It’s finally here. Many people I know hold this time of year, this Christmas holiday as their favorite. While seeing everyone prepare to celebrate December 25, I am still witnessing Christians who are offended at the phrase “Happy Holidays.” I have read countless posts demanding to “Keep Christ in CHRISTMAS!” I think it is great that people want to keep Christ at the center of the month of December. After all, “He’s the reason for the season.”  

Let’s take a moment to reflect back on Christ and the reason taught for his introduction into this world.

Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. —Colossians 3:11-13

They find no paradox in annually dusting off and trotting out a Nativity scene depicting a middle eastern, soon to be refugee child, who would grow to spend his days living off of other people’s generosity and fighting for those in the margins. He came to be an example of how to live and to give new law and teachings.

Is it weird we have spent the last 3 years applauding travelbans and immigration raids and border walls and healthcare theft, yet every December Christians angrily demand everyone acknowledge the arrival of a Christ child, who practically speaking, they have no room for in their inns?

I don’t believe there is a coordinated War on Christmas by non-believers. I do however believe there is a war on Christ by seasonally ranting believers.

Jesus states very clearly the ones that we feed that are hungry, the ones we give drink to that are thirsty, the ones we invite in that are strangers, the ones we clothe, the sick we look after, the ones in prison we visit- caring for the least of these is what is important to Him.  

How about we not fight to keep Christ in Christmas? Instead let’s fight to put Christ and his teachings in your life daily. For many Christians that will mean taking a sobering look at what you have stood and fought for the last 3 years. Changing your stance is a big pill to swallow. Realistically if you aren’t fighting for the teachings of Christ to be carried out, you’re just fighting.