Most of the following I found as an editorial in a Catholic newspaper.
Merry Christmas. Now, more than ever, this life-affirming phrase is under attack, and if something isn't done about it, it is conceivable that a generation from now "Merry Christmas" will be a casualty of political correctness gone awry.
It's second nature for Christians this time of year, but we've become so intimidated as a society that we somehow think that by expressing our beliefs and values we will offend someone. Some shy away from living the Christian faith by embracing a pre-packaged, one-size-fits-all secular lifestyle. "Happy Holidays," anyone? It's warm and fuzzy. It's quick, compact and empty. It's fast food verbiage-impersonal and unhealthy.
Several communities have succumbed to the false concept that celebrating Christmas somehow infringes on someone else's rights and have sought to remove it from the season, referring to December celebrations as "holiday events." However, if Christmas is so offensive, then why do most, if not all, holiday festivals culminate in the lighting of a tree - remarkably, a tree that resembles a traditional Christmas tree? Why do these celebrations include Santa Claus? Why have these festivals in December at all and what is it, then, that gives us cause to be festive?
In early December, 2004, in Denver, parade organizers decided to ban the words "Merry Christmas" from all floats; Christmas songs have also been banned.
And in Kansas, the Wichita Eagle recently ran the following clarification to one of their news stories: "A story in Monday's paper referred to a tree that was lighted at Tuesday's winterfest celebration as a "Christmas Tree." In an effort to be inclusive, the city is actually referring to this tree as the "Community Tree."
This secularization started with the adults and it's now being passed on to the grownups of tomorrow. Right now there is an entire generation of children who, by being encouraged to ignore it, are being taught that Christmas is a dirty word. Scared silly in this lawsuit-happy culture, educators mistakenly believe that even a single utterance could cost them their career; however the Constitution does not require school officials to obliterate religious observances and expression from public schools. No court has ever ruled that the Constitution requires school officials to censor Christmas carols, eliminate all references to Christmas, or silence those who celebrate Christmas. The bottom line is that it's perfectly fine to celebrate Christmas in public schools.
So in these few remaining shopping days before Christmas, remember Who we're celebrating. Undoubtedly you'll hear "happy holidays" at least three dozen times between now and then. Take this opportunity to live your faith. Embrace and find strength in the Holy Spirit, and always remember to smile and reply with "Merry Christmas."
By George Konig
December 19, 2004
www.georgekonig.org
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