In reply to a piece I wrote the other day (Click here to read it), my friend Kent Harrop (a minister within the American Baptist Faith and a wonderful writer in his own right https://www.prayandpaddle.org/news) wrote the following…

Joe, I appreciate your comments through the lens of 1960’s Catholicism. As one who continues to be a Christian (American Baptist) I agree that the Christmas story has been watered down by consumerism. Yet, I’d suggest that there is a social justice ingredient that is often overlooked. Often the Christmas story ends with the Magi in Matthew’s Gospel 2: 1 – 12. Follow the story however, in 13 – 23 and we learn of the infant fleeing with his parents to Egypt. There they find refuge (probably in Alexandria) with hundreds of other Jewish refugees fleeing the vengeance of King Herod. This then is the story of Jesus, the Son of God, beginning his early years as a refugee. What is the relevance to today’s world? That God is in radical solidarity with the poorest of the poor. Tof secuahat God is with those fleeing war and violence and poverty. And, if we believe this to be true, then we as followers of Jesus are to stand in solidarity with and advocate for those on the margins. The story of Christmas, if one really delves into the story, speaks into our time. As parents grieve in Israel, as bombs fall on Gaza, as refugees gather on our southern border. Joe, you say that the story of Christmas is mythology. But I offer this: ‘the Bible is true and some of it even happened.’ Merry Christmas Joe to you and your family. And, keep writing and encouraging us all to think.

Kent Harrop

Now when someone prefaces their remarks with the statement “I appreciate your comments…” it of course means they disagree in a civil manner. Which is precisely why I write these pieces, to stimulate such discussions on matters both great and small.

After re-reading my original piece, I think I failed a bit to effectively argue my point. In more basic terms I think there is a clear separation between the secular, Ho Ho Ho, Jingle Bells, Chestnuts-roasting-on-an-open-fire Christmas and the more traditional religious aspect.

And I think that is fine.

Kent argues well that the bigger picture of Christmas with an element of social justice is a more profound way to embrace the season through the lens of Christianity. It is here where we reach a bit of disagreement.

There is no question most people who embrace their faith do so without resorting to arguing or acting against those of different faiths. But a review of history would show the sinister and often tragic effects religious motivations have inflicted on society.

As Kent mentioned, my experience of faith is colored by my Catholic upbringing. Such experiences, which occur at a time when memories are so fully encoded by young minds, cannot help but have a lifelong effect.

Many of those deep-seated memories, the Latin Mass, Gregorian Chants, Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, lurk just below the surface this time of year. Perhaps this discussion stems from my own internal struggle to balance the joy of such memories with the realities of life and the different view I now hold about religion in general.

Kent is right to point out the Biblical stories of social justice and the refuge offered to those in need. But there is the reality that the very land Jesus and his followers walked are now free-fire zones of death and destruction. History would show they have been for the two centuries after the birth of Jesus, not to mention the centuries before.

Yet, has Kent so well said, “The Bible is true and some of it even happened.” Now that is a doctrine worth considering, some of it even happened.

In my original piece, I “quoted” a common misquote by J.D. Salinger from Catcher in the Rye, “If Christ could see Christmas he’d puke.” I don’t think that’s true even if it is a twist of Salinger’s words. I think if the Christ of Kent’s faith could see Christmas, he’d embrace that which brings joy to children and be thoroughly disgusted by how those who profess to believe in him have twisted his message.

That might very well make make him puke.

So Kent and I both “appreciate” each other’s comments. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s all keep Christmas in our own way and let others keep it as they would.