Christmas and the Culture Wars
“Christmas vs. the world.”
It sure seems that way sometimes doesn’t it? It’s a phrase that used to be defined by the over-commercialization of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a little baby that would one day save the world. Now, however, the knife cuts even deeper, as the figurative scalpel tries to cut Jesus and the entire holiday out of the season. To me, that’s kind of like an empty suit, a season with no reason to celebrate except the fake cheer created by glossy advertisements and sappy Hallmark movies.
Some say we must be more accepting of other’s traditions and generically greet others with a simple “Happy Holidays” so as to not offend those who celebrate a different winter holiday. Now, I’m all for inter-cultural understanding and communication. In fact, I thrive on meeting new people and learning about different people groups. I’m even a Spanish minor (soon to be major), but our country was founded on a bedrock of Judeo-Christian morals and traditions and a genuine desire to live for and love God, and Jesus Christ, his son. It seems the more “tolerant” we become, the more intolerant America is towards Christianity and those who follow it. We, as Christ-followers, are expected to make every effort to ensure that someone who follows another religion or none at all, but no one makes any concessions for us. It doesn’t seem quite fair to me.
Jesus didn’t call us to be pushovers, but He also didn’t call us to be hate-mongers. In fact, He said just the opposite: “…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” So while we shouldn’t allow everyone to walk all over us (i.e. “Happy Holidays…”), we must love all others, not for what they do, but because they are people created and loved by God, just as much as He loves those who follows him. Who are we to think we are any better? For, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV)
So this Christmas season (which continues past December 25th!), don’t feel guilty wishing someone a “Merry Christmas”, because, after all, Jesus is the reason for the season (just be sure your greeting is filled with His love as well!).
