Putting Christ Back into Christmas

Washington D.C., USA – Christmas was celebrated a few days ago but the festive air is still lingering. But you would not know that by the holiday greetings that some businesses are offering.

In this era of political correctness, some have removed "Christmas" from their vocabulary to avoid offending non–Christians. But that has moved many in an effort to put Christ back in Christmas.

From nativity scenes to the typical Christmas greeting, and even the traditional red and white candy cane, Christmas is under attack.

Christian activist Sandra Snowden said, "How can you take Christ out of Christmas? Jesus is the reason for the season."

But others, such as store owner Jay Holland, say, "Not everyone is a Christian, so I think it is wrong to slant towards one type of people, even if they're the majority."

That philosophy is sweeping the culture, from the public square to department store counters, where even Christmas trees are often just called holiday trees.

In fact, at some retail stores, you may find it nearly impossible to find the very mention of Christmas. For example, Federated Department Stores, which includes Macy's and Bloomingdale's, has encouraged its employees to offer a "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" instead of a "Merry Christmas."

The company says the inclusive greetings are more reflective of today's diverse culture. But that has moved many Christians to act, including a Raleigh, North Carolina pastor by the name of Rev. Patrick Wooden.
Reverend Wooden of the Upper Room Church of God in Christ, commented, "I am saying to believers, do not participate in a Christless Christmas."

Wooden started a campaign, taking out full–page ads that have been running since Thanksgiving. He has been asking fellow believers to put their money to work at stores that are not afraid to acknowledge the reason for the season. And he says, "It's high time that Christians came out of the closet. We know that there's power in prayer, but there's also power at the ballot box, and power at the cash register."

Other groups are filing in, calling on Christian customers to boycott chains that honor Christmas only in sales, not in spirit.
Charles Haynes of the First Amendment Center said, "Both sides need to relax and to think again about how we can have a place for religion in our public square, but let’s keep the government from imposing religion."

And as the debate rages on, let me wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.