The insurgency in the War on Christmas

The news of the War on Christmas--and the resulting, I suppose you would call it, insurgency--must be pretty big, because it even came up on the BBC. Apparently, the fuss has something to do with the idea that, "We have reached an all time low point in our nation's history when human sensibilities are elevated above offending Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Offending? That's right, offending. Because, clearly, Jesus really cares whether you say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays". (He spent something like 5 verses talking about it during the Sermon on the Mount. "Blessed are those who say Merry Christmas, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven", etc.)

Indeed, Jesus must be terribly gratified that the most devout among his followers have such great faith that they are willing to fight for the phrase "Merry Christmas" at such high holy places of Christian worship as Target. (Did Paul not write, "Now abide these three: faith, hope, and soulless consumerism, but the greatest of these is soulless consumerism.")

But what do Americans know about the War on Christmas? Canadians know how to do a proper job of desecration.

Nothing, it seems, is sacred anymore, including the baby Jesus.

A rendering of the infant has been stolen from a creche in Old Montreal.

And in the days leading up to the theft, all the fingers on its right hand were broken off, except for the middle digit.

Which is pretty juvenile and mean-spirited. In such times of trouble, to whom is Jesus to turn for defense?

"This is plain urban vandalism by people that have no respect for religion," said Rashid Bouazouni, stopping by the nativity scene with his infant daughter in his arms.

"This is a place of peace where people should think joyful things," said his wife, Hamimi. "This is totally shocking,"

Hmm. Rashid and Hamimi Bouazouni? They're probably Methodists.

But caucasian Christian conservatives aren't the only ones defending Christmas. Kate and I were invited to spend the Christmas season with our friends Ben and Julie. Of course, we're atheists, and they're Jewish, so...

Have a Jewish-Humanist Christmas,
It's the best time of year.
I don't know if there'll be snow
But, Oy! It's hot in here.

Have a Jewish-Humanist Christmas,
And when you walk down the street,
Say Shalom to friends you know
And heretics you meet.
Unfortunately, they're out east, so we won't be able to meet up. Maybe next Christmas--

If there is a next Christmas!