Comments on: What Makes A "Good" Christmas?

Ben Stein Says It's Not What Under Your Tree But What's In Your Heart

[mdbaker62]

IT TAKES A PERSON LIKE BEN TO VOICE AN OPINION ABOUT WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT. YEARS AGO I CAN REMEMBER CHRISTMAS AS FAMILY GETTING TOGETHER TELLING STORIES AND SHARING TIME FROM A BUSY WORLD. TODAY I LOOK UPON CHRISTMAS AS BEN DOES AS NOTHING MORE THAN GREED. WE HAVE LOST SIGHT OF WHAT CHRISTMAS IS. A SAVIOR WAS BORN TO SAVE MANKIND. IT IS NOT A TIME TO ASK WHAT AM I GETTING BUT IT IS A TIME TO REFLECT THAT IN THE ALMIGHTY''S GOODNESS FOR MAN AND NOW THAT MANKIND IS SUFFERING SO MUCH AND YET FOR ONE NIGHT MAN CAN SAY TO HIMSELF GOD LOVES ME. THIS CHRISTMAS I WILL LIGHT A CANDLE FOR THOSE WHO JUDGE OTHERS. GOD BLESS ALL THE BEN STEINS OF THIS WORLD WHO HELPS US TO REMEMBER WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

[mdbaker62]

IT TAKES A PERSON LIKE BEN TO VOICE AN OPINION ABOUT WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT. YEARS AGO I CAN REMEMBER CHRISTMAS AS FAMILY GETTING TOGETHER TELLING STORIES AND SHARING TIME FROM A BUSY WORLD. TODAY I LOOK UPON CHRISTMAS AS BEN DOES AS NOTHING MORE THAN GREED. WE HAVE LOST SIGHT OF WHAT CHRISTMAS IS. A SAVIOR WAS BORN TO SAVE MANKIND. IT IS NOT A TIME TO ASK WHAT AM I GETTING BUT IT IS A TIME TO REFLECT THAT IN THE ALMIGHTY''S GOODNESS FOR MAN AND NOW THAT MANKIND IS SUFFERING SO MUCH AND YET FOR ONE NIGHT MAN CAN SAY TO HIMSELF GOD LOVES ME. THIS CHRISTMAS I WILL LIGHT A CANDLE FOR THOSE WHO JUDGE OTHERS. GOD BLESS ALL THE BEN STEINS OF THIS WORLD WHO HELPS US TO REMEMBER WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

[hadleyrille]

I can tell you now that one of the best presents I will receive this holiday is Ben Stein''s most beautiful interpretation of what the Christmas season really means. Thank you, Mr. Stein

[mdbaker62]

IT TAKES A PERSON LIKE BEN TO VOICE AN OPINION ABOUT WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT. YEARS AGO I CAN REMEMBER CHRISTMAS AS FAMILY GETTING TOGETHER TELLING STORIES AND SHARING TIME FROM A BUSY WORLD. TODAY I LOOK UPON CHRISTMAS AS BEN DOES AS NOTHING MORE THAN GREED. WE HAVE LOST SIGHT OF WHAT CHRISTMAS IS. A SAVIOR WAS BORN TO SAVE MANKIND. IT IS NOT A TIME TO ASK WHAT AM I GETTING BUT IT IS A TIME TO REFLECT THAT IN THE ALMIGHTY''S GOODNESS FOR MAN AND NOW THAT MANKIND IS SUFFERING SO MUCH AND YET FOR ONE NIGHT MAN CAN SAY TO HIMSELF GOD LOVES ME. THIS CHRISTMAS I WILL LIGHT A CANDLE FOR THOSE WHO JUDGE OTHERS. GOD BLESS ALL THE BEN STEINS OF THIS WORLD WHO HELPS US TO REMEMBER WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

[mdbaker62]

IT TAKES A PERSON LIKE BEN TO VOICE AN OPINION ABOUT WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT. YEARS AGO I CAN REMEMBER CHRISTMAS AS FAMILY GETTING TOGETHER TELLING STORIES AND SHARING TIME FROM A BUSY WORLD. TODAY I LOOK UPON CHRISTMAS AS BEN DOES AS NOTHING MORE THAN GREED. WE HAVE LOST SIGHT OF WHAT CHRISTMAS IS. A SAVIOR WAS BORN TO SAVE MANKIND. IT IS NOT A TIME TO ASK WHAT AM I GETTING BUT IT IS A TIME TO REFLECT THAT IN THE ALMIGHTY''S GOODNESS FOR MAN AND NOW THAT MANKIND IS SUFFERING SO MUCH AND YET FOR ONE NIGHT MAN CAN SAY TO HIMSELF GOD LOVES ME. THIS CHRISTMAS I WILL LIGHT A CANDLE FOR THOSE WHO JUDGE OTHERS. GOD BLESS ALL THE BEN STEINS OF THIS WORLD WHO HELPS US TO REMEMBER WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

[freerev]

Basically, I love everything Ben has to say about what makes a "good Christmas". I''ve been saying these things for years. Consumerism, marketing and the media have taken over our most sacred Holy-day and caused us to believe our value lies in what we get and what we can give. Giving gifts is not the bad part of Christmas. The bad part is when we make giving gifts the entire focus of our Christmas activities, events and gatherings. It took a Jewish person, Jesus, to straighted things up 2007+ years ago when the religious lost track of what God really wants. It doesn''t bother me that Ben is not a Christian commenting on a Christian holiday. Being on the outside makes it easier to see more clearly the inconsistencies of another''s ways.

[stephaniefri]

Politically speaking I have seldom agreed with anything Ben Stein has had to say although I used to watch his game show religiously, which brings me to this morning%u2019s commentary. Today Ben spoke to the heart of what I%u2019ve been writing on my own blog since Black Friday. This year, instead of spending hundreds of dollars that went into the pockets of retailers, we are giving the gift of experiences to each other and our loved ones. Making a memory that will last a lifetime makes more sense than giving something that eventually will wind up in the landfill. Ben, you%u2019ve won my heart.

[ki8911]

Are the first 2 posters "Christian"? Wow, talk about hypocrisy. Judaism did not kill Jesus. Jesus was considered a politically and socially dangerous rabbi to the Roman rulers & the puppet Jewish government. He was a threat to the status quo. Remember folks, Jesus was not a White Guy with Blue Eyes, he was a Hebrew. For all we know, Jesus could have been this chubby guy with no beard.
Christians who are insecure in their faith tend to bristle when someone brings up some truths. In fact, hey, that happens with Muslims & Hebrews too!
Read the sentiment; Christmas is not about how many toys you have under the tree, it''s the people around the tree & beyond, your family, friends and caring for those less fortunate, now that is the real gift. Once upon a time, a young man was trying to inspire folks to try a different way treating each other, with kindness, compassion and love, & in doing so was honoring & worshipping God. His message is still there, too bad people still aren''t listening. And this post is from someone who not affiliated with any religion.

[freerev]

Basically, I love everything Ben has to say about what makes a "good Christmas". I''ve been saying these things for years. Consumerism, marketing and the media have taken over our most sacred Holy-day and caused us to believe our value lies in what we get and what we can give. Giving gifts is not the bad part of Christmas. The bad part is when we make giving gifts the entire focus of our Christmas activities, events and gatherings. It took a Jewish person, Jesus, to straighted things up 2007+ years ago when the religious lost track of what God really wants. It doesn''t bother me that Ben is not a Christian commenting on a Christian holiday. Being on the outside makes it easier to see more clearly the inconsistencies of another''s ways.

[jenniferfry]

I could not agree more with Ben. It''s sickening to see such emphasis on material things. I really believe the true meaning has been lost.

[freerev]

Basically, I love everything Ben has to say about what makes a "good Christmas". I''ve been saying these things for years. Consumerism, marketing and the media have taken over our most sacred Holy-day and caused us to believe our value lies in what we get and what we can give. Giving gifts is not the bad part of Christmas. The bad part is when we make giving gifts the entire focus of our Christmas activities, events and gatherings. It took a Jewish person, Jesus, to straighted things up 2007+ years ago when the religious lost track of what God really wants. It doesn''t bother me that Ben is not a Christian commenting on a Christian holiday. Being on the outside makes it easier to see more clearly the inconsistencies of another''s ways.

[vinnienet729]

Ben Stein''s message was about the over emphasis of Christmas shopping, and true value of human relationships. Shame on those self-professed "Christians" whose anti-Semitic comments were not based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, but their dislike of a Jewish man doing an Op Ed piece about American social values. Try to remember, folks, Jesus was a Jewish man, and according to the Bible, The Son of God. He (Jesus) would definitely not agree with your rejection of Ben Stein''s message.

[freerev]

Basically, I love everything Ben has to say about what makes a "good Christmas". I''ve been saying these things for years. Consumerism, marketing and the media have taken over our most sacred Holy-day and caused us to believe our value lies in what we get and what we can give. Giving gifts is not the bad part of Christmas. The bad part is when we make giving gifts the entire focus of our Christmas activities, events and gatherings. It took a Jewish person, Jesus, to straighted things up 2007+ years ago when the religious lost track of what God really wants. It doesn''t bother me that Ben is not a Christian commenting on a Christian holiday. Being on the outside makes it easier to see more clearly the inconsistencies of another''s ways.

[freerev]

Basically, I love everything Ben has to say about what makes a "good Christmas". I''ve been saying these things for years. Consumerism, marketing and the media have taken over our most sacred Holy-day and caused us to believe our value lies in what we get and what we can give. Giving gifts is not the bad part of Christmas. The bad part is when we make giving gifts the entire focus of our Christmas activities, events and gatherings. It took a Jewish person, Jesus, to straighted things up 2007+ years ago when the religious lost track of what God really wants. It doesn''t bother me that Ben is not a Christian commenting on a Christian holiday. Being on the outside makes it easier to see more clearly the inconsistencies of another''s ways.

[dalleys]

Ben Stein''s commentary this morning was well thought, well spoken and well received. It made me look up, take notice and reconsider the way I am preparing for the Christmas season.

While I appreciate the fact that everyone is entitled to an opinion of Mr. Stein and his message, I choose to be impressed by a man that does not necessarily share my faith, but is able to articulate (in a tone that I did not perceive as condescending) the true meaning of one of my most cherished holidays.

To Mr. Stein, I wish a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays or whatever version of good tidings he may accept. In this season of celebration, I vote for peace on earth, good will toward men, no matter what that man may accept, believe or proclaim.

[freerev]

Basically, I love everything Ben has to say about what makes a "good Christmas". I''ve been saying these things for years. Consumerism, marketing and the media have taken over our most sacred Holy-day and caused us to believe our value lies in what we get and what we can give. Giving gifts is not the bad part of Christmas. The bad part is when we make giving gifts the entire focus of our Christmas activities, events and gatherings. It took a Jewish person, Jesus, to straighted things up 2007+ years ago when the religious lost track of what God really wants. It doesn''t bother me that Ben is not a Christian commenting on a Christian holiday. Being on the outside makes it easier to see more clearly the inconsistencies of another''s ways.

[pearl26-2009]

ben stiens opinion/lecture on chrismas was truly out of context today. he is of jewish decent, and he doesnt seem to realize that most christans do these lecutred things on weekly or daily basis, we as americans give always and what is wrong with giving a gift to people you love. after expressing gratitude and apperciation all year, an inexpensive winter warmer is a great way to show apperciation. we as christians express gratitude and help to strangers all year, at least they give us day off to dinner with family. the way i see it: boycott communism (china), save christianity, eat more pork and stop liberalism (aka communism) so please stop having jewish peopple lectureing us about chrsitan holidays, we dont tell them how to behave on their holidays.

[johnshaft4]

This is an interesting piece of hypocrisy from a man whose "faith" killed Christ.