They do celebrate Christmas in some form or another and the tension in that practice has resulted in the little phrase in some religious circles about not forgetting the “Christ” in Christmas. I think it’s fair to say there’s a scrubbing out going on within secular institutions of the former religious, culturally celebrated story aspects of Christmas.
There is a move to flatten all religious expression to some bland and unbiased value-based sentiment. I wouldn’t call it a war as some hype it, but it is a purposeful and cultural ignoring, forgetting or simply a generational reality of abandonment of the Gospel story. It’s hard to recognize the religious roots of the celebration in most spheres today and it’s harder and harder to find sacred focused items to purchase and display for Christmas each year in the secular market.
Can people who don’t follow Jesus and celebrate the truth of the Gospel celebrate at Christmas? Yes, the sacred themes resonate in all human hearts; generous gift giving, singing, gathering together, goodness and charity to the poor and needy, feasting, decorating darkness with starlights and longing to be covered in snow white purity.
I celebrate these themes in Christmas and they lead me deeper into the sacred story. I also hope others will be led to that lowly manger and worship the Jesus the Messiah. But either way, I think we are better as a community if we cherish these traditions and practices.
