In my wanderings recently, I have had a lot of people say, “Merry Christmas!” I have responded, “To you also.” Someone yesterday said, “Merry Festivus!” To which I replied, “To you also.” Then, there was that lady who said, “Happy Hannukah!” To which I said, _____ – Yes, “To you also.” I will wish my congregation a Merry Christmas at the end of church tonight, and I will say it to the people I know celebrate this Holy Day, but I will not use it with everyone I see. Why? Because this day, and every holy day in my faith, is not about me. I can’t tell what faith people practice by looking at them, unless they are Amish or Hasidic or some other faith that dresses in a way that signifies their religion. And if you are wearing elf ears or a Santa hat, that doesn’t mean you practice the Christian faith; all it means is that you like the secular aspects of the season, and you like to dress the part.
When the Apostle Paul was in Athens (Acts 17), we are told that he was very upset by the display of multiple religious practices. The entire section of that book is terribly disrespectful to Judaism, which is a problem. The Stoic and Epicurean philosophers have Paul brought to them so they can hear about this new religion he is preaching, and Paul points to a place where there is no idol which reads “To an unknown God”. He uses that empty spot to explain what he believes. While some respond with scoffing, indignation and, maybe, anger; others say, “We will hear more about this.” Some behave like jerks while others do not. And while I might not agree totally with your flavor of faith, that doesn’t give me the right to denigrate you. Faith is a choice based on free will.
Religion is our way of interpreting the holy, and as long as your faith doesn’t hurt people, you are cool with me. I will tell you – if you ask – why I am a follower of Jesus, and I will listen to what you believe. I might find it interesting or similar or silly, and you might think that about my faith. While doing this, we might have a cup of coffee or a cold beer or some lemonade, and we can leave as friends. No religious practice knows all there is to know about God; if you think yours does, well, you be you. Just remember that God is the judge, not you or me. And if you wish me a Happy Kwanzaa, I will say, “To you also.” Because that’s what mature adults do. May your season of joy (if you have one) bring happiness and fulfillment to you and yours. And to everyone – Happy New Year! (To you also).
Prayer – Holy God, be present with us in whatever way we choose to honor You. Amen.
Today’s art is a Kwanzaa Art Graphic by Tom Fedro.