Yes

by Ernest Smartt

Created on: July 12, 2008

Should Christians be discouraged from celebrating Christmas publicly?

There is not a fence to walk on here. There is a massive gap between the yes and the no answer to this question. I am going to take an Olympic leap after writing on this side of that gap. That's right, I am going to write for the other side as well. Will I be hypocritical? You will have to think hard on it and decide how to judge me.

Actually, Christians are being discouraged regarding the public declaration of their faith regarding Christmas. Christians believe their faith is supposed to be proclaimed to the world. That is not necessarily the problem. The problem often lies in how that proclamation is made. Non-Christians see Christianity as a religion that condemns everyone who doesn't believe in Jesus. If Christians are doing that, they need to be knocked down a notch or two.

If Christians are saying that non-believers are going to Hell, and that they (Christians) are better than them, they are arrogant and boastful, and even offensive. This kind of promotion of Christmas or any holiday needs to be stopped.

What good is really done when the Manger scene is on the grass in front of a Court building? What does it really do? I believe the Christmas message is fairly well known in America. Christmas is well promoted, both the secular and religious versions. The economic success of businesses across the country demand that both be represented on their shelves and in their ads. While there is a seeming decrease in the amount of religious products in the stores, there is that segment of society that also contributes to this economic success, and they need to be served. Having religious scenes in public places is not a requirement for the survival of Christianity, and may not promote the goodness that Christianity really wants to promote when the headlines and debates get heated and negative.

If it is about having religious decorations, or monuments, or even programs in the public square, I believe Christians could back off without hindering their faith, or hindering the actual spreading of it around the world. After all, Christians believe their faith is about a personal relationship with God. They believe that it is their responsibility to share that faith personally. Do they need to have displays in government buildings, and on the public square in order to personally share that faith? Christians use these as springboards to tell about what God has done in their lives, but do they really need these spring boards. Should they not do as the Bible says, and live their personal lives so that their faith shows naturally?

When the motives are arrogant and condemning, there needs to be something said to discourage it. If the goal is to let the world know they are going to Hell, Christians may need to step back and reflect on what the Christian faith is really all about. The bottom line is that it is about love. At least that is how the Bible seems to say it.

When there is a debate about a particular scene or display or decoration, Christians should be expected to show grace and kindness in that debate. There should be no argument. Remember, when the world said Jesus is spouting too much condemnation, and they nailed Him to a cross, He did not condemn them.

Christians need to take a look at exactly what Jesus was doing, and follow His example. Discouraging them from making public displays should cause this kind of reflection on their part.

Now that the Christians are put in their place, let's look at the motives in the protests against these celebrations and displays. Why is there a protest? If it is because of condemning and arrogant displays, let them protest. If it is just because they don't like Christians or their Christmas, there is some reflection needed on their part as well.

We need to have discussions rather than debates on this. Those discussions must be mature and respectful. There must be a desire to resolve the issue, no matter which way it goes. Where the motives of Christians is wrong, lets discourage them from continuing these displays. It is likely that there will be a lot less celebrating, decorating, and displays out there on the public square if it is handled correctly and respectfully.

Often Christians are wrong. Sometimes they even seem to be mean. There are times when Christians do these things just because "they have a right in America" to do so. Some times they do it as a protest. Christians may often go public because it is a battle they think they have to fight. However, In America Christians are not persecuted. They are not being harmed by these protests. If they are who they believe they are, they will survive. Christians can get off their high horses and walk for a while where Jesus walked. He did not get in the middle of these kind of messes.

When the term "Christians" is used it is a general term, not a label of all who call themselves Christians.

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