The Christmas season is here. For Christians it is a time of year to live in the joy of knowing that Jesus came to be with us. Christmas is about good news in a world filled with tyrants, war and corruption. Christmas is about peace on earth and goodwill toward all people.
Unfortunately some have decided to drum up a false controversy around Christmas being culturally attacked by Starbucks cups and Target clerks who say, “Happy holidays.” We have decided to play the victim instead of spread the joy of the season. We have started a false war instead of bringing peace. We have decided to spread fear of losing cultural relevance instead of sharing good news. I am hoping this Christmas we can take a moment and remember what it is really about.
It is important to remember that Christmas was not a celebrated holiday in Christianity until the 4th century. That means that for about the first 360 years Christians didn’t celebrate this holiday. When it was first celebrated, certain Christians didn’t think it was a good idea. Most notable, Origen of Alexandria opposed the celebration of Christmas because it was at the same time as a popular pagan celebration. He once said, “What good does it do me to know that Christ was born in Bethlehem once if he is not born again in my heart through faith.” Most of the things that we celebrate at Christmas actually have nothing to do with Jesus at all.
This is not to disparage those parts of Christmas. It is only to say that we essentially have two Christmas celebrations to think about. One is more cultural – Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Christmas songs, Christmas cookies, buying presents, etc. The other is that, for Christians, it is a time to reflect on the joy and love given to us by God. It is a time to be more loving and joyful, because of our faith. I think we desecrate the holy side of Christmas when we make it about trying to maintain superiority over others or keep some perceived cultural relevance.
I don’t care if the sales clerk says “Happy Holidays” because I am not expecting to receive my religious faith from a store where I am buying stuff. I will receive that at worship on Christmas Eve, when I look up and see the other members of my congregation singing “O Holy Night” together with our candles lit. I receive my faith from celebrating the miracle and mystery of God coming to live with us.
So I hope that we can put down our swords and shields. We can sign a peace treaty that puts to bed any talk of a so-called “war on Christmas.” Instead I hope that we can embrace each other in the spirit of understanding, love and joy. I hope that the Jew, Hindu, Muslim, atheist and anyone else will also experience that love and joy from me and other Christians.
Let us truly celebrate and live what the angels announced to the shepherds: “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people.” Happy holidays to all.
(The Rev. Jonathan Hopkins lives in Concord.)