Category: Countdown to Christmas

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Day Seven 12/7/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.

An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.

If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:

https://nealenjoy.com/2025/12/01/countdown-to-christmas-2025-thou-shalt-love-not-hate-introduction-12-1-25/

Today, Fugelsang reminds us that “Jesus tells his followers to feed the hungry and care for the sick—not to pray that someone else will do it. Offering ‘thoughts and prayers’ for the poor is … a convenient substitute for tangible help or systemic solutions. Prayer is supposed to be a way to seek guidance, not an excuse for inaction.” p. 199

Ouch!


Fugelsang goes on: “Jesus’s brother nails why faith without works doesn’t work in James 2:15-17: ‘Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.” p. 199

… and food.

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Day Six 12/6/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.

An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.

If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:

https://nealenjoy.com/2025/12/01/countdown-to-christmas-2025-thou-shalt-love-not-hate-introduction-12-1-25/

Today Fugelsang expounds: “If God loves men and women equally, then God’s a feminist.” p. 83

Yes, of course, that has to be true.

The author continues: “Feminism is, quite simply, the controversial (he’s joking!) belief that women deserve the same rights and access as men. Conservative men in power have historically tried to control women’s sexuality, education, participation in society, and bodily autonomy.” p. 83

“In addition to the twelve male apostles—whom Jesus repeatedly calls out for getting things wrong, by the way — women accompanied his journeys as part of his ministry. When Jesus was arrested and the apostles all scattered, it was the women who never abandoned him, who never hid, who never denied knowing him. In the Resurrection story, Jesus reveals himself to the women before any of his male disciples.”

“We know that Mary Magdalene, along with Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, were fellow travelers. To a sane person in the twenty-first century it might seem obvious that there were actually fifteen apostles, at least.”

Mary Magdalene!

Martha & Mary!

“Wrong, says the church. Those women might have always been with JC and the twelve, but they didn’t have full apostle passes. They just followed Jesus from gig to gig, working the merch tables like it was a boy band tour The church continues to treat these women as secondary figures rather than leaders.” p. 106

OK, then, I agree with God! I too aim to be a feminist!

My daughters Amy and Emily
Granddaughters Madison and Isabelle 

Ex-wife and Greatest of Friends, Donna

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Day Five 12/5/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.

An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.

If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:

https://nealenjoy.com/2025/12/01/countdown-to-christmas-2025-thou-shalt-love-not-hate-introduction-12-1-25/

Fugelsang remembers: “I was raised to believe that the opposite of faith is not doubt, as doubt is an essential part of any real faith journey.”

“The opposite of faith is certainity.” Separation of church and hate. p. 53.

I love Fugelsang’s brief declaration of truth, which reminds me of Shakespeare’s also-famous and truthful line: “Brevity is the soul of wit.”

Absolute Certainty can get us in all kinds of trouble!

Fugelsang continues: “Extremists of all faiths (or none) are raised in, and live with, supreme and absolute certainty. They don’t think they’re better than you; they know for a fact that God thinks they’re better than you.” p. 53

“Life’s pretty simple for the authoritarian Christian. Since most of their opinions happen to also be God’s opinions— and they believe that they’re the folks who get to speak for God—they generally feel divinely obliged to control whatever part of society they see fit. Y’ know, for God.”

“And if you’re one of the anointed who speaks for the Almighty, eventually you’re liable to believe that anyone who opposes you is, logically, on the side of Satan. And God’s true people are never going to sit down and negotiate things like school curriculum, women’s rights, or marriage equality with Lucifer. People who’ve been conditioned to think you’re on the side of the devil aren’t permitted to meet you halfway.” p. 54

Ouch!

May we all be willing to meet each other halfway this Holiday Season — and beyond.

Last night at the Jepsen Center for the Arts lighting of the Christmas tree here in Savannah. 

We met them halfway!

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Day Four 12/4/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s “Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.

An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.

If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:

https://nealenjoy.com/2025/12/01/countdown-to-christmas-2025-thou-shalt-love-not-hate-introduction-12-1-25/

Today: Another part of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5:3-12) commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes”

Author John Fugelsang writes: “And get a load of these BEATITUDES.

Jesus opens the Sermon with a series of blessings that represent his foundational teachings and core values. Each line begins with the word ‘blessed,’ which can also be translated as ‘happy,’ ‘fortunate,’ or even ‘lucky.’

Jesus pronounces his blessings upon specific groups of people. He focuses on the poor and marginalized; he praises nonviolence and peace-making, radical love, mercy, and inclusion; and he pretty much takes down the status quo.” Separation of Church and Hate p. 25

1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

2. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

3. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

6. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

7. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Fugelsang jokes: “Imagine the hecklers: ‘Meh, I didn’t trudge all the way up Mount of Beatitudes just to hear some virtue signaling from Woke Jesus.’” p. 25

“The Beatitudes are Jesus’s own guide for ethical conduct in Christian life.” p. 25

May we all be Harmonious and “Beatitude-ish Peacemakers” this Holiday Season — and beyond.

A few of my Photos of Peace:

Inside the Mighty Eighth Museum Chapel, Savannah GA
Peacefully Playing

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Day Three 12/3/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.

An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.

If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:

https://nealenjoy.com/2025/12/01/countdown-to-christmas-2025-thou-shalt-love-not-hate-introduction-12-1-25/

Today: The Golden Rule

Fugelsang explains that “The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) teaches Jesus’ followers to treat others as they would like to be treated. Which covers all cruelty, exploitation, domination, and discrimination. He makes it very clear that anyone who claims to follow him doesn’t get to hate anybody, ever, for any reason, no matter what.” Separation of Church and Hate p. 25

Wow, that is wild! Hate, then, is not an option if we earnestly desire to follow good in the world. To be good in the world.

I’ve always found it fascinating and encouraging that most religions and ethical ideologies have some form of The Golden Rule.

Judaism: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.”

Buddhism: “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”

Islam: “Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself”

*********************

Our current political parties (both!) more often than not turn a blind eye to Jesus’ clear instruction.

For example, Monday’s remembrance of World AIDS Day took on more seriousness and urgency as the Trump administration (often claiming adherence to the Bible and the example of JC) cancelled the annual Dec. 1 observance. Presidents have acknowledged World AIDS Day for more than 30 years.

Is cancellation how they want to be treated? How we want to be treated?

May we all this holiday season and always lean toward this Rule of Love and Light.

Some of my Christmas candles over the years:

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Day Two 12/2/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.

An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.

If you’re interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:

https://nealenjoy.com/2025/12/01/countdown-to-christmas-2025-thou-shalt-love-not-hate-introduction-12-1-25/

“Jesus was:

A peaceful, radically nonviolent revolutionary

Who wasn’t American and never spoke English

Who hung around lepers, hookers, and crooks

Never sought tax cuts for rich Nazarenes

Was anti-wealth and anti-death penalty

Anti-public prayer, too (Matthew 6:5)

Never asked lepers for a co-pay

Never called poor people ‘lazy’

Never even slightly antigay

Never mentioned abortion

Supported paying taxes

And was a long-haired

Community-organizing

Authority-questioning

Anti-slut-shaming

Brown-skinned

Palestinian

Unarmed

Homeless

Jew …

But only if you believe what’s actually in the Bible.”

Preface, Separation of Church and Hate

A favorite ornament from many, many years ago. Still in good shape.

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Introduction 12/1/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

My Countdown to Christmas series this year is inspired by a recent simple book recommendation from dear friends Jo and Kathi. “You HAVE to read Separation of Church and Hate! It’s FULL of truth, and it’s often laugh-out-loud funny!”

I Googled the book and saw the full, never-ending title: Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds.

“Whoa,” I thought, “That title sounds far too Holiday Heavy.”

But then Robert and I started to read, and we were absolutely flabbergasted by the clear, undeniable truth and push for lovingkindness presented by author John Fugelsang. (And yes, I have laughed out loud many a time during our read.)

So I plan to share with you a quote and its truth from the book each day starting today, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day.

An Advent Calendar, of sorts.

And of course, I realize that everyone is not Christian or religious. That many folks have had awful and problematic issues with organized religion. I get that. And we’ve experienced the same thing. But we are happy today to have found an inclusive, love-embracing and creatively fun congregation here in Savannah, Asbury Memorial.

If possible, may you receive the kernels of truth in these posts without being bogged down by the “Christian-ness” of them.

And may Christmas 2025 for us ALL be a season of pulling away from hatred — and embracing all-encompassing, inclusive Love.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22: 36-37

Love, then, is the apex of the Christian faith, and I would surmise at the apex of every faith or even non-faith (if that makes a lick of sense).

Adding to the words of Jesus (can I do that?) …

Love Is ALL.

See you tomorrow.

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas: 12/3/23 — “Take a Winter Nature Walk”

Posted on by Neal Saye

This year my Countdown to Christmas is a nontraditional Advent Calendar centering (pun intended) on mindfulness.

On the front of each card is neat little picture, and on the back are the instructions for the short meditation.

Today, Day Three of Advent … “TAKE A WINTER NATURE WALK.”

Vogel State Park, Blairsville GA

Here are today’s instructions:

Time to get outside and go on a winter nature walk.

As you start your walk, be mindful of the physical sensations of walking, like the lifting and falling of your feet, their contact on the ground, the movements of the muscles in your legs and body. Feel the cool, crisp air as you breathe it in.

Be attentive to nature as you walk. Take in the sights, sounds and smells. Take time to stop and examine things more closely. Consider the feelings and emotions that these things evoke. Be alert to the aspects of nature that contribute to the wintry feeling: the bare branches of trees, a layer of frost, your breath in the air, a brittle twig snapping underfoot.

If you are lucky enough to have snow, feel and hear it as you press it under your feet. Feast your eyes on how it dresses the world in sheets of white. Pick some up in your hand and feel the icy tingle. Examine it close up, study the beautiful pattern of a single snowflake. Note all the emotions and associations that come to mind while walking in the snow.

Spending time to mindfully experience nature is a healthy way to reduce stress and freshen the mind.

A sampling of our winter walks over the years …

Red Top Mountain State Park, Acworth, GA

Cumberland Island, GA

Great Smoky Mountains

Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Newnan GA

May you Walk into Joyful Peace today.

Gatlinburg TN

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas: “Images of Peace” 12/25/22

Posted on by Neal Saye

For this blog category, “Countdown to Christmas: Images of Peace,” each day between December 1 and 25, I share some of our photography that invites rest, peace, tranquility and love.

Christmas Day Peace and Love

If Truth be told, Christmas Day (and really every other day), should be about the one Force which has the potential to hold our lives and our world joyfully together …