That reminds me of Eric Vann, a guy who used to work for my Dad years ago. Eric was a Jehovah’s Witness and didn't believe in celebrating Christmas. So he always politely refused to contribute to boss’ Christmas present fund-- that was against his religion. But Eric always politely accepted the Christmas bonus that Dad always gave his employees. Consistency is indeed a rare jewel indeed.
I've been intentionally listening and taking note this year while in stores, the bank, doctor’s offices (I’m seeing a lot of those lately) and the like. Frankly, I've been hearing as many or more greetings of “Merry Christmas” as its more politically correct cousins. So what's all the hoopla? So maybe Newport News isn’t much of a battlefield in the war on Christmas.
Is the "War on Christmas" one battlefield in a growing "War on Christianity?" Is our culture slowly but surely seeking to chip away at our faith and make being Christian unacceptable? I think the answer to that question is "Yes" and "No." I think that Christianity's favored status as part of our historical heritage is indeed being chipped away. Remember the "Blue Laws" where they used to (by law) close all stores on Sundays. When I was a kid, they didn't have school activities on Wednesday nights (so that kids could go to church). Those tips of the culture’s hat to Christianity are gone, and others may follow. More and more, we can longer display Christian symbols (crosses, nativity scenes, etc.) on public buildings. But then, neither can display a menorah or Star of David. That’s not a war on Christianity but a diverse culture seeking to treat all religions the same. It is likely that one day, churches will have to pay property and sales taxes on like everyone else. I’m not happy about that, but that doesn't really strike me as an attack on my faith.
I think Christians need to get more and more comfortable in recognizing what has really always been true. When the Christian faith is consistently and persistently lived, it is never at the center of the culture; it is always a counter-culture. We live as people follow Jesus in this world but never part of this world (John 17:15-17). We follow Jesus outside the gate of respectability as we bear the scandal of the cross which He bore for us (Heb. 13:12-13). When we live by Christian principles, we will seem different from the world around us and people who are differently are routinely mistreated.
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:13-16)The way to combat anti-Christian sentiment and behavior is to live so thoroughly and completely like Jesus that the slanders are silenced. We are to respond to the opponents of our faith with gentleness and respect. We are to be ready to give an answer to those who ask us about our faith, but we must not run recklessly into the midst of the culture wars. It is still true what G. K. Chesterton a generation ago, “It is not that Christianity has been tried and found wanting; it is rather that Christianity has been left untried.” If we show people a Christianity that looks and feels more like Jesus, we won’t have to defend ourselves nearly as much.
3 comments:
Thanks for a very gentle reminder of the reality of our counter-cultural mission to planet Earth. As you say, we are to live in a manner that imitates Jesus 24/7. This is, of course, harder to do successfully than it might appear. That's why we have the other ingredient, God's forgiveness and grace. Without that extra component, the mission would be a lost cause for those of us who take part.
Our Lord has often been called "God of the second chance." As a person who is on his, oh, probably 4000th chance, I love the thought that my failure to achieve that successful integration of obedience to our Lord, and openness to a busted-down world, does not automatically expel me from the mother ship.
So, to all the world, I say "Merry Christmas!" and "Happy Holidays!" and "Greetings of the Season!" with abandon. May you all be happy, merry, and blessed. It's kind of what we've been told to pass along, eh?
I was at our local library and they had an announcement that they would be closed December 23-25 for the Holidays. I asked the clerk what holiday that would be. I wondered if there was one I had missed or something.
Someone once said, "What would happen if they had a war and no one showed up to fight?" We are finding out what happens when only one side shows up.
But keep in mind, we have read the Book and we know who wins.
Grace and Peace.
You could have easily started with "The War on the Winter Solstice"
You know, the ORIGINAL Christmas. But then we'd have to examine things like the eradication of ancient faiths that counter modern Judeo-Christian beliefs.
Regardless - hope you have a happy holiday season :)
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