It seems like every time you turn on the news, read the paper or search the internet, there is a story about how a Christmas tree, Nativity scene, Christmas program or other Christmas celebration is being threatened. We don’t have Christmas parties at school anymore. We’ve changed the name of Christmas Musicals to Winter Programs. I’m not sure why we would celebrate a season unless someone was referring to summer vacation of which I would be in favor. We debate public displays and even if clerks should wish someone a “Merry Christmas” or just say “Happy Holidays”. Christmas Hymns were written to celebrate the most momentous event in the history of mankind. We’re not allowed to play Christmas songs at work because someone might be offended. I suppose we’re supposed to be more concerned that some individual might be offended than we are of offending God?

I know history tells us that there were ancient celebrations of the Winter Solstice. Is anyone alive who celebrated these? I think not. In recent times and by that, I mean centuries, December 25 has been celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ. God became man and came to earth as an infant to redeem the human race. That is what we are celebrating. Does anyone in politics and the media remember that?

As time went on, traditions developed and Christmas trees, wreaths, gift-giving and family get-togethers developed. No matter what your family traditions are; the reason for all of it was and still is the celebration of the nativity.

So I can’t help but wonder when people want to deny the religious aspect of Christmas and celebrate the holidays in general what holiday are they celebrating? There is no holiday to celebrate on December 25, but Christmas.

I realize some people will think that I am ignoring other traditions like Hanukah or Kwanzaa. Hanukah celebrates when the Jews were able to regain control of Jerusalem and rededicate the Holy Temple. This tradition goes back to the 2^nd century BC.  Jewish people do not believe nor have they ever believed they are celebrating the Jewish version of Christmas.

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 to give African Americans a holiday to celebrate themselves and their history. That doesn’t sound like an African American version of Christmas to me.

So, why can’t Christians celebrate Christmas? Christmas (the birth of Jesus) is the holiday. If we deny that, there is nothing to celebrate. Why do we as Christians have to deny our worship of our Lord in public? How am I unduly hurting anyone else for publicly displaying my love and adoration for the Lord? Make this Christmas about Christ.

During this time of Advent, we, as Catholics, should ask our Lord to prepare our hearts for the Second Coming of Christ as we commemorate his First Coming at Christmas.