Approximately three weeks ago, I received an internet message from a woman who had a concern about Christmas decorations at the White House. She reported to me that the White House was not going to have a Christmas tree this year. She told her audience that the “White House is our house too.” She wanted the White House to have at least one Christmas tree to show the Christian roots of our nation.
This past week, I saw a TV news show that showed the Christmas trees that had been set up in the White House. Obviously, the woman who sent me the message was mistaken. She should have done her homework before sending out such a false report. However, the internet is chock full of false reports. Just check out the Snopes.com website. Perhaps this false message was politically motivated to fan the flames of discontent against the President. We will never know.
One issue, however, concerns me as a pastor. This lady expects the government to spend money on decorations for Christmas. I have no such expectations. I do not expect the government to live my faith for me. I do not expect the government to validate my faith either. That responsibility falls to me and me alone. It does not matter to me if the Village of Schaumburg puts up a Christmas crèche or the White House has a Christmas tree. I can live my faith without worrying whether the civil government is living the faith.
Consider this possibility. Mitt Romney, a Mormon, is running for President. If he wins, his religion would prohibit him from setting up a Christmas tree. The Mormons deny Dec. 25 as the birthday for Jesus because it is not scripturally based. Would we force Mr. Romney to have a Christmas tree and violate his freedom of religion? I hope not. If he wins the Presidency, it would be his house and he can decorate as he wishes.
The other day on the Daily Show, hosted by Jon Stewart, I heard that the Pilgrims outlawed Christmas trees, judging them to be “satanic.” If the founders of our nation were opposed to Christmas trees, perhaps we should think again about having them in the White House (or any civic building.)
Folks, I have my Christmas tree in my front window, shining brightly at night. I am proud of my Charlie Brown-esque tree. I am not opposed to them. However, we can’t put up a tree and say we are keeping Christmas. If you really want to keep Christmas, go to church, live peacefully with all people, and be generous with your gifts. In short, be Christ for others. Merry Christmas to all!
I invite your comments.
I do have some concerns about the effect of secularization on modern society. There are deep Christian roots in this great country that are being marginalized and miscast by the media and others. Separation of church and state (a phrase not directly stated in the Constitution) does not imply the absence of church within the state and I sometimes believe that is where we are headed. The recent mischaracterization of Cardinal George's comments as being bigotted toward gays and comparing them to the KKK is just one example of hostility toward organizized religion in a litany of examples that could be cited.
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