Editorial & Commentary

MARGINALIZING CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS

by Bishop Paul Peter Jesep

America is having another debate about faith. This time it's whether "holiday" should be used to describe the season and the symbols associated with it instead of "Christmas." Retailers, parade organizers, and state and local governments are all caught up in the controversy.

     Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, insisted that the festive tree in front of the Capitol be re-named. Someone had committed a sacrilege by calling it a "holiday tree" instead of the proper "Christmas tree." Several cities throughout the United States have debated whether the annual parade will be the "holiday" parade. Even retailers are feeling pressure from several sources for using "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." "Liberals" are being accused of hating Christ and stealing Christmas from the nation.

     One group trying to combat the so-called liberal influence has started the "Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign." Its goal is to advance religious freedom. The American Heritage Dictionary defines foe as "a personal enemy" or "an enemy in war." Isn't this time of year supposed to be about celebrating the designated birthday of the Prince of Peace? It's become another component of the-us-against-them culture war.

     Getting so hyped up about a decorated tree and the annual parade down Main Street does more to secularize Christ than the semantics of it all. Not until 1,600 years after the resurrection of Christ were Christmas trees linked to His birth. Prior to that ancient peoples like the Druids and Romans brought evergreens into their homes during the Winter Solstice (December 21 or 22) as a means to cope with the cold and darkness. Evergreen boughs also were used to deter the entry of ghosts, spirits, and witches.

     William Bradford, a royal governor of Massachusetts, referred to the use of decorated trees and other items in December as "pagan mockery." Oliver Cromwell called the growing cultural aspects of Christmas "heathen traditions." The artificial recognition of December 25th as the actual birth of Christ (rather than the co-opted use of an important pagan holiday to honor the sun god) was even outlawed in New England.

     By the early twentieth century, Christmas started to become a retail bonanza. Today, it's the most important business cycle for the vast majority of retailers. Although many of these stores also cater to someone who may exchange Chanukah gifts with friends and family, retailers are now threatened with boycotts for using posters that read "Happy Holidays." Is honoring the Christ in Christmas best shown by having a store poster that reads "Merry Christmas" with one underneath that exclaims "50 percent Off Boxers and Panties!" There is an extraordinary disconnect.

     The festive use of pagan ritual is rationalized to show love for the Son of Humankind. I'm not suggesting that such cultural traditions be eliminated, but there is a lack of historic and spiritual perspective. There is a significant difference between faith, spirituality, and a cultural celebration.

     Is a "Christmas tree" or "Christmas parade" the best manifestation of reverence for God? Is living one's faith done by expressing concern about what is nothing more than endearing traditions taken from non-Christian cultures? Why all the emotional hype? Does it suggest a nation that calls itself Christian without the spiritual depth and security to disregard its pagan inheritance?

     Christ taught, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Calling a gaudy, tinsel covered tree "Christmas" seems to run contrary to the intended purpose of the season and the teachings of Jesus. I really don't care whether holiday or Christmas is used.

     Ultimately, during this time of reflection, I have to ask how well I've lived my faith and what needs to be done in the coming year to do it better. I need to ask some hard questions about missed opportunities to give more of my time for causes greater than my self-interest. With those reflections in my heart everything else becomes irrelevant. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and perhaps most important, peace on earth and goodwill toward all.

The Most Rev. Paul Peter Jesep is a bishop in a branch of the Eastern Orthodox Church. He may be reached at VladykaPaulPeter@aol.com.