Taking the Christ out of Christmas

Commentator Bill O’Reilly is on a campaign to promote the use of the holiday greeting “Merry Christmas” in retail stores, reflecting a concern that outlets are replacing the greeting with non-denominational sayings such as “Happy Holidays.” Do you think secular forces are wiping out such seasonal displays? Are you offended by the lack of the word “Christmas” in such displays and advertising?

Corporate America and the “secular forces” are doing a great job of removing Christ from Christmas, but it’s not because of a reference to a generic holiday. Frankly, as a Christian I’m offended and even insulted by some of the signs that label their products with Christmas banners. What makes a cruise a “Christmas cruise?” Do they have a plastic nativity tucked away in the corner of the dining hall? What makes the car dealer proclaim a “Christmas Sale”? Is it the big red bow over the car, or the Bible in the glove compartment? And what about the “Christmas Sale of Scotch Whiskey”?

After the drunk driver kills innocent people are we to be comforted that he was returning from a Christmas party?

Christ was taken out of Christmas long ago. Whether advertisers use the word Christmas or holiday is really insignificant because what we’ve lost is not the word or even the person of Christ, but the message. The celebration of Christmas, with trees and ornaments, with gifts and giving, is all about a sacred relationship that we enjoy with God. The message of Christmas is all about giving to those who have absolutely no way of giving back to us -- the poor, the hungry, the starving and the sick. After all, the example was given to us on that first Christmas, when God gave to us, something so sacred, knowing that we had and have no way to return the gift, only by giving to others.

So Happy Holidays, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice and Merry Christmas.

Buy, spend and give. It’s good for the economy and be comforted knowing that retailers rely on Christmas for their survival in much the same way we rely on God for ours.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

Youth Ministries

Business places have the right to use any expression that they feel is appropriate for the Christmas season. I am not offended by the term “Happy Holidays,” or any other reasonable substitute for the phrase “Merry Christmas,” by any business. In fact, I believe that it is reasonable for businesses to take this stance because of the fact that they cater to many non-Christians. It is unreasonable to call for a boycott of businesses that no longer use the phrase “Merry Christmas.”

My church, which is Christian in nature, celebrates Christmas in every possible way. The words “Merry Christmas” are heard often at this time of year in our church and we use the phrase in our printed materials. Most of our members are careful to avoid using “Merry Christmas” greeting cards to our non-Christian friends. We do use them with our Christian friends. What is so hard about everyone dealing with this situation in a similar way?

I think the idea that there is a plot to end the celebration of Christmas is ridiculous. At the same time I think the idea that Christians should be sensitive to people in other religions is absolutely correct.

I am opposed, and I think most of my congregational members would be, to the restriction of religion of any kind by local, state, and national governmental bodies.

Our country has a long time custom, and even specific laws, to keep state and church separated. Let’s keep it that way.

Merry Christmas!

THE REV. THOMAS E. WITHERSPOON

Unity Church of the Valley

La Crescenta

I’m perturbed. It’s not illegal to have Christmas pageants in public schools or to publicly display nativity crèches, so why are they disappearing? Most public groups aren’t abandoning Christmas in deference to law, but because they haven’t the resources to battle frivolous, protracted court cases initiated by secular antagonists like the American Civil Liberties Union.

But let’s not just blame them. Retailers have decided that to risk insulting good people who celebrate the birth of the One who divided time between B.C. and A.D. is weatherable, whereas the whining Scrooges are intolerable and must be placated with insipid salutations such as “season’s greetings.” This wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the fact that such address is no longer supplementary but substitutionary, as if just celebrating winter was reason enough.

I’d suggest shopping at stores most retaining Christmas spirit, but alas, it’s epidemic! Try finding ornaments not tagged “seasonal merchandise,” or Christmas Trees not labeled “holiday trees.” Isn’t it idiotic, this bending over backward to not call something exactly what it is? Is there some burgeoning market for Hanukkah bushes, or Solstice saplings?

And who’s offended by “Merry Christmas?” Other faiths are staunch defenders because they don’t want their own holy days slighted by alternate “blah” designations.

The Montrose Christmas parade also evidenced discord. Certain walkers waved and called out “happy holidays!” The crowds countered, “Merry Christmas!” The walkers responded more adamantly, “Happy holidays!,” as if to insist that Christ is out, and “holiday” (i.e., holy day) had lost all meaning. The ghosts of Christmas past crucified the Man. Why shouldn’t the walking dead of Christmas present crucify His day? “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1Corinthians 1:18), and might I add, a Merry Christmas.

THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM

Senior Pastor

Light On The Corner

Montrose

The answer to the “holiday” greeting problem is not to make others stop being so “offensive.” The answer is for each of us to stop being so offended.

During Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Because He lived a perfect human life and offered it up in payment for our sins we can enjoy an eternal relationship with God.

During Christmas many non-Christians observe the traditions of decorating, gift-giving and partying, but they still call it “Christmas”. And no Christian I know is offended by their secular use of the term! In America, Christmas has become part of the culture and not just a religious celebration.

Suppose this week you went to your local mall and asked people why they were there. The majority would answer that they were “Doing Christmas shopping” or “Looking for Christmas presents”. So why shouldn’t stores wish the majority of their customers a “Merry Christmas”?

The expression “Happy Holidays” is a nice sentiment. But it is too generic. It is meaningless and impersonal.

In America we are blessed with a population of diverse cultures and religions. So stand firm in whatever you believe. Appreciate that many disagree with you, and will on occasion unwittingly say things that might be “offensive” to you. And have a Merry Christmas.

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church

Burbank

No, I am not offended by the removal of the word “Christmas” from holiday advertising, but I also believe this is another big non-issue, from a religious standpoint. For merchants, I can see why they’re deadly scared of any kind of boycott: any kind of boycott means lack of coin in their pockets, and I understand that the Christmas or Holiday season is crucial for their bottom lines.

But I also believe, religiously speaking, this fracas is a lot of hullabaloo unworthy of the heat and energy that it’s creating. What is the spirit of the Christmas or holiday season? Isn’t it “Peace on earth” and “Good will toward men”? Does this dispute increase peace and good will, or does it divide us? I believe it divides us.

Years ago there was a campaign to “put Christ back into Christmas.” Evidently, there were folks who were upset by anything that said “Merry Xmas,” and so they were out to get rid of the “X.” (As a lover of the letter “X,” I was offended!) But really, how absurd to go to the mat over this issue. While left and right battle this out, there are plenty of folks hurting at this time of year. Why not try to help those who need help? A needy child who receives a gift from a stranger isn’t going to care if the store from which it was bought has pictures of the Baby Jesus or candy canes in the window. A homeless mother who receives some relief isn’t going to complain if her gift comes from the Salvation Army or Muslim Family Relief Services. “‘Tis the season of comfort and joy. Would that we all receive our joy from bringing comfort to others.

THE REV. C.L. “SKIP” LINDEMAN

Congregational Church of the Lighted Window

United Church of Christ

La Cañada Flintridge

We do not believe the secular forces can wipe out Christmas and we are not offended if we are wished a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holiday. We recognize that this is often a sincere attempt at inclusiveness, as many people are celebrating other holidays, or perhaps just as importantly, our traditional time of family unity and charity toward humanity.

Whatever one’s religion, the Christian Christmas season is the time of preparing for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

As Baha’is we recognize the nine divinely revealed religions of the world and their holy days. Our gift-giving time is in February; however, we celebrate Christmas with our Christian families and friends.

Perhaps the real meaning of this holy day has become lost to many with commercialism and Santa Claus. This is more of a concern to us than whether we are greeted with a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.

Most enjoy the beauty of the season regardless of their religion and wouldn’t it be wonderful to feel the love of this holiday season all year, without the commercialism.

BARBARA CRAMER

Secretary

Baha’i Faith

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