Where Would Jesus Shop?

A band of terrorists is trying to hijack the holidays. With their "Christmas-only" crusades and boycotts, a group of self-described and misguided "Christians" are doing little more than solidifying the connection of their savior's birth to mindless consumerism.

By castigating the use of "Happy Holidays," these zealots seek to deny the whole range of winter solstice celebrations of others with whom we share this earth. After all, there are those who celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Rohatsu (Buddha's day of enlightenment) at this time of year. Almost everybody celebrates New Years.

Is it this dismissal of the cultures and practices of others that leads these people who think they're following Jesus to rationalize that it's OK to kill tens of thousands of Iraqis in the name of bringing them our brand of "freedom?" There must be some explanation why the deaths of other people's moms and dads and babies and teenagers, uncles, aunts, grandparents and friends don't much matter, while Target's holiday ads are a cause of constant consternation.

To me, saying "Happy Holidays" includes all those other languid days preceding and following December 25th. It's that span of time when work slows down and fun speeds up. There are parties with friends and family, more music, colored lights and decorations, cookies and punch, cocktails and eggnog and tangerines and pine needles and candles. That's a whole lot more than than what I mean when I say "Merry Christmas." Wishing others "happy holidays" is inclusive and joyous, and embodies the best impulses of Christianity.

Today's pious set are like the Pharisees in the time of the Second Temple. I pray for the day Jesus returns and throws the imposters out.