“Happy Holidays” … An Insidious Threat to Jesus Christ!
Ahh … the holidays are here and it’s time to celebrate the birth of Christ. Well, not exactly! It seems that it’s actually time to celebrate hatred, promulgated by some interesting Christians, all in the name of Christ.
Wow! I didn’t know J.C. rolled like that! I mean seriously … what would Jesus do if someone wished him “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas?” Would He kick some ass to high Heavan or what?! According to a certain tribe of demented Christians, that’s exactly what they need to do until He returns to dole out His own form of Holy justice!
Fox recently pointed out that we are in the midst of a war on Christmas and Christians. Really? Leave it to Fox to find another war on Christians. Apparently, if you look really hard, they are everywhere! Thankfully, we have Jon Stewart and others to point out the hypocrisy of this stance as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
And, now I am adding my $1 to the fray! I cannot help but comment on the irony of taking a stand for CHRISTmas (the celebration of the birth of Christ) while denigrating those who choose to be compassionate by wishing others around them “Happy Holidays,” regardless of their religious affiliation. See, the Christ I know and grew up reading about would embrace the modern, all-inclusive “Happy Holidays.” (Please note that “Happy Holidays” is a reference to the High Holy Days and still has roots in Judeo-Christian beliefs. So, for those using it as a greeting, you are still invoking Christ, just somewhat indirectly.)
Christ did not discriminate against people of other religions and would likely be very disturbed that people proclaiming to worship Him (those so-called Christians we know and love) are doing so in His name, particularly on the supposed day of His birth. Also, just to be clear, Christ was NOT even a Christian! Funny that some of His believers always seem to conveniently forget that the first Christian was a JEW. So, in that vein, as you go around celebrating the birth of Christ remember that one of main tenets preached by Jesus was love, respect and compassion for your fellow man, woman and child, be they Jew or gentile, Christian or atheist, Muslim or Buddhist.
And, while we’re on the topic, let’s talk about the much-maligned “Holiday Tree.” I don’t recall anything in the Bible about there being a Christmas tree when Christ was born. Christmas trees actually have their origins as part of a pagan ritual and thus have nothing to do with Christ or His birth. Also, if you are really celebrating the birth of Christ and the arrival of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts, you’ll need to move your celebration of exchanging gifts and such from December 25th (the start of the Winter Solstice – another pagan ritual) to around January 6th (aka Three Kings’ Day) since that’s when the Wise Men found the baby Jesus and His parents in a manger.
Just to recap … Saying “Happy Holidays” does not in any way detract from you celebrating the birth of Christ or from practicing Christianity. Those who suggest otherwise likely have no clue about Christ’s real message of inclusion and love. Wishing someone “Happy Holidays” demonstrates that you actually understand the message Christ was preaching AFTER He was born. And, isn’t compassion and love for ALL people truly what Christ and Christmas should be about, not what we call one day out of the year or some ornamented bush?
Happy Holidays to all! And to all a good night!