“More Than Enough”

Fox News loves to talk about the “War on Christmas”.  Every year from Thanksgiving to December 25th they whip their audience into a ratings frenzy by talking all about how anyone who doesn’t wish you a “Merry Christmas” in the exact way that they do has surely declared war on Christmas and even on the baby Jesus himself.  And I am ashamed to say that I used to believe them.  Now, I realize that they are wrong.

Why do I feel that way?  For many reasons, but let me mention the two that are the most important.  I now work with people from many lands.  Our community has a large refugee center that serves people form every part of the world.  My chosen profession involves helping other people find jobs.  Over the last couple of years I have had the chance to work with people from every continent.  I try to help them learn how to function in the work place in the United States.  During this time I have worked with Muslims, Buddhists, and many others.  This has taught me that, though they may have some different beliefs than I do, though they may call God by different names than I do, they love their families just as much as I love mine.  They love peace, service, helping others, and being good, moral people just as much as I do.  AS I have learned this I have reflected on the words of two Christmas Hymns of Social Justice performed by John Denver:

Some folks have never heard a jingle bell ring
And they’ve never heard of Santa Claus
They’ve never heard the story of the Son Of God…

(Does) that mean that they’d never know of peace on earth
Or the brotherhood of man
Or know how to love, or know how to give
If they can’t, no one can

You see, life is a very special kind of thing
Not just for a chosen few
But for each and every living, breathing thing
Not just me and you

The Spirit of Christmas is for ALL, no matter how they express that Spirit.  The second reason is that Christ frequently said two things when He served others and performed His miracles, “See that thou tell no man” who performed the miracle and “Give the glory to the Father.”  Christ was NOT a glory hound.  He does NOT need me to say “Merry Christmas” or where his name on my sleeve for me to be “True” Christmas loving Christian.  He DOES want me to love and serve ALL of His children, no matter their backgrounds.  So I no longer care if people or businesses say “Merry Christmas,” I do not worry about the names of parades, or whether or not my kid’s school has a “Winter Carnival”, “Winter Break”, or a “Holiday Concert.”  I worry about whether or not I believe in LOVE, and when I do that is “More than enough” to celebrate Christmas with anyone no matter how or what they celebrate.