Christmas is offensive

Numerous people recently have raised the issues of courtesy and inclusiveness concerning particularly the celebration of Christmas in the culture at-large. First, let me say that this essay has nothing to do with whether the clerk at Wal-Mart should be allowed to wish us all a Merry Christmas rather than a Happy Holiday. Nor are these comments in reference to public displays of religious symbols or the use of bell-ringers by department stores.

These musings are about being offensive. Many have noted that Christians should not offend people of other faiths. I agree! Jesus' followers should be civil and kind. Christ never stooped to being obnoxious or demeaning. Neither should we.

But, isn't the Gospel offensive? Isn't it offensive that the Creator of all became fully human, born of a virgin teenage girl? Isn't it offensive that the Son of God was delivered in a dung-filled stable and that the child himself had his own soiled diapers? Isn't it offensive that God's Son taught that his body would be ingested by the church through the eating of the bread and the drinking of the cup? Isn't it offensive that he was crucified between common criminals by those who insisted that religion should be a marketplace phenomenon? Isn't it offensive that the crucified man of Galilee was raised from the dead and lives forevermore? Isn’t it offensive to live a faith that claims that Christ somehow represented us all in his death and resurrection? Isn’t it offensive to embrace a hope that all of history will someday be declared “his-story” and that peace will come to us all?

Do we really want Christmas to be a mainstream holiday? Do we want a Christmas endorsed by corporations that pay their execs millions while their $14,000-a-year workers can afford to buy gifts only by using their employee discounts? Do we want Christmas promoted so that most will find it palatable? Do we want Christmas promoted at all?

Yes, we should be aware that we live in diverse communities, and we would be wise to show a respect that is founded on a confidence that God reveals himself in ways beyond the traditions of the Christian Church. But, rather than demand equal time or majority-rules, why don’t we simply gather at the intersections of cultural values and sing “Emmanuel?” And, let's sing it a cappella.