What is interesting about Christ's birth is that for all of its significance, it was not celebrated by everyone. The Gospel narrative places Jesus in a rather obscure manger, in the little town of Bethlehem. Certainly, the narrative speaks of angelic choirs and shepherds. Moreover, some time later the magi from the Far East (who knows what countries). Herod, the king, was not so glad to hear of the birth of Jesus (for obvious reasons).
I think the point of the Christmas narrative points us to one important fact for Christians to remember: Christmas is an invitation, not an imposition. It is improper and un-Christlike to force people to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christ himself did not do it, rather he was born in a nondescript stable. The birth of Christ is an invitation to see the significance of God's love for the world through the giving of his Son to us. We as Christians should share our story and then let people respond as they are led.
I am not one of the Christians who believe Christians in this country are being persecuted for their claims. Are there anti-Christian sentiments in this country? Sure, but there are also anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, anti-Black, anti-elderly, anti-Islamic, anti-woman, anti-atheists, etc., feelings. I am certain that there are those who are offended by the Christian claim of God becoming flesh, and they are free to do so without persecuting those who do hold to this conviction.
My concern about HR 847 is that it may appear in the eyes of many to give a special position to Christianity and Christmas in the public sphere. Certainly, Christianity should hold a special position in the hearts of its adherents. Christ and Christmas should be celebrated by those of us who are Christ's disciples and anyone who chooses to.
HR 847 is correct that Christians and others have contributed positively to the development of the U.S. and Western civilization (orphanages, hospitals, schools, Civil Rights movements, abolitionists, etc.). We have also harmed it when we have not followed closely the principles of our faith (slavery, apartheid, Crusades, Inquisition, segregation are some examples). However, if the government begins to recognize the contribution of all religions to "Western Civilization" as HR 847 does, there will be no end to the writing of resolutions. For instance, should there be a House Resolution that recognizes the centrality of Moses and the giving of the ten commandments? Should there be a HR that recognizes the significance of the five pillars of Islam, particularly its giving of alms? Certainly, we celebrate the birthdays (and we should) M.L. King Jr., Washington, and Lincoln for their contributions to the country. Still the celebration of national heroes (some of which held slaves) is not the same as giving governmental recognition to religious convictions and celebrations.
In short, I get a little nervous when the government begins to give special attention (positively or negatively) to any faith tradition, even if it's mine. Will we then begin to recognize the great contributions of different traditions within Christianity? I am an Evangelical and I celebrate Christmas and claim the uniqueness of Christ as Lord and Savior. I believe that the birth, message, life, death and resurrection of Christ is the most significant message in all the world. Still, I believe this is a matter of faith that cannot and should not be imposed but rather shared through invitation.
There are certainly times and places where Christianity has been and is still being persecuted. There are places where the speaking the name of Christ could cause your death. There are places in the world where religious intolerance of every sort breeds violence. All over the world there are thousands of martyrs . Still, in the U.S. in spite of the small groups who may bemoan a "Merry Christmas" in public (which is a sign of intolerance), Christmas is still among the most celebrated holidays. So I say to all, let those who wish to say, "Merry Christmas" say it. While there are those who do not celebrate Christmas that does not mean we Christians should stop. Simply stated, let the Christians celebrate Christmas and everyone else is free to join or abstain.
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