To remember is to live!!
Christmas is, in its origin, the most important sacred holiday of Christianity – (after the commemoration of the Passion of Christ in Holy Week) – a creed that is also professed by the majority of Venezuelans! And in the modern daily social life of today, it is true that the saint in relation to Christmas most remembered worldwide has been the great charitable San Nicholas (although in our country for a long time Venezuelans preferred the “Niño Jesus” –to bring us “our Christmas presents”)
The figure of San Nicolaswho was Bishop of Myra, Türkiye –a country today, for various “reasons”, very closely allied to ours… In the 4th century…
He is a deeply revered figure in Eastern Orthodox Christianity as saint par excellence of Christian charity to the poor as well as protector of children (!) (Interestingly, the name of the saint is also the same as that of the temple which played a key role in the ultimately spectacular collapse of the “Wall of Berlin» (!) -in a context of “values” very similar to the current tour of the current Papa pilgrim by Asia !).
..Saint Nicholas He used to have the same level of respect in the Western Christian tradition as a kind of “Patron of Charity”, until the Saint was “kidnapped” by consumerist-materialist capitalism to become its great icon and wild card; especially in the –previously much more spiritual- Christmas season.
What was experienced in the past:
…. In our country, since the times of the so-called “IV Republic” it became common –and especially on television- to see Saint Nicholas used for all kinds of consumer propaganda, from going out in a hammock celebrating with a glass of liquor in his hands for the dividends that his account in a national bank had given him, to appearing flirting with women to make them buy in a certain department store, “scaring” children to pressure their parents to buy them things, etc, etc.(!).
The eagerness to use the Saint was so great that, normally from mid-October, more than two months before the Christmas celebration, the “Christmas advertisements” using Saint Nicholas began to appear. (!
….At the beginning of the so-called “V Republic of the Bolivarian Socialist Revolution”, some of us thought, at a certain moment, that things could perhaps be different, and that there could be in our country “some decent rescue of the original spirit of Christmas” (!). After all, one of the last wishes of the Liberator Simon Bolívar Shortly before his death in 1830 he had been: “Let my last act be to recommend to you that you protect the holy Religion that we profess, the source of the blessings of heaven.”
Even the Article 59 of the same National Constitution of the “new” Bolivarian Republic of Venezuelaadopted in 1999, read as follows: “
“The State shall guarantee freedom of religion and worship. Every person has the right to profess his or her religious faith and worship and to manifest his or her beliefs in private or in public, through teaching or other practices, provided that they do not oppose morality, good customs and public order….No one may invoke religious beliefs or disciplines to avoid compliance with the ley in to prevent another person from exercising his or her rights.”
…And among the initial striking things of that time there were even a series of legal provisions to “regulate advertising harmful to human and moral values”, as part of the then “seemingly reasonable” Law of Social Responsibility of Radio and TV (the so-called “Resort Law” – which would later be greatly distorted by its low use for “mere political retaliation”). One of these provisions, in article 9 of the aforementioned Law, establishes that: “Advertising that….disseminates messages where religious faith, cults or beliefs are used for commercial purposes is not permitted…”.
In it 2012a very memorable and pioneering event was staged in our country: “Interreligious Forum for Peace” (Anapause)….Which had the full support and personal cooperation of the then Nuncio in Venezuela, and today Secretary of State of the current Pope, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, as well as the directive of the then Conference of Bishops presided over by the late Monsignor Diego Padrónand the active participation of all leading figures of the different religions living in our country; ….A Forum that even closed towards the end of that year with a “Gran National Prayer for Peace” –where the then President Chavez sent as a personal emissary his Minister Mary Pili Hernandez, and the then Democratic Coordinator to her Director Ramon Guillermo Aveledo (…But be careful: Both to pray, not to talk, in a great example for the whole country !!). Well: the Vensanapaz Forum 2012 had also proclaimed in the public declaration which he left us –and which was widely disseminated at the time, as follows:
“We claim the unity of criteria perceptible in the main teachings of all spiritualities of the world in the matter of the repudiation of violence and the vital importance of peace, and we demand that the distortion, manipulation or disrespect of all genuine religions cease; genuineness given by their fidelity to the golden rule of all religions of not harming any life.
Lo previous step very much in tune with everything proclaimed at the level of the HIM until then in the matter…And about which, it is worth mentioning, as an example, only the following, from the Resolution of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, April 2003:
«Urges States to ensure that, in the performance of their official duties, all public officials and agents of the State, including law enforcement officers, military personnel and teachers, respect different religions and beliefs…and that all necessary and appropriate training or education in this regard is provided”…»The subsidization with public funds of cultural, artistic or other manifestations that insult symbols that some people “consider sacred is not respect for the different religions” … “The State and other public bodies have the obligation to guarantee believing citizens that their religious symbols are respected.”
(….Incidentally, the above had already been flagrantly disrespected in 2010 by the current regime of things with the primitive public display –even with the personal endorsement of “its iconic deputy” Robert Serra –ironically a graduate of the UCAB- of images of the Virgin of Coromoto and Jesus carrying machine guns (!!!) –Absolutely blasphemous images which –adding insult to injury- were later intended to be taken to “La Venice Biennale” in 2013 as a show of “popular art” (!!)….which was prevented thanks to a national and international public protest –which included a group performing in Venezuela under the name of ““Indignant Christians” and the intervention personal amazed –y forced- of the same, mentioned, Nuncio in Caracas!!).
Avoid the Great Irreparable Ravine and Another Urgent Face for There to Be a Future !
….Regardless of everything we have and should do at a systemic and permanent universal level, based on all our suffering national experience and the current world -In order to rescue He deep spiritual sense, solemn, austere, and responsible, compassionate-solidarity, of the real celebration of Christmas –and about which we can talk in more detail on another occasion, Vmake the following considerations regarding our current pressing national situation:
….With all the above eloquent antecedents; and where without a doubt “many of the previous muds led to the current great muds”; Nobody Perhaps one could imagine that the situation could become even more so today. but scandalous and pathetic!!…Where “the great misgovernment still in power today” took the liberty of even arriving “officially” – in an Olympic, shameless and profane way – to “bring forward the great solemn feast of the Birth of Jesus by almost three months” !! … Incredible !!! … For alleged own “political-party conveniences … For “more pathetic frivolous promising propaganda” – Like the vain one to which they have had us “accustomed” (but already no but, with the evident social weariness!!) …..In the unprecedented circumstances, of so much national suffering!! …Until when, really, so much abuse and interference, which is superimposed on, or disrespects, the best of the Creed and the Faith that still remains for the so battered, lacking, in ruins and suffering people! ….Blasphemy or disrespect for the sacred is also a very serious sin!!…
…..When it really should be time for modesty, reparation for all the harm caused, and for calm and sincere reconciliation and reconstruction – around a real new project for a shared, ethical, sustainable and responsible country !!! –No more populist or demagogic merrymaking!! Before we all fear that we will “plunge into a huge, irreparable ravine, which will be fatal for everyone!” -as another former presidential candidate has just sternly warned – in “the legitimate future of a real democracy”!! … And just as some high spiritual prophecies insist on emphasizing – even Marian ones, which want us, rather, not only as a Reconciling Light – in Peace, Truth, and Justice – not only for ourselves but for the whole current world – so full of wars and conflicts!!!…
…So much blindness and arrogance, in truth, offend -and cry out- to Heaven!!..And Divine Justice may take time but it also has its inexorable times! (!!) …..Including the accurate saying that “God blinds those whom he wants to make fall”!!….As well as the one that Jesus left us through Saint Sister Faustina: “Whoever does not want to enter through the door of My Divine Mercy, will have to enter through the door of My Justice. !!”
We can no longer continue with “frivolous, alienated and vain distractions”… In the face of such a serious, terminal -and explosive countdown- accumulated national problem!
… Leading, indeed, to “a great, spectacular ravine-waterloo”!!
In truth, it is a Heritage Universal of All” !! –including Tyrians and Trojans (!!). –As the CEV has just said, and the Pope is claiming in his current “pilgrim tour” through Asia !
….The great one – armed to the teeth – “Berlin Wall“which spectacularly “fell without a bullet being fired,” no It was not that “someone” in particular “knocked it down”, but that many things imploded!… And with Divine Justice behind them!… What surprised everyone was the way in which, so spectacularly and vertiginously, it was knocked down!! Let us all learn, before it is too late, from History, and the fulfillment of the Divine Will (!!) – which is always Magnanimous, even with the most oppressive. !!.. History will not forgive us!!
#Lessons #Defense #Christmas #Vain #Advance #Frank #Bracho
2024-09-11 03:43:03
Table of Contents
The True Spirit of Christmas: Remembering the Charity and Kindness of Saint Nicholas
Christmas, the most sacred holiday in Christianity, is a time for reflection, kindness, and generosity. In Venezuela, where Christianity is professed by the majority of the population, Christmas is a celebration that brings people together. However, over the years, the true spirit of Christmas has been commercialized, and the figure of Saint Nicholas, a symbol of charity and kindness, has been exploited for consumerist purposes.
Who is Saint Nicholas?
Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Bishop of Myra, Turkey, is revered in Eastern Orthodox Christianity as the patron saint of charity, kindness, and protector of children. He is known for his selfless deeds, such as secretly leaving gifts for those in need, earning him the nickname “Patron of Charity” in Western Christian tradition.
The Commercialization of Saint Nicholas
In Venezuela, Saint Nicholas has been used in consumer propaganda, appearing in advertisements, television shows, and department stores, often in contexts that contradict his original values. This commercialization has led to the erosion of the true spirit of Christmas, replacing it with a focus on materialism and consumerism.
Regulating Advertising and Protecting Religious Values
In the past, there have been efforts to regulate advertising that uses religious faith, cults, or beliefs for commercial purposes. The Law of Social Responsibility of Radio and TV, also known as the “Resort Law,” aimed to promote responsible advertising practices. However, these efforts have been distorted over time, and the law has been poorly enforced.
Interreligious Forum for Peace
In 2012, the Interreligious Forum for Peace, also known as Anapause, was held in Venezuela. This pioneering event brought together leading figures from different religions, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to promote peace and understanding. The forum concluded with a National Prayer for Peace, which was attended by representatives from the government and various religious organizations.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the true spirit of Christmas, let us remember the values of kindness, charity, and generosity that Saint Nicholas embodied. It is essential to preserve the original meaning of Christmas and protect the integrity of religious values from commercial exploitation. By doing so, we can regain the sense of unity and community that Christmas is meant to symbolize.
San Nicolas de Bari: More than just a Name
San Nicolas de Bari, a town in Venezuela, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Saint Nicholas. The town’s name reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and its connection to the saint. You can explore high-quality stock photos of San Nicolas de Bari on[GettyImages<ahref="https://wwwgettyimagesit/immagine/san-nicolas-de-b[GettyImages<ahref="https://wwwgettyimagesit/immagine/san-nicolas-de-b[GettyImages<ahref="https://wwwgettyimagesit/immagine/san-nicolas-de-b[GettyImages<ahref="https://wwwgettyimagesit/immagine/san-nicolas-de-b[GettyImages<ahref="https://wwwgettyimagesit/immagine/san-nicolas-de-b[GettyImages<ahref="https://wwwgettyimagesit/immagine/san-nicolas-de-b[GettyImages<ahref="https://wwwgettyimagesit/immagine/san-nicolas-de-b[GettyImages<ahref="https://wwwgettyimagesit/immagine/san-nicolas-de-b
**Remembering the True Spirit of Christmas: The Story of Saint Nicholas**
Remembering the True Spirit of Christmas: The Story of Saint Nicholas
Christmas, the most sacred holiday in Christianity, is a time for love, kindness, and generosity. In many countries, Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra
