”MERRY CHRISTMAS” IS NOT A BATTLE CRY

Don’t let my saying Merry Christmas become your political battle! Usually at this time of year, there are editorials about the political correctness of saying Merry Christmas. There are lawsuits that demand equality of space in the holiday displays; the Creche vs the Menorah dispute. Let us not forget the anger directed at retailers who tell their employees to say Happy Holidays as to not offend buyers. By the way, many of those employers identify as Christians, so I guess their beliefs are subservient to their greed. This year things have gotten to the point of absolute absurdity. A number of our politicians, starting with the president, have declared:

“We will say Merry Christmas again!”

Guess what!   I have never stopped saying Merry Christmas! No one I have ever known has stopped saying Merry Christmas. I will not allow or approve of your attempts to turn this beautiful greeting into a battle cry! Politicians are trying to turn the celebration of Christmas into a battle between Christians and everybody else. 70% of our population identifies as Christian and we are not an oppressed group!  Christ never intended for His birth to become a war cry, and I am saddened at the attempts to divide our country. He welcomed everyone, He included, not divided!!

When I wish someone a Merry Christmas it is an invitation; an invitation to learn about me. My Christmas celebration is a meld of religious beliefs, nostalgia about being burned by candle wax as I sang at midnight Mass, and gratitude that I am able to see my children and grandchildren gather together in love (with some patience mixed in). When someone wishes me a Happy Hannukah or a meaningful Kwanzaa, I am flattered that they have invited me to learn more about their beliefs. If an atheist wishes me Happy Holidays, I am grateful that they acknowledge the importance of the season to me.

A Child was born into a substandard, probably subsidized, manger. He was blessed to have loving parents but the family needed to emigrate because of political oppression and fear of death. He worked hard, learned a trade but decided to become the ultimate human services advocate. That was a position that did not pay as well as being a carpenter (still doesn’t) and He often relied on the love and charity of others for food and shelter. He only passed one law, the Golden rule, in stark contrast to our government, which has created thousands. He did his best to be a Savior to mankind but since He gifted us with free will, he was ultimately destroyed by the politicians in charge. Politics destroyed truth once again.

Doesn’t sound like a lot to celebrate, does it? Think again.

There are many people in this country that do not celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus, my Savior. I invite them to celebrate Christmas. I invite them to the wonder of a Child. I invite them to share his gifts. I invite them to share the wonder that a person who was born in poverty, discriminated against and killed whom, despite all his trials, delivered a message that resonated throughout history.

So what are these gifts?

• A gift of hope! Hope that we can make a difference, despite the circumstances of our birth and finances.
• A gift of realization! The realization that we should be mindful of the now because we are not guaranteed the future.
• A gift of forgiveness, for ourselves and others.
• A gift of charity for others, since we never know when we might be in need.
• A gift of acceptance, love, and concern for others.

So, if the politicians want to give us a gift, it is a simple one. SHUT UP! Stop trying to divide us and let us unite under the beautiful message of Christmas.