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Take a deep Christmas breath
"Keep Christ in Christmas!" is the familiar refrain of Christians who fear the secularization of the holy day celebrating the birth of Jesus, their savior.
But in America, non-Christians often celebrate Christmas.
According to a recent poll by the Christian group LifeWay Research, "A majority of agnostics or those claiming no preference (89 percent), individuals claiming other religions (62 percent), and even atheists (55 percent) celebrate Christmas along with 97 percent of Christians."
Do you need to be Christian to celebrate Christmas? What is Christmas all about?
For several years, I was alleged to be the evil general in charge of a war against Christmas. Although most Americans hadn't realized that there had been a call to arms, a few eagle-eyed commentators on the Fox News Channel certainly had. You know the drill. Students are being told not to wear green and red clothing! Schools are inserting secular words into traditional Christmas "carols" (that is, prayers set to music)! Every case I investigated turned out to be bad reporting, total fraud, or in rare instances, a perfectly legitimate decision by school officials that some kind of celebration or activity really would promote Christianity in contradiction to the demands of the First Amendment.
But this was just the beginning of Christmas controversy. Private stores were put on the Religious Right's "Naughty or Nice" list based on whether greeters said "Merry Christmas" (good) or "Happy Holidays" (bad). I always wonder what list Big Al's Sex Emporium would be on if Al put a big neon "Merry Christmas" sign on his store roof.
Then came the flow from the left: Christmas has been overcommercialized! Well, I agree. However, just because the Magi might not have brought Jesus a Wii, a Matchbox Stinky the Garbage Truck, and a Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit (three of the biggest selling toys this year) doesn't mean I'm going to picket the shopping mall.
When you think about it, the whole "birth of Jesus" event has always been controversial. The Gospel accounts about his birth differ dramatically. Of course, Jesus was not born in December, either. Also note: the baby in the manger, depictions notwithstanding, was not blue-eyed and blonde.
So, what's a reasonable Christian to do in this season? How about cutting to the core of the Jesus narrative, and promote your favorite value in the story. Joseph didn't have his spouse Mary stoned to death for a pregnancy without his involvement, but, instead, embraced her. Mary was not a rich or powerful person, a demonstration that birth into privilege is not a prerequisite for the future career path of you child. And then there was the angels' message: "on earth peace, good will toward men". Peace- not a bad principle for believers or non-believers. Why, there's even a message for Tea Party Christians. Be skeptical of political authority. King Herod really didn't want to locate Jesus to worship him; he wanted to kill him.
So, a modest proposal. Let's all relax, take a deep breath, enjoy something postive this season. Celebrate life--and if you want to add something spritual--from Christmas to the Solstice--go for it.
By
Barry Lynn
|
December 22, 2010; 2:32 PM ET
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Posted by: eraskauskas | December 26, 2010 12:48 PM
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Our 1st President, George Washington, made a brief comment that has guided American patriots in their quest "For A More Perfect Union" throughout the history of our Nation:
"The thing that separates the American Christian from every other person on earth is the fact that he would rather die on his feet, than live on his knees! -George Washington"
Unfortunately, we have unwittingly elevated to the Presidency of the United States, an arrogantly pompous intruder who neither professes, NOR has the capacity, NOR the inclination to comprehend the dictum of our principal Founding Father. Our American heritage is indeed under siege from within. Greg Neubeck
Posted by: gneubeck | December 26, 2010 12:25 PM
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Thanks and glory be to the small and shallow god of these whining theocons we have survived another of their annual melodramas.
When my father was in charge of Christmas, we never even thought of the hateful Fox News religious divisiveness that now permeates America, and we were happy and we liked it.
Posted by: areyousaying | December 26, 2010 8:07 AM
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Happy Misattributed Jesus-birth Grafted Onto Roman Pagan Solstice Holiday to you all!!
And don't let any politically correct person keep you from celebrating Festivus with your slaves and gladiator friends this holiday season.
(Sorry Christians. I know how much reality gets in the way of your cherished delusions!)
Posted by: B2O2 | December 26, 2010 2:16 AM
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It takes a truly sick mind to decide that saying "Happy Holidays" is somehow anti-Christian. Thanks, Barry, for keeping them honest!
Posted by: kjanes741 | December 25, 2010 2:50 PM
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By: "JJ" http://onwapo.wordpress.com
Posted by: beautiful-mind | December 25, 2010 12:21 PM
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The 1st Century Church, called The Way, in the Bible, did NOT create any holy days.
Christmas breath? How can one do that? You can't breathe in or out something that a group of men made up.
Posted by: joe_allen_doty | December 24, 2010 4:19 PM
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There is no such thing as a real Christ's Mass unless you are Roman Catholic, which I ain't!
Posted by: joe_allen_doty | December 24, 2010 4:16 PM
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As I recall from my childhood, we used to wish people "Happy Holidays" as often as "Merry Christmas." No one took offense or looked objected. Since the increased public awareness and growth in popularity of minority religions this seems to be forgotten.
The real Christmas is celebrated in the heart of the believer. Whether the symbols or customs be similar to customs of non-Christians is unimportant. What is important is,if Christians merely observe the secular aspects and ignore the religious aspects of Christmas. Christians remembering and observing the religious nature and customs of Christmas is the way to keep Christ in Christmas. Non-Christians celebrating the season in their own way and incorporating similar secular observances are immaterial to the presence of Christ in Christmas.
Posted by: jjreid | December 23, 2010 3:18 PM
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Christmas, depending on the ancient locus, was not celebrated until the 3rd or 4th century, and only much later was there consensus on setting an arbitrary date of December 25. That Christ was born is an accepted historical fact. That he is the God-Man is not. In any case, celebrate whatever your wish, and keep an open mind to the gospel message. "Love one another" It will make your life happier as well as those about you. Can we agree that Madison Avenue should not take over all of our holidays from from President;s Day to Chirstmas?
For a New Year's resolution lets all lighten up. Happy new Year.