Christ Is NOT the Reason for the Season

Eventually, the church did try to crack down on these Christian pagan elements. During medieval times they banned gift-giving because of its Pagan origins. But Pope Paul II revived some of the most depraved customs of the ancient pagan festival and spun them with a Christian anti-semitic tradition. Those traditions were now used to target the Jews who were forced to run naked for Christian entertainment, and to the laughter of the pope.  By the time we reach the 18th and 19th centuries, the Roman Catholic Church forced rabbis to wear clownish outfits while they were force-marched as the Catholic crowd pelted them. In 1881, Polish church authorities riled up the masses to anti-semitic riots across the country leading to the racist murders of Jews, as well as other physical and sexual assaults against others. The riots were so severe that millions of property was lost in addition to lives. 

Most of the Christmas traditions that exist -- gift-giving, the hanging of the evergreens, Christmas trees, feasting, Santa, caroling -- all originated from Pagan practices. While I can understand that to some Christians this is a holy time of reflection as they celebrate their God, Christ, let us remember we were here first. And Christ is not the reason for the season. He's just a latecomer to the party. 

So to the Christians, who do claim that Christ is the reason for the season, would you please consider the history and context before you get upset next time when someone doesn't wish you a Merry Christmas.

If you Christians want to wish Merry Christmas, that's fine, but don't be surprised when I wish you a Joyful Yule back, or someone else wishes you a Merry Solstice, Happy Chanukah, the politically correct Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays. But to expect by default you will always be greeted at retail with a Merry Christmas is hubris, and there are many verses in the Bible that speak about the fallacies of pride. "When pride comes, then comes disgrace . . ." (Pr. 11:2). It is also arrogant to fight so that your local city hall has a nativity display, but then fight against other religious displays because they are "inappropriate" to your worldview. We are just as entitled to fair and equal treatment as you are, whether you believe in the validity of our religious worldview or not.

But to those Christians who aren't trying to cram your religious rights or worldview down my throat, or the throats of others who are not of your religion, I say "Thank you." May you have a Merry Christmas for letting me enjoy my Joyful Yuletide!