Monday, December 15, 2008
Preserving Christmas
For the second year in a row, an atheist group called “Freedom From Religion Foundation” placed an insulting sign in the Washington state Capitol, right next to a nativity scene. The sign reads: “At this season of the Winter Solstice may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”
In a television interview, Dan Barker, the president of that group, complained that a nativity scene “basically insults those of us who are not Christians, by telling us that we’re going to go to hell unless we bow down before that baby Jesus.” What Mr. Barker doesn’t seem to realize is that if there was no God, he would not feel so guilty and lash out against such a great symbol of that God’s love. His Hatred, bigotry and intolerance is evidence that something deep inside Him knows there is a God but vehemently resists worshipping that God. And, because he has issues, he is trying to ruin my Christmas!
More and more, America is experiencing the kind of social terrorism practice by FFRF. It is often evident in comments made in films, concessions made by institutions of “higher education”, rulings made by activist judges, and opinions interjected into “objective” news casts. Many have noted that, in America, free speech is extended to almost every group except those wanting to declare their Christian Faith in the marketplace. The injustice and hypocrisy can be frustrating to Americans who want to continue to celebrate the God that their founding fathers celebrated. What is a fellow supposed to do now days? We’re losing a wonderful tradition. How can we preserve Christmas?
First of all, it should be noted that most Christians are not shoving Christmas down peoples’ throats. Have you ever seen a Christian group put a nativity scene up at Mardi Gras or next to a New Age shop? Have you seen Christians putting up placards saying “There is no Santa,” or insisting that the Islamic world start calling Ramadan “Fall Holiday”? Are Christians forcing publicly funded museums to display creation science which has far more tangible and provable evidence than evolution science? No, in all honesty, most Christians have been very tolerant.
But, listen to me – complaining and bellyaching – I’m sounding just as bitter as those who don’t believe. Everybody knows that newer or fairer laws will never fix this problem. The only way Christmas will be preserved is if it is treasured in the hearts of those who believe. The truth is, many people have valued and celebrated Christmas in nations where Christianity is illegal. If I so choose, my family and I can have a kind and giving spirit in a country where Wal Mart employees are trampled to death. Nothing is stopping me from playing Christmas carols in my home or car. I can go to church and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas even if others choose to celebrate in less meaningful ways - these are freedoms I should value while we still have them. Some of them can never be taken from me, because I hold them deep in my heart and purpose to celebrate them no matter what other people are doing.
Here are some simple positive things I plan on doing to preserve Christmas in 2008:
1. Boldly display true symbols of Christmas.
2. Say the word “Christmas” in my holiday salutations.
3. Give generously to believers and unbelievers alike.
4. Read the original Christmas story at some point during the holidays.
5. Attend church services, plays and concerts that are not ashamed to proclaim the true story of Christmas.
If you want to preserve Christmas, celebrate it with gusto and say a special prayer for people like Mr. Barker who obviously don’t have the privilege and pleasure of knowing the loving Savior who was born in a stable 2000 years ago. Together we can preserve Christmas, because Christmas is preserved in the heart.
In a television interview, Dan Barker, the president of that group, complained that a nativity scene “basically insults those of us who are not Christians, by telling us that we’re going to go to hell unless we bow down before that baby Jesus.” What Mr. Barker doesn’t seem to realize is that if there was no God, he would not feel so guilty and lash out against such a great symbol of that God’s love. His Hatred, bigotry and intolerance is evidence that something deep inside Him knows there is a God but vehemently resists worshipping that God. And, because he has issues, he is trying to ruin my Christmas!
More and more, America is experiencing the kind of social terrorism practice by FFRF. It is often evident in comments made in films, concessions made by institutions of “higher education”, rulings made by activist judges, and opinions interjected into “objective” news casts. Many have noted that, in America, free speech is extended to almost every group except those wanting to declare their Christian Faith in the marketplace. The injustice and hypocrisy can be frustrating to Americans who want to continue to celebrate the God that their founding fathers celebrated. What is a fellow supposed to do now days? We’re losing a wonderful tradition. How can we preserve Christmas?
First of all, it should be noted that most Christians are not shoving Christmas down peoples’ throats. Have you ever seen a Christian group put a nativity scene up at Mardi Gras or next to a New Age shop? Have you seen Christians putting up placards saying “There is no Santa,” or insisting that the Islamic world start calling Ramadan “Fall Holiday”? Are Christians forcing publicly funded museums to display creation science which has far more tangible and provable evidence than evolution science? No, in all honesty, most Christians have been very tolerant.
But, listen to me – complaining and bellyaching – I’m sounding just as bitter as those who don’t believe. Everybody knows that newer or fairer laws will never fix this problem. The only way Christmas will be preserved is if it is treasured in the hearts of those who believe. The truth is, many people have valued and celebrated Christmas in nations where Christianity is illegal. If I so choose, my family and I can have a kind and giving spirit in a country where Wal Mart employees are trampled to death. Nothing is stopping me from playing Christmas carols in my home or car. I can go to church and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas even if others choose to celebrate in less meaningful ways - these are freedoms I should value while we still have them. Some of them can never be taken from me, because I hold them deep in my heart and purpose to celebrate them no matter what other people are doing.
Here are some simple positive things I plan on doing to preserve Christmas in 2008:
1. Boldly display true symbols of Christmas.
2. Say the word “Christmas” in my holiday salutations.
3. Give generously to believers and unbelievers alike.
4. Read the original Christmas story at some point during the holidays.
5. Attend church services, plays and concerts that are not ashamed to proclaim the true story of Christmas.
If you want to preserve Christmas, celebrate it with gusto and say a special prayer for people like Mr. Barker who obviously don’t have the privilege and pleasure of knowing the loving Savior who was born in a stable 2000 years ago. Together we can preserve Christmas, because Christmas is preserved in the heart.
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