Christmas Day

As we celebrate Christmas, what does the day really mean to Americans?

Many of us have secularized the day to such a point that it has no religious significance. Many Americans may count it as another holiday…Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. By stripping the acknowledgement of Jesus’ birth from the day, we have taken it back to its pagan origins. Christmas trees, winter solstice, yule log, and mistletoe can be traced to pre-Christian traditions.

It sounds almost contrived now to say that “Christ belongs in Christmas.” The birth of Jesus is exactly what the day is all about. An acknowledgement of our Christian roots as a nation and a society.

As a pluralistic country, how can Americans recognize the religious significance of the day but still include our non-believing and non-Christian fellow citizens in this national holiday?

Gift giving, family meals, and good cheer can paper over some of the divides even within the same family. The best way to accommodate all would be for believing Christians to keep the day by attending church, prayer, and even having a manger as part of our decorations. More secular traditions can be had by all. Even the gift giving (a pagan custom), and a holiday meal can embrace believer and non-believer alike.

Most of the holidays celebrated in America have become a pleasant excuse to gather and enjoy each other’s company. The July 4th barbeque, Memorial Day and Labor Day picnics, and football at Thanksgiving become separated more and more from…