To celebrate or not to celebrate, that is the question.
There has been an ongoing battle of ideologies in our culture regarding what it means to be tolerant. During the holiday season, the western world and those countries which claim Christianity as their national religion, celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, a segment in our society, primarily those of other faiths, secularists and humanists complain that celebrating Christmas is not fair, that it’s exclusive and not inclusive.
Although the media will tell us that this particular cultural war is over and done with, there is still today those who resist Christmas, and have made it clearly known.
Tolerance in our society means that we don’t want to offend and hurt people’s feelings. Because of this, this generation is starting to give in to the nonsense of being tolerant. The evidence is clear. To say “Merry Christmas” is to affirm one faith over others. We are told through company and corporate policies that in order to have a resolution in this matter, we are to be neutral, which means, we are to say “happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” We now have happy holidays posters plastered everywhere, holiday trees on sale, and holiday school plays invitations.
Since we live in a post modern and post Christian world, America has lost its grip on its identity (we have forgotten our Judeo-Christian foundation and values). And so for Christmas, it feels we’ve turned in our shiny gold, bright red and deep green banners for plain and simple black and white ones. In general, people are confused whether to say “happy holidays, happy Hanukah, happy Kwanzaa, or Merry Christmas” in America. In the name of tolerance, we are not tolerating anything anymore, which is a perfect recipe for a societal implosion. America is in a similar path to how the mighty Roman Empire fell.
Why is Christmas the enemy? I don’t know about you, but I believe that any celebration that promotes giving, hope, peace, and goodwill to men is always a good thing. Christmas time is especially needed in a world that is burdened with poverty, evil and injustice. People ought to be happy that we have a time in a year where we could be with family and friends and perhaps exchange gifts. It’s a wonderful tradition that we ought to keep. It’s a plus; it’s never a minus!
Even the renowned Oxford Professor, author and atheist, Richard Dawkins, stated that he is a “Cultural Christian.” He likes what Christianity represents and how it has influenced our world. Why don’t people who have resentments regarding Christmas do what the secularists have done in decades—celebrate Christmas with Mr. Santa and Rudolf the red nose reindeer.
When I was young, I didn’t really care about what Christmas stood for or who Santa Clause was, the only thing that mattered was how happy people felt during this time of the year, and of course what I got for ChristmasJ So, don’t be fearful of Christmas; embrace the reason for the season! Feel good about it and on top of your heart, proclaim it! Merry Christmas to you and have a happy New Year!
