So it has begun. The stores have Christmas decorations and wrapping paper displays out. The music on the overhead has started with the carols and the commercials on TV are selling everything from electronics and toys to tools and kitchen appliances.
Something else has begun again too...what the media I think has come to label "The War On Christmas." Far from being a knee jerk right wing response, it's all too real.
As the approaching Christmas season starts to unfold I am interested to see exactly what is going to offend who, and how it will be handled. It says a lot about the world we live in.
We will probably see some who are offended by Nativity scenes as usual, and the stores may not even mention the Christmas celebration in all the flyers for the "Holiday season."
And there will be an uproar from Christians who will draw inspiration from Star Trek's Jean-Luc Picard and say "The line must be drawn here! This far, no further!"
A part of me screams "YES!". But then, so quietly, a caution. Watch your attitude. What I mean is, we can begin to be militant in our quest to combat the politically correct. When "Merry Christmas" becomes the equivalant of profanity, said in the same tone of voice we may hurl an insult, we too have lost our way. The way of the One who came to give glory to His Father. The One we claim to follow.
It is important to stand our ground in the face of a culture that is increasingly antagonistic toward Christ. But in fanning the flames of moral outrage, let's not lose our message in the process. The right message spoken with the wrong attitude is wrong.
Be eloquent, be firm, but be respectful. Christ's message depends on it.
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