The commercials have started. The music is already playing on some stations (and they really should be ashamed of themselves...it's November 9). And, now...oh Lord, now...there's a red cup with company logo on it instead of a tree or a nativity scene or a star. Christians are livid. Seriously? It's a coffee cup.
I know the theories of the date we celebrate Christmas. I know Jesus was likely born in May or March and I know that the date is celebrated around the winter solstice. The retail season has lumped all of the expressions of faith and celebration, (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah) together and THEY call it the "holidays" and they have capitalized on that. As a Christian I'm not thrilled with the phrase "Happy Holidays'. I don't say it. If I know someone is Jewish, I will wish them a Happy Hanukkah. If I'm not sure of someone's affiliation I wish them the happiness of the season, or, *gasp, I just say "Merry Christmas". You know what I usually receive in return? "Merry Christmas". Shocking. Remember that phrase wasn't considered offensive until just a few years ago when someone in marketing decided it was. I will admit to getting a little miffed when I hear that a Christmas tree or a star or some other expression of the Christian season cannot be displayed or spoken of but it's acceptable and expected for another faith or no faith at all to have the same right. It's not fair, and it does make me a little bit angry from time to time.
What it does NOT do is take away the meaning for me. None of society's and retail's so called political correctness changes the fact that what we celebrate on December 25 is Christmas and it's a Christian celebration.
Let's see Christians get riled up about refugees or hunger or discrimination or homelessness or animal rights or being stewards of the environment or disease or maybe just not treating each other the right way and living the way Jesus expects us to. Let's get loud about things that matter.
Here's another thought. Just slow down. If you're going to get ready for anything get ready for Thanksgiving. The smells and tastes and family time and counting your blessings. Get ready for that. And, then, take a breath. Light some candles. Embrace the anticipation and holiness and gentleness of the season. The tree really doesn't have to be up before December 1. And every gift doesn't have to come from the mall. You can avoid the parking lot and the lines. It'll be here soon enough, and I can tell you without question that whether or not you kill yourself getting ready for it, the Christ Child will be born again in the hearts of Christians the world over. Frankly, whether you keep it holy and actually enjoy the season is completely up to you.
