Every year during the holiday season, there are several stories that highlight the growing incursion against celebrating Christmas in the public square. In the past it has focused on whether nativity scenes should be displayed on public property or if school's should give students "Christmas break" or "holiday break". This year's big story revolves around whether or not Seattle's airport should display Christmas trees.
Often, accompanying these stories are howls from the Christian community who fear that we are being discriminated against and that these incidents are signs that are culture is becoming anti-Christian. While I agree that communities should be allowed to celebrate Christmas, I wonder if this is really an issue we as Christians should get so worked up about. Trust me, nobody has more animosity for the secular elitist that want to purge Christianity from our culture than I do, but what difference does it make if airport has Christmas Trees or not? Or if Walmart wishes their customers Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays?
Sometimes in our zest to not be treated as second class citizens, we lose track of the important issues that we should be upset with; sexual promiscuity among young people, increased violent crime, rising poverty, the AIDS epidemic, just to name a few. Regardless of what we may choose to believe, the ship has already sailed when it comes to our country being Christian. While, there is a still a Christian residue in the country, our culture is mostly filled with moral relativism and materialism. Ironically, Christmas tends to feed that materialism more than deter it.
I understand the frustration that many of my Christian friends express this time of year. But let's not over exaggerate the situation as if we are really being persecuted. Real persecution is happening around the globe where Christians are actually dying and being jailed for their faith. When American Christians complain about these supposed mistreatments, we only cheapen their hardship by comparison. Yes, we want to be respected by our culture. But Christ himself was not respected by his culture. Why should we feel more entitled than Him?
We do have a message to share with our country and the Christmas incarnation is a key component of that story. But that message isn't shared by simply placing a nativity scene in a public place or by wishing people Merry Christmas. The true message of the gospel is much more about love, sacrifice and service to our fellow neighbors. Maybe if we spent as much time serving others as we do complaining, more people would actually understand the true Christmas spirit.
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The arguement I would issue falls in line with what Paul said about always be ready to give an answer. While you are correct it may be short-sighted just to focus on the Anti-Christians on our first Amendment rights. It also yeilds a great opportunity for Christians to tell non-believers why it's a big deal to us. Last year was a red banner year for us to share our faith because of Wal-Mart not saying Merry Christmas. The key is not to get bent out of shape with it.
The premisucousness of teenagers that you mentioned that Christians don't address but are rabid about abortion is part of the reason I have a hard time supporting the pro-life issue beyond voting and calling politicians.
There again when Paul was talking about the different parts of the body having different responsibilities. There are churches that do a good job of addressing the promiscuousness of teens and various other issues.
Something else to think of ANYTHING that promotes unity in the body of Christ isn't necessarily a bad thing. And since we are a Republic we have every right to complain if someone tries to immpead the exercise our free speech, especially if islam is being taught in schools.
Are there other issues, absolutely, but sometimes you need to fight the little ones or you wake up one day and you can't have the Bible or prayer in schools...
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