It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
O, I wasn’t so charitable yesterday in traffic when we were cut off by that idiot in a Hyundai – but it was definitely divine intervention that I didn’t choke the life out of the old bat in front of me with a cartload of crap in the 10 items or less line.
But I definitely feel more “Christmassy” this year.
In fact, I’ve stopped saying “Happy Holidays” completely.
I am a Christian. I was born a Christian. I was raised a Christian. This is the time of year we celebrate the birth of our Messiah and I’m going to wish you a Merry Christmas.
Now I know that it was a Pope that chose December 25th as Christmas Day.
I know it was a response to the Pagan celebrations surrounding the Winter Solstice.
I know that most of the symbolism surrounding the holiday was “borrowed” from other cultures and religions. And do you know what?
I don’t care.
I like it.
I like the fact that during the darkest days of the winter our houses are lit with colourful lights.
I like the fact that we have an excuse to gather with friends and family to feast.
I like that we sing special songs and that my house smells like ginger and pine tree.
What about that is offensive?
Just what about any of it is offensive?
Now, I can understand why other religions don’t care for Christianity. We weren’t exactly charitable during the Crusades and we were definitely less that tolerant of the pagan religions of the new world.
But check your calendars folks, it’s nearly 2010. The world has moved on. At some point one has to simply get over it.
The political correctness of our society is maddening.
Governments are issuing apologies for things that happened hundreds of years ago, things that occurred when their grandfather’s grandfathers were just a twinkle in their daddy’s eye.
And we’re trying to make up for the atrocities that occurred centuries ago by letting the minority dictate to the majority.
Prayers have been removed from school. The Queen has been removed from the Girl Guide Promise and The Men’s Christmas Dinner has been replaced with the Soldier’s Seasonal Appreciation Dinner. All because at some point some hippie, yuppie, politically correct idiot said, “That offends me.”
Well boys. Brace yourself.
When I wish you Merry Christmas I am wishing you the very best of what I believe in. If this offends you - as my son would say, “get out your big girl panties and get them on.”
The manger scenes do not promote violence or intolerance and therefore I fail to see why they are perceived as offensive. It’s not a re-enactment of a bloody coup or a murder. It’s a baby. Suck it up.
I want to sing about angels and wise men. And I want to do it in public. Right along with the songs about Santa and elves. If you don’t like it – I suggest you bring earplugs with you.
If you’re uncomfortable with this, then my suggestion would be for you to stay at home.
Personally, I would welcome a wish for a Happy Hanukkah or a Joyous Ramadan.
I’m done excluding the things I believe in. I’m done leaving the traditions of my childhood in the dirt.
I think the discarding of our traditions is part of the reason why the world is in the state it’s in.
And I think it’s time we stopped.
Fear not. For behold I bring you good tiding of great joy which shall be for all people.
For unto you. Is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest. And on Earth peace, good will toward men.
Merry Christmas!
