In the ongoing debate surrounding the celebration of Christmas in America, it seems that warnings from various quarters, including Evangelicals, preachers, political figures, and media outlets, are now gaining undeniable traction. Previously reluctant to acknowledge their concerns, I now find myself admitting that they were right, and I was mistaken. The undeniable evidence forces me to confront the reality regarding the sentiment that real Christianity is under attack, Jesus is being rejected, and his birth is being mockingly misrepresented. Of course, I don’t follow religion, but I do support those who choose to believe and will defend their faith.
Contrary to popular belief, the assailants of Christmas are not Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, Muslims, or any other groups commonly accused. Surprisingly, it is the very white Conservatives who have been sounding the alarm that are implicated in this ongoing cultural clash.
The heart of the matter lies in the divergence from the true essence of Christmas, as painted by those who have raised the alarm. Christmas, they argue, is about a child born to Palestinian Jewish parents fleeing politically ordered genocide. It’s about a dark-skinned baby born in humble conditions, rejected by society, embodying a message of compassion, humility, and sacrificial living.
The irony is that the conservative factions who claim to be staunch defenders of Christmas are, in fact, the ones undermining its core values. The true spirit of Christmas, as advocated by those who originally raised concerns, is at odds with their ideologies of supremacy, nationalism, capitalism, closed borders, and heartlessness.
This authentic Christmas is found among the marginalized and oppressed, symbolized by individuals seeking refuge from ICE, women striving for autonomy over their bodies, transgender teenagers facing external persecution, Ukrainian families enduring continuous assaults on their homes, and countless others on the fringes of society. These are the individuals embodying the true spirit of Christmas.
In the face of the annual rhetoric and perceived aggression against this genuine Christmas, it becomes imperative for those who aspire to emulate Jesus and uphold human dignity to speak out. The call is to oppose the divisive actions and victim narratives perpetuated by certain factions. The true essence of Christmas, as represented by the Middle Eastern child born under challenging circumstances, calls for compassion without borders and love without walls.
Acknowledging the existence of a cultural clash over Christmas, it becomes evident that choosing sides is essential. It is a call to embrace the authentic spirit of Christmas and stand against actions that undermine its true meaning. The choice is clear, and it is one that aligns with the compassionate, inclusive message embodied by the Middle Eastern child born in the humblest of circumstances.
