The so called ‘War on Christmas’ has continued to become a lightning rod each year. I have seen a number of benefits emerge from this social interaction:
1) Keeps Christ in the Conversation. By continually discussing whether or not companies, schools, advertisers and others are keeping Christ in Christmas we are constantly discussing the fact that Christ is indeed the subject of Christmas. This sounds obvious, but think about it; We are constantly discussing the real meaning of Christmas whenever one side or the other brings up Christ. This really beckons to the old saying that ‘there is no such thing as bad advertising’!
2) Encourages Believers to say ‘Merry Christmas’. Because of the increased awareness of keeping Christ in Christmas, Christians are more conscientious than ever of saying ‘Merry Christmas’. This is especially true when a cashier says ‘Happy Holidays’. That’s when those that are sensitive to the importance of Christmas are quick to respond with a ‘Merry Christmas’.
3) An increase in Nativity Scenes. Because local municipalities and governments are becoming less likely to put up nativity scenes in public places – it seems that more and more individuals are putting them in their yards. In my own neighborhood I have counted more than a dozen nativity scenes in private yards and in front of local churches. That is far more than we saw just a few years ago.
4) Renewed interest in Christmas Carols. Due to the sensitivity of mentioning Christ, I have noticed that people are listening to the words of the Christmas carols and hymns more than ever. They point out when the song mentions the ‘Christ child’ or the ‘virgin birth’. Rather than just letting the words of the songs become routine and go in one ear and out the other, people are listening to the message in the songs even if their intent is to be critical.
5) Keeps everyone aware of the Reason for the Season. All of the above instances show that there is now a renewed awareness of what Christmas is all about. If there was no discussion, than the gift purchasing and pretty lights and Santa Claus stories would be dominant. Instead, because of backlash from non Christians, we find that more people than ever are at least aware of the fact that Christ is the Reason for the Season.
