As a practicing Catholic, I’d like to offer my thoughts on the so-called “War on Christmas.” To all who would offer criticism to those who say “happy holidays” instead of “merry Christmas,” I would like to say -- chill out!
Even many hardcore atheists still celebrate the Christmas holiday (a note on the word “holiday” -- it literally comes from the words “holy day”). They’re still celebrating a season that promotes peace on Earth and goodwill toward men. They mark the occasion by doing good things for their family, friends and in some cases complete strangers.
Whether they realize it or not, they’re following Christ’s teachings by doing these things and celebrating peace and joy -- even if they’re not saying his name out loud.
Jesus is hailed as the King of Kings, but that’s not a title he gave himself. We bestowed that upon him. He didn’t live in a palace or dress in fancy robes. Some people bowed to him, but he didn’t insist upon it.
If there was a fundamental shift in humanity and everyone learned Christ’s lessons and started being the kind of people he wants us to be -- and yet for some reason forgot his name or never mentioned it -- I think he’d be okay with that. I think he’d sit back and say, “Well, okay. Mission accomplished.” His primary concern is what’s best for us.
We choose to glorify Jesus, but I don’t think he’s in it for the glory. At least not for himself. He wants us to experience God's glory by being the best we can be.
So despite the insistence that we must “keep Christ in Christmas,” I would suggest that it’s harder than most realize to separate Christ from Christmas. I believe many are celebrating Christ whether they realize it or not. Even if his name isn’t being spoken out loud, he’s in our deeds.