but spot the contrast between it and the text below it. I understand Einstein was not religious, but practiced religion is man's best attempt at making sense of God. In terms of Christianity as directed by the Bible, it is not fair to devaluate it based on when or by whom it was written - the moral truths in it still

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost resonate today, and I believe can lead one to a fulfilling life. The story of Christianity has a lot of evidence and reason behind it that I agree was once not present. With our critical historical analysis of Biblical events, and scientific advancements, certain truths formerly not used as evidence for God have made strong cases for Him. Proof, certainly not, but good reason to believe. Your last sentence is not necessarily true. Though I am not an expert, here is my best

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost explanation. If you agree with the premise that the universe had a finite beginning (eg. Big Bang theory), there must have been a cause to that event, because all events have a cause (wiki: Causality - Aristotle). Both the stuff in the universe (materials) and the end products (stars, planets) had to arise from a source. This would necessitate a timeless, immaterial, immensely powerful being to bring about something like the universe.

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 There is a growing body of theory that the big bang was not the beginning, only evidence will tell. I don't believe anything powerful enough to create the universe is necessarily anything we recognize as a being, I don't see why the line must be drawn at materials. If god could just always exist without a creator I see no reason why it could not be equally possible that the universe has simply always existed with no creator (they're equally absurd possibilities).

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost I would say that if taken alone, perhaps the existence of an eternal universe without a creator might be an opinion you could take, however there are multiple reasons for believing in God without the cosmological argument (even though I would still say that given our evidence right now, the finite universe is still the overwhelmingly accepted theory). Those reasons could be discussed for hours in person, but youtube sadly limits character count.

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 Considering that christianity had us believing the stars were crystal spheres in the sky, and hell was fire underneath the earth, and how far science has taken us toward the real truth of what exists out in the universe I'm putting my money on the scientists and not the church to come up with the ultimate and final explanation of what all this is.

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost Christianity itself did not have those beliefs actually. People are always trying to make sense of their realities, and with the understanding at the time those explanations seemed plausible. Science and the church are not separate - Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Kepler, Kelvin, Mendel, etc. were all pushing scientific advancement from within the church. I am glad they did! Christianity adapts its understanding of the world with new evidence, but truths of God remain the same.

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost And finally, as far as the quotes out of context. Timothy 2:12 was a culturally protective verse for women in that time. Speaking up as a woman meant public stoning often, and a lot of the old and new testament reflects the culture of the time. This is also true of things like sacrifices in the Old Testament which used to be the only way the people of Israel could be clean under God. The tough part for us is to discern what was 'descriptive', and what was 'prescriptive' in the Bible

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 All that says to me is if that part of the bible was only relevant to the culture at that time then likely so was much of the rest of the bible and it should be abandoned as nothing more than writings by man. It's time to move on.

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost By that reasoning any book that speaks to conventional thinking should be ignored in the future, which is ridiculous. With more and more understanding of Greek and Hebrew language use, it is becoming clearer and clearer what verses speak lasting truths while phrasing appropriately for the people of the time to understand. You can't write to a future audience in their language, you can only write with how you know to write.

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 The bible doesn't speak to conventional thinking, it prescribes an ultimate metaphysical reality. If it's going to make claims that big it needs some evidence pure and simple.

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost What do you mean evidence though?

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 Physically or logically verifiable, falsifiable (as in being able to test it and see if it still stands up), repeatable. There's plenty of religious texts out there that claim different divine truths and no reason to think the bible is correct and they are wrong.

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost

I don't know how you can physically verify the text if it already exists? There is strong nearly irrefutable evidence to believe Jesus existed when he did, and historians (theist or not) acknowledge this. There is also very strong evidence that the resurrection of Jesus occurred given historically sound eye witness accounts.

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 It's a matter of verifying the claims. Some are clear, e.g. love thy neighbor. Others not so much - e.g. God made Eve out of Man's rib, or that we were wiped out in a great flood and 2 of every animal were on board an ark. Witness accounts are not physical proof of resurrection, especially considering modern day examples of people going to their graves and waking up later due to perfectly normal medical conditions (coma?).

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost Believing a god to be all-powerful, timeless, immaterial, good, creator of the universe is the first step. If I get over that hurdle, many other things God is capable of doing are quite trivial. In terms of creation of man and the flood - these things were told through the near-eastern creation story lens. Certain things like the garden of eden etc are more representative of the Fall of Humanity in a metaphor. I believe in evolution and it does not contradict my faith at all.

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost I don't know how you can provide evidence that 'Loving your neighbour' is a good virtue except that IF you acknowledge who God is: the good, timeless, all powerful being who created the universe and is the ultimate reflection of good through his character - it follows that obeying him is logical.

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 By the same reasoning it follows that obeying the other religious texts is also just as logical and there lies the problem.

[MissMangAddict]

@JexiesGhost The hell are you talking about? Obviously you don't understand anything, and you don't understand the hidden meanings in Bible verses. And "xtian"? Really? That's so sad. You're abusing Bible verses, you sexist pig. We don't need smart asses like you to scream out "I hate religion! I'm smarter than all of you!"

[JexiesGhost]

@MissMangAddict No of course not, it's full of hidden meaning that only geniuses such as yourself get. The verse is quite clear and you are breaking it. Do you wear clothes of mixed fabrics or eat shellfish? Because those are punishable by death according to the 'good book'. What you need is a lobotomy, but in the meantime I am happy to point out what a hypocrite you are.

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost Again, out of context scripture leads to ridiculous statements like this. Those were Levitical laws - those applied to the people of Israel prior to Jesus coming, because their connection to God was obtained through a series of practices and rituals necessitating clear rules. With Jesus, who ever acknowledges Him as God shall not perish but have everlasting life. Simple. No more need to keep fabrics or food pure.

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 That would be nice then if the average christian could dismiss the old testament all the time and not just when convenient. In general they sure like for it to matter again as soon as the gays come up!

[RushDrum99]

@JexiesGhost The old testament is full of lessons of what has and has not worked for humanity over history in aligning with the Spirit of God. The vast majority of it is not explicit proverbial instruction like leviticus, and so those passages need extra care in analysis. As far as homosexuality, I am a little more liberal in terms of where I stand, however for your info some Christians cite NT passages against this as well.

[JexiesGhost]

@RushDrum99 Well I have a lesson for god - 'don't create homosexuality if you have a problem with it'

[MissMangAddict]

@JexiesGhost Oh, I see now. You're one of those atheists that consider themselves complete geniuses just because they don't associate with religiont. Well, first of all, you're still not getting it. You're being way too literal, and the 'good book' is about spiritual moral - not physical protocol. Second of all, you need to learn how to respect others. Obviously, you're nothing more than a stubborn snob who just can't wait to blow up in people's faces.

[JexiesGhost]

@MissMangAddict The bible is full of evil, after all god killed off virtually the entire human race at one point. Face it, pinheads like yourself have not even read it, and simply cherry pick what feels good to our culture at the time while ignoring everything else.

[MissMangAddict]

@JexiesGhost He flooded the earth because the entire human race was corrupt like you, you bonehead. Of course not everything in the Bible is good, it's a truthfully MORAL book. And like you even read it. All you did was skim through it just so you can ridicule it and everyone who actually does understand it. You misinterpret everything in it, and you're too stubborn to respect it and everyone else's opinions. I honestly tried to be nice, but you're too much of a douche to communicate with.

[JexiesGhost]

@MissMangAddict If the human race was corrupt then it's god's fault for creating them. I don't think you understand what it means to be omniscient. Only someone who has never read the bible could claim it's a moral writing, for morons like yourself it's just like when you sign up to a new service, install software etc. you don't read things, you scroll to the bottom and click 'I agree'. Almost no xtians have a clue what their religion even is anymore, especially you.

[MissMangAddict]

@JexiesGhost God doesn't just do whatever anymore. It's not like He's going to pop out of nowhere to slap you in the face if you want proof. The human race was corrupt because man was cursed with the Original Sin. Like I said, you're not even trying to understand the Bible. Maybe it's just too much for your pea brain. And when I sign up for a new service or install software, I DO read it all, you imbecile. You have no idea. And it's seriously sad that you're too afraid to say "Christians."

[JexiesGhost]

@MissMangAddict You act like original sin was something that popped up out of god's control. If there is a god that created everything then original sin is it's doing as well. People interpret the bible differently which is the entire problem, every mouth-breathing moron such as yourself thinks they have some inside line on what god wants. The reality is man created god, not the other way around. And it's the reason behind virtually every war the world has ever seen.

[danrojas70]

@JexiesGhost Nonsense. People fight for land, or power, or for revenge, or for protection. Religion rarely has anything to do with it. That's one of those lines people keep repeating but have never looked into.

[LuvAllison]

@JexiesGhost They didn't "take it away", they just celebrated it for another reason.

[JexiesGhost]

@LuvAllison Great, so it's high time christians stop their bitching and moaning about other people simply celebrating it as 'holidays' again, we're just celebrating it for a different reason again.

[PreciselyRandom]

@FashionablyK8 Technically speaking, "Christmas" has nothing to do with the "son of god" (Jesus Christ). Christianity highjacked a ancient pagan celebration celebrating the winter solstice (Dec. 21/22) and the return of Light to the world: the Sun of God. Religion isn't ruining this time of year for me at all, what's troubling to me is Christianity's misrepresentation with regards to the sacred meaning of this time of year.

[BoxOfAdam]

@PreciselyRandom There are very few that would agree with you. Keep trying though.

[drivnbydeath]

@PreciselyRandom Why do you think we have christmas in the first place? CHRISTmas.

[MissMangAddict]

@PreciselyRandom We really don't need to hear your whining about this being a religious video.

[Doogs1]

@PreciselyRandom what a croc!

[alvisc2002]

6 people are neocons.

[huether101306]

on a personal note.. the 364 days preceding (or postceding... whatever tickles you) Christmas that i spend reading to my kids (1/2 hour EVERY night) before bedtime means WAY more to them than any chump A gift that i could buy on Gods birthday!! ask them... they are happy God was born and forgives them and loves them and set an example that their parents try (but mostly fail) to live by... now lets go spend some cash and make white man rich!!!!

[huether101306]

good thing the blessed Mary "our mom" did NOT believe in abortion.. wonder if we still would have CHRISTmas??? but lets face it stockings, a tree, decorations, fake smiles for family we hate, wrapping paper, gift cards that limit where we can actually buy STUFF if they were caring enough to just give cash?!?!! lets drop all the bullS hollidays and just celebrate the one game ahemm i mean day that actually means something..... THE SUPERBOWL.. go niners!

[jcchurch]

It began with 3 gifts, and 2 of those gifts sucked.

[Wuzupshamu]

Yes! Yes, yes, yes!! This video is going out to everyone I know. THIS is what Christmas is about. Gifts are nice, but stuff is worthless. Don't confuse the two.

[AJW0600]

or... google elephant journal adventus

[AJW0600]

For a poetic take on Advent 2011 see: elephant journal dot com/2011/11/adventus-absurdus-­---a-poem-for-advent-2011/

[lewandowskim7347]

i love this :)

[ComradeDavidenko]

Damn Christians stealing the Birthday of Sol Invictus, the invincible Sun God.

[Armada1588]

@ComradeDavidenko Nope: patheos.com/blogs/markshea/200­6/12/14618.html

[ComradeDavidenko]

@Armada1588 Yup: christianitytoday-dot-com/ch/n­ews/2000/dec08.html "For the church's first three centuries, Christmas wasn't in December—or on the calendar at all."

[BroskiOfTheMillenniu]

@Armada1588 So you're quoting a Christian blog...to argue a known historical fact?

Because the Christians have NEVER been revisionist historians, or tried to peddle utter lies about things like...oh, I don't know...the age of the planet.

[lifesglorydead]

@ComradeDavidenko It was co-opted, not stolen. :) (I took History 300 in community college too)

[ComradeDavidenko]

@lifesglorydead I would prefer the term syncretized. I'm actually not in college, I'm a senior high school student...

[lifesglorydead]

@ComradeDavidenko Haha, well syncretism is still a far cry from thievery.

[ComradeDavidenko]

@lifesglorydead Steal:

Take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it: "thieves stole her bicycle".

syncretize:

(Philosophy) to combine or attempt to combine the characteristic teachings, beliefs, or practices of (differing systems of religion or philosophy

Although in this context syncretize would be more appropriate, steal could also be used, as I doubt the early Church Fathers were asking for the permission of pagan clerics.

[pfritzphd]

Yes, I too will purchase fewer gifts assuring others the prosperity of joblessness so they can spend more time starving with their families, as Jesus would advocate.

[togetogether]

@pfritzphd I think ceasing to buy gifts is a little nutty -- but maybe instead of buying iTunes gift cards, iPads, PS3s, and so on, we could buy home-country-made goods or buy lots of locally grown food for those who need it. Support local economies, frugal spending, and worthwhile purchases.

[FlashFableFilm]

Apologetics website just did a show on origins of Christmas. Under "Radio" and "Recent Past Shows" it should be the first one listed.

[Kow8675309]

That is exactly why people shouldn't give money to churches and to pastors and to preachers, but instead give to charities give to those who could actually do some good with the money instead of feeding a delusional cult.

[ComradeDavidenko]

@Kow8675309 Well said. :]

[togetogether]

@Kow8675309 Right... because all secular-run charities have a 'no corruption guarantee', and no religious organization or charity operated by religious people does anything good with money like building homes, providing clothing, or providing food for the needy...

[Kow8675309]

@togetogether Right! Glad we're on the same page.

[roadlesstrvled]

How about putting aside the criticism and cynicism, and just be glad folks are TRYING to help others. "Conspiring" together to help change the world is a good idea, whether (or not) it comes from a sacred or secular perspective. Even if their efforts only make a partial change, isn't that better than making no difference at all?

[Timothay2]

The 25th actually has no historical pagan ties, the festival people like to claim Christmas was started after takes place the week before Christmas and ends December 21st, love how people hear an untruth and grasp it as a truth

[eriklarson28]

not even close

[eriklarson28]

20 billion dollars would not solve the worlds water crisis

[roadlesstrvled]

@eriklarson28 Still, $20 billion is a nice hunk of change. Let's say it only solves 20% of the world's water crisis. I'd say "bravo." 20% this year, 20% next year ...

[efbji32]

what's the title of the first song that was played?

[TorahDesperado]

oinkbaum got it right. also christmas is 100 percent fully pagan. so lets just skip it all together yeah?

[SvaJonny]

I think someone needs to know how the economy works..

[TheOtherMatt42]

@SvaJonny I don't know if you noticed this, but it dosen't.

[keetner]

Didn't the three Wise Men give gifts to baby Jesus though?

[smkearney1974]

@keetner the "three" wise men (no one knows for sure how many there actually were) gave gifts to Jesus 2-3 years AFTER his birth. And they gave them to pay homage to a king, not as gifts for being born. That's why the gifts were so monetarily valuable... gold, frankinscence and myrrh. I have no issue with giving gifts, but that is not the reason for the season.

[Bobster110551]

Awesome video. I hate the secular holiday so much!! But I love the authentic Christ centered Christmas that our pagan society is trying to eliminate. This video says it brilliantly!

[usnvygrl]

@Bobster110551  I agree with the focus of Christmas being Jesus. I just wonder how many people are aware that the DEC date historically is a Pagan holiday and that one of the POPEs picked DEC 25th to celebrate Christ in hopes of overshadowing the pagan festival.

[DarthShame]

@usnvygrl Most people. It comes up a lot for some reason. Non-Christians love that fact, despite its irrelevance.

[Bobster110551]

@usnvygrl Actually that is not really accurate. The feast of the Annunciation falls on Mar 25th. The birth of Jesus is consequently 9 months later - Dec 25th. It was this way from the begining of the church. But even if it was true - so what? Jesus birth changed everything - even our calendars. The calendar we follow in the west was decreed by Pope and it replaced a previous erroneous one. So what?

[oinkbaum]

or we could give all that money to

The lonely

The hungry

The sick

and The thirsty in the U.S. first and then help the other countries. ; )

[brittybritt23]

AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!!!

[benabary]

Actually, Jesus was born on christmas, even though it is thought to be that jesus was actually born somethime in the summer. He didnt give himself until easter

[FreeHeartForever]

@benabary arggg!

[elanajoy86]

who designed this video? it's brilliant!

[BUDDYRY99]

awesome



[saeriellyn]

Still as powerful as it was originally. Thanks for continuing to remind us of what is truly important during the holidays and always!

[gjam07]

Love the new/updated version of the original video! Definitely going to be spreading this a lot over the next 2 months :) thanks for the inspiration!

[kitkatdunn]

I always look forward to their videos every year... makes me think over my own giving, living, worshiping. Awesome

[LadyFernwood]

Hey! This is a delightful little flic!!! People should share it as the ads for Xma$ have already arrived like an avalanche