As the spate of political correctness surrounding Christmas has grown these past years, I have to shake my head in wonder. There are certainly more just battles to engage in than demonizing people who greet you with “Merry Christmas”. When fundamentalists complain that Christ is being removed from the holiday, they are absolutely correct. That fact has less to do with uber-commercialization and everything to do with how certain factions insist we refer to the weeks surrounding December 25, that most sensitive of dates.
Because I can speak my mind and heart here, I’ll share a dirty little secret with you all. Jesus is the reason for this season. Through some unholy congruence of science, faith, political decree, and tradition, people of Christian faith have come to celebrate the savior’s birth in December. Whether you believe the actual birth date is correct… whether you believe the earth is 5000 years old or 5 billion years… whether you type BC or BCE, this is Jesus’ time to shine.
When I say Merry Christmas it’s not meant as an indictment of a Godless, heathenistic, liquor-filled sin-drenched lifestyle. It’s a simple hope that one will know some small moment of joy and peace before facing the challenges of a new year. How you get there is your business! Regardless of your religion (or lack thereof), mandating Christ’s removal from a greeting is a violation of free speech and an abrogation of the progressive notion of acceptance.
So don’t tread on my rights and I promise to smile when you wish me a Happy Flying Spaghetti Monster Day. And lest I forget… Merry Christmas!