| December 17, 2007 | Volume 83, Number 4 | |
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Don’t sell outIt is politically correct to seek not to offend anybody, but many really bend over backwards when it comes to the Christmas season. “Season’s greetings” or “Happy holidays” are PC expressions which are used under the guise that they should not be offensive to non-Christians who don’t celebrate Christmas. Using this logic, it’s an easy leap to assume that saying “Merry Christmas” could offend or annoy those same people. On the other hand, no one seems to worry that the omission of “Merry Christmas” from public greetings can be mildly annoying to Christians who don’t want to see the phrase disappear from the public arena. “So when did you sell out?” asked a Catholic bishop of the principal of a Catholic school which was afraid to use the word “Christmas” in a school concert which featured Christmas carols. One might expect this from a public school which relies on taxes for its financial support, but a Catholic school or any Catholic institution is based on advancing the Christian message. That bishop asked a good question. While it is well and good to wish one another friendly greetings, why do merchants and other businesses do this only at Christmas? One could just as easily say “Happy holidays” at the Fourth of July or at Memorial Day. And “Season’s greetings” would be appropriate during spring, summer or fall. But you won’t hear it at any other time of year — only at Christmas. Let’s be grateful to the Knights of Columbus for their “Keep Christ in Christmas” campaign in which they sell beautiful Christmas cards which emphasize the reason for the season. The birth of Christ more than two thousand years ago continues to change the world as more and more people are drawn to his message of hope, love and peace. The effects of the Savior’s birth were seen Dec. 9 during the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond when eight catechumen — those who have never been baptized — publicly showed their desire to learn more about the Christian faith. Those in the pews heard them ask the church for faith so they might have eternal life. They had heard a powerful message. So have we. There’s no reason to sell out.
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