I hear there is a War on Christmas.
It looks like Christmas is winning.
Whenever anybody says to me, “Happy Holidays,” I don’t sneer or take them for a pagan atheistic enemy of all that is good and true. It is not that hard for me to imagine that they mean well. In the same way, I have come to understand, and even appreciate, the thoughtfulness of schools and civic organizations trying to not trample on the feelings of the non-Christian minority in our great nation. That seems kind to me, and good.
And isn’t that what the true meaning of Christmas is supposed to lead to?
If there is a war on Christmas, why is EVERY store on the planet have a Christmas sale? Why is every street corner lit and decorated? Why are Christmas specials taking up space on my TV, and filling up radio stations? Why, if the world is at war against Christmas, have the last six weeks been about nothing else but Christmas?
The world does not hate Christmas. The world loves Christmas, if even for some of the wrong reasons. So why are we trying so hard to hate back?
I am beginning to think that the real war is not against Christmas, but that it is a far more insidious war on the terrible crime of not-being-exactly-like-me. When I hear Christians complaining about the lack of respect given this most wonderful of celebrations, I smell the worst kind of pitiable self-righteousness. An “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to” whine that, despite loud protestations, in no way reflects a true understanding of what Christmas is actually about.
Once, as Jesus as his disciples were passing through Capernaum, they spotted a man casting out demons who was not actually a follower of Jesus, neither certified nor vetted nor a part of the “in” crowd. Not doing it in the right way, as it were. But as the disciples railed against him, Jesus stopped them, noting that as long as he was not actively “against” them, he was in fact, “for” them.
And so it is with Christmas still.
Has Christmas become over-commercialized? Over-secularized? Over-Santa-fied? Of course!
Would I rather that everyone knew and worshipped devoutly the child of Bethlehem, the one for whom this day is properly named? No doubt!
But isn’t it amazing, that even among the least religious, church-avoiding of us, there is still a different spirit that flows forth every December, a greater generosity, a warmer personality, a new hopefulness. It is reflected in the most secular of movies, TV shows and Christmas songs – even where Jesus is not known by name, goodwill to mankind abounds. Christmas, it seems, is working, if ever so silently, without fanfare or fame, sowing seeds of a better kingdom to come.
This is not a bad thing.
In recent polls, 90% of Americans report that they believe in God. Two in five say that they attend church services regularly. That is, of course, a lie. Few Americans actually attend church regularly or give or serve or pray or read the bible. If there is a war around religion in this country, we must know that the enemy is not outside the church but inside. It is the hypocritical, pious, slanderous, fear-filled, pettiness of his self-proclaimed followers that poses the greatest danger to the baby King.
But don’t worry – I think he can handle it just fine.
So the next time someone wishes you a “Happy Holiday,” simply respond with a “And Merry Christmas to you,” and go on your way in peace. Do not worry nor fear for Christ or his kingdom, for the angels song is loud enough to make itself heard no matter how they say it.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: Luke 2:10
It looks like Christmas is winning.
Whenever anybody says to me, “Happy Holidays,” I don’t sneer or take them for a pagan atheistic enemy of all that is good and true. It is not that hard for me to imagine that they mean well. In the same way, I have come to understand, and even appreciate, the thoughtfulness of schools and civic organizations trying to not trample on the feelings of the non-Christian minority in our great nation. That seems kind to me, and good.
And isn’t that what the true meaning of Christmas is supposed to lead to?
If there is a war on Christmas, why is EVERY store on the planet have a Christmas sale? Why is every street corner lit and decorated? Why are Christmas specials taking up space on my TV, and filling up radio stations? Why, if the world is at war against Christmas, have the last six weeks been about nothing else but Christmas?
The world does not hate Christmas. The world loves Christmas, if even for some of the wrong reasons. So why are we trying so hard to hate back?
I am beginning to think that the real war is not against Christmas, but that it is a far more insidious war on the terrible crime of not-being-exactly-like-me. When I hear Christians complaining about the lack of respect given this most wonderful of celebrations, I smell the worst kind of pitiable self-righteousness. An “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to” whine that, despite loud protestations, in no way reflects a true understanding of what Christmas is actually about.
Once, as Jesus as his disciples were passing through Capernaum, they spotted a man casting out demons who was not actually a follower of Jesus, neither certified nor vetted nor a part of the “in” crowd. Not doing it in the right way, as it were. But as the disciples railed against him, Jesus stopped them, noting that as long as he was not actively “against” them, he was in fact, “for” them.
And so it is with Christmas still.
Has Christmas become over-commercialized? Over-secularized? Over-Santa-fied? Of course!
Would I rather that everyone knew and worshipped devoutly the child of Bethlehem, the one for whom this day is properly named? No doubt!
But isn’t it amazing, that even among the least religious, church-avoiding of us, there is still a different spirit that flows forth every December, a greater generosity, a warmer personality, a new hopefulness. It is reflected in the most secular of movies, TV shows and Christmas songs – even where Jesus is not known by name, goodwill to mankind abounds. Christmas, it seems, is working, if ever so silently, without fanfare or fame, sowing seeds of a better kingdom to come.
This is not a bad thing.
In recent polls, 90% of Americans report that they believe in God. Two in five say that they attend church services regularly. That is, of course, a lie. Few Americans actually attend church regularly or give or serve or pray or read the bible. If there is a war around religion in this country, we must know that the enemy is not outside the church but inside. It is the hypocritical, pious, slanderous, fear-filled, pettiness of his self-proclaimed followers that poses the greatest danger to the baby King.
But don’t worry – I think he can handle it just fine.
So the next time someone wishes you a “Happy Holiday,” simply respond with a “And Merry Christmas to you,” and go on your way in peace. Do not worry nor fear for Christ or his kingdom, for the angels song is loud enough to make itself heard no matter how they say it.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: Luke 2:10
