Don't Take Christ Out of My Christmas

This post originally appeared on this blog on December 10, 2010.  I thought it was a topic that could be revisited year after year.

During this time of year there are inevitably blogs and articles galore about Christmas. The commercialization of Christmas; the debate over whether to 'do' Santa or not; questions about whether to boycott Target because they stopped having Salvation Army bell ringers stationed outside their entrance-ways; articles setting us straight on the origins of Christmas; debates about the proper holiday greeting, etc., etc., etc. There is endless debate going on about every aspect of Christmas. 

Very controversial is Christmas. Interestingly enough, the man whose birth we Christians celebrate on Christmas day, is a pretty controversial man indeed. He was, when he was alive, and he has continued to be for the past 2000+ years since his death. It stands to reason that the celebration of his birth would be equally steeped in controversy.

I don't presume to speak for Jesus, but if the accounts of his life can be relied upon, it is a pretty safe bet that he would not mind the controversy. What he probably would mind, however, is if we (his followers) steamrolled over everyone and gave them what-for if they didn't believe in celebrating his birth.

'Tis the Season for Compassion

During this season of Thanksgiving and subsequent holidays, both religious and non-religious,  a lot of people reflect on their good fortune, and reach out to others with compassion.  It's a time when we donate food to food banks, purchase toys for needy children and perhaps, at the very least, drop a few coins in the bell ringer's pail as we bustle into the store to do our own holiday shopping.

Those Tricky Little Homos

Now, now, don't get upset, I am not talking trash about any one group of people; I would never do that. I am talking about some really tricky homos - homophones and homonyms. These tricky little rascals threaten to get the best of even the most conscientious of writers. Let's start with a simple definition of each.