For years I have been joking (or have I?) about starting a class-action lawsuit against any non-Christian entity or person who is using “Christmas” to sell stuff. No more selling cars or clothes or meals with the word “Christmas” attached to it unless you are a church or Christian organization. I would lose that endeavor, but my point should be clear: Christmas, as a word, is more secular and commodified than it is sacred. When you could buy physical CDs just about anywhere, there were two sections – Christmas, Religious, and Christmas (everything else). It is one of those observations that I make every year, and people suffer through it, kind of like me watching “Christmas” Hallmark movies. Just because you have a decorated tree in your show doesn’t mean there’s anything Christ-massy about it.
Recently, I saw an advertisement sent out by a condo community that some of the residents were planning to decorate for Christmas. First, this is pretty tone-deaf, considering that it is likely that a number of the residents are not Christians. Second, the plan was to gather at 10 am on a Sunday morning. Yes – smack dab in the middle of when most churches have worship. Sure, if you attend a church with an early service like we offer at Calvary (8 am), you have an option. Most of our churches, however, offer one service, usually starting between 9 and 11. I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate; the point is clear, isn’t it? Similarly, in the past, I have gotten invitations to “Christmas” themed brunches that started at 9:30 or 10 am – on Sunday. Me, the guy who, for decades, has had this Sunday morning gig just about every week. Tone deaf.
I don’t expect the culture to bend to my faith tradition or my personal needs; that would be hypocritical as well. It would be nice, though, if people would take a moment and think things through. Don’t serve only ham at a meal that includes Jews and Muslims. Consider having school days off that benefit people other than Christians. And if you plan to call something “Christian” or “Christmas”, don’t plan it for a time when practicing Christians can’t attend. I don’t believe that there is a war on Christmas – that’s just whiny nonsense. There does, however, seem to be a war on common sense and sensitivity to difference. We are an amazingly complex culture, and it would be good for all of us if we worked a little harder to live that way. It might help is in a lot of other ways too. Consideration goes a long way, doesn’t it?
Prayer – Holy God, in this next month or so, there will be many different celebrations that honor You in some way. May we all be respectful of the many ways You are loved. Amen.
Today’s art is “Worthy to Open the Scroll” by Grace Carol Bomer.