Some say that Christmas is too secular, that the glitter, music, gifts and family dinners are really not what the
holy day is about. They hold that the Baby Jesus has been forgotten in the cacophony and confusion of commercial Christmas. They say that it is only about the birth of Christ. Everything else, they say, is a distraction or, even worse,
sacrilege. Others say Christmas is not a
holy day, but a day for family, friends, and presents--that Jesus was an historical figure, whose life should not be celebrated any more than the birth of Gandhi, or Mohammed. They believe we should not say “Merry Christmas.” We should, they say, celebrate “Winterfest,” or “Winter Solstice” instead. They argue that talking about or singing about Christ is not politically correct. They want a politically and religiously sanitized
civil holiday that inspires no one and therefore offends no one.
While Christmas is first and foremost a celebration of the birth of the baby who would save us, to deny that Christmas is also about family and presents, music and lights, decorations and merriment, is also wrong. Was His family not at the first Christmas? Did visitors not bring gifts to celebrate His birth? Did shepherds not visit the Holy Family on that day?
- Tuesday, December 25, 2012