A Chattanooga Free Press syndicated opinion column by Cal Thomas recently claimed that people calling this season “the holidays” were hijacking Christmas. These “secular progressives” showed deference to everyone, except Christians who have a real reason for celebrating the season. Creating another hostile moment, Thomas blamed the lack of peace and goodwill on the media’s love of “radicals” like “race-hustlers and anti-capitalists.”
Dragging politics into sacred time is an iffy strategy, especially given the internet’s ability to spread contempt. With folks spreading rage online, it probably will take a miracle to achieve peace and goodwill. But maybe we can invite that miracle by our individual actions. Do we have to accept that name-calling and blaming are the new norm? Must we encourage, or even tolerate, the anger and violence that is evolving from this new norm? Instead, can’t we spread the elements of this season’s celebrations: charity, kindness and respect?
First, let’s understand that Christmas has not been hijacked by secular progressives. There are multiple religious celebrations during the season of November, December and January. Among the faiths celebrating these sacred times are Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Muslims and Baha’is, plus various cultural versions including Hispanic and African American. They should all be respected; the term “secular” does not apply. These holy days relate to the religious and cultural history of the faith communities, observing with family and friends while lighting lights, enjoying music, and believing in the divine presence within us.
There is an unusual intersection this season that underscores how “holidays” show respect and don’t take away from our federal holiday. Christmas Day and the first night of the Hanukkah are both on Dec. 25. The Christmas history and faith commemorates the Nativity, the birth of Jesus. The celebration goes on traditionally for 12 days. Hanukkah’s history commemorates the rescue of Jews from oppression in the 2nd century BCE with the religious rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem. It’s celebrated for eight nights, including lighting candles in the menorah/candelabra each night.
This Christmas-Hanukkah intersection is extremely rare since the Jewish lunar/solar calendar and our standard solar calendar do not align. Yet, despite the difference in timing and calendars, there is a shared desire for peace and goodwill. Explore the following quotes and see how both Christian and Jewish views of the holidays call upon our better selves.