The Bible Undressed

            A popular topic in recent years, at least for some conservative Christians, is the “War on Christmas.”  The idea is that the term “Christmas” and its religious aspects have been increasingly censored and discouraged by many public and secular organizations as a bow to political correctness.  As an example, use of the phrase “Happy Holidays!” is seen as a deliberate slight to the more religious phrase “Merry Christmas!”  I experienced this recently at a concert when the conductor wished the audience “Happy Holidays” and my Christian friend next to me leaned over and repeated the phrase with some disdain in his voice.  Mind you, part of the concert was a sing-along which included a number of traditional religious Christmas carols so it’s not like the religious overtones of the season were being ignored.  And keep in mind that the season includes holidays other than Christmas, including Hanukah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, New Year’s, and for the cynical secular, Festivus (“for the rest of us!”).  For non-Christians (and many Christians for that matter) the idea of this war seems ludicrous: America is inundated with Christian symbolism and speech not just at Christmas but throughout the year.  You can’t even watch a sporting event without a coach or player freely thanking Jesus.  Even American politics has become more infused with Christian sentiment, from local politicians right up to the Supreme Court (much to the frustration of those who see a Constitutional separation of church and state). 

            However, I would argue there is indeed a war on Christmas!  And it is being waged by the Christian Far Right!

            What is the basic Christmas story?  God becomes incarnate (becomes human) with the intention of eventually dying for the sins of the world.  That idea itself is pretty radical: God dying for us, instead of the other way around.  How does He come into the world?  Through a young couple living in Nazareth, a one-horse town (they may not have had a donkey, let alone a horse based on archaeological evidence!), which is in Galilee, far from the action in Jerusalem.  Joseph and pregnant Mary have to travel to Bethlehem, about a hundred miles away, likely on foot.  There they can’t find room for Mary to comfortably deliver her baby so they end up in a stable or cave (depending on the tradition).  Jesus ends up with a crib for a bed.  Poor shepherds attend the birth.  Later some foreign magi (astrologers?) visit; not even representatives of their own religion.  In fact, King Herod seeks to kill the child, causing them to flee across the border to Egypt, a much greater distance than they’ve already traveled.  Eventually they go to Nazareth where Jesus grows up in obscurity, and likely poverty, as his father is a humble craftsman (more likely a stonemason than a carpenter) in this small town.  And as an adult He fulfils His mission by being crucified, a most torturous and disgraceful death.

            If you have read my previous posts you know there are some issues with the story, but this is the version embraced by Christians around the world, particularly those claiming there is a War on Christmas.  Jesus is born in a homeless state, basically, certainly in very humble surroundings; not in a royal palace or mansion.  He is persecuted by those in power, not lauded and supported by them.  He and his family become refugees in another country.  Jesus grows up in an obscure town (virtually unknown until the Gospels are circulated).  He works a reputable but humble profession until He begins His ministry, which leads to further persecution and an ignominious death.

            Here in America we just saw a president swept back into power largely thanks to the Religious Right who are the ones claiming to be concerned about the War on Christmas.  Never mind that the man is one of wealth, openly desirous of power, and with a lifestyle and sexual history that openly contradicts the teachings of Jesus.  The main issues that people cited were immigrants and money (the economy and inflation).  Mind you, some immigrants are apparently OK, considering the spouses of the president-elect and his running mate.  But those poor non-white immigrants coming across our southern border – No way!  Never mind that non-white Jesus was forced to flee across the border to seek refuge in another country.  And that He was born into a poor family, essentially homeless at the time of His birth.  Why couldn’t He have at least been born into a family with some money and assets?  Gee, give the guy a break – He was the Son of God after all! 

            We see the elements of Jesus’ birth also reflected in His teachings.  Consider one of His most famous teachings, the parable of the Good Samaritan.  It is not just that the man stops and helps a stranger, at his own expense, but it is not one of the religious folks passing by that helps – it is a lousy half-breed SAMARITAN that helps!  Gosh, what are you trying to say, Jesus?

            As for wealth, surely Jesus wants us to be well-off, no?  No!  He warns us, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:25)  Do you really want to make it harder for yourself to enter God’s kingdom by worshipping wealth?

            But what about those needy people showing up at our border?  Are we really supposed to help them?  Is that our responsibility?  Well, who did Jesus say would be welcomed into the Kingdom?  “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.”  (Matthew 25:35, 36)  And of course He didn’t mean doing such things for Jesus directly, He meant, “to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.” (v. 40)  Don’t you think the God of the Universe would make sure that America has the resources to fulfill His commands?

            It seems to me that if you claim to honor the Christmas story but glorify wealth and power while turning away the needy you are walking on thin ice. 

            Let’s recall what Mary is recorded as saying in what is called The Magnificat, after listening to the angel tell her what was about to happen:

Mary, in Luke 1:51-53

            When you look at the Christmas story and Jesus’ teachings, ask yourself: Who is waging war on this Jesus?  I would say it is those who live and vote as if His example and His teachings don’t really matter in today’s world, as long as groceries are cheaper and there aren’t as many foreigners around my neighborhood.

            In the War on Christmas whose side are you on?