“Merry Christmas” to everyone, whether you’re Christian or
not. In the more “politically-correct” circles,
we are often slammed by such a greeting or prohibited from public display to
celebrate the true meaning of this holiday.
Ironically, this is smack-dab in the midst of outcries for more free
speech for everything else, free speech as long as it doesn’t have Christian overtones. Scenes of a baby and animals in a manger
create more public outcry than foul language, exorbitant violence and sex regularly
broadcasted on mass media of any form, including regular television. I’ve continuously scratched my head until
I’ve reached bone.
But the spirit of Christmas extends to everyone of any
faith. Christmas is a harbinger of
“peace on earth” and “goodwill to men” (men, in those old days, meant humankind
in general). It oughtn’t be offensive
when someone wishes one a “Merry Christmas.”
Personally, when I say “Merry Christmas,” I’m not trying to impose Christian
faith upon another, but am honestly wishing a peaceful, joyous holiday season as
well as a happy life. I assume many
people who offer this greeting have the same purpose in mind. I wish this to anyone despite religious faith
or lack of, despite ethnicity, color, race, creed or sexual preference. When I say “Merry Christmas,” I honestly wish
a merry time no matter how it’s celebrated.
And what could be so bad, so offensive, as that? This is the epitome of tolerance and
all-inclusiveness.
So “Merry Christmas” to the world out there, no matter how
messed-up it is. Yet it’s the messy
world that challenges us and makes for more interesting living, and I daresay
this is the way God intended it to be.
Merry Christmas indeed.
©Randall S. Fong, M.D.
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