A War on Christmas

 

We have met the enemy, and he is us. –Pogo


(I am writing a post I really don’t want to write, but am finding I can’t not write.) 

It’s likely that over the past week or so, you’ve caught wind of the annual “War on Christmas” being waged over Starbucks and their seasonal coffee cups. If you’ve been fortunate enough to miss the hubbub, here it is, in a nutshell: 

In years past, Starbucks has created wintry cups adorned with symbols of the season: snowmen, snowflakes, reindeer. But in 2015, they chose to issue a plain red cup. No decorations. And this led some angry, conservative Christians to claim that Starbucks is “declaring war on Christmas.”

Seriously? All this over a disposable coffee cup? Who gives a flying . . . reindeer? (The fancy cups have since returned; the War is over [for now].)

Here’s what I believe: God did not come in to the world in human form to teach us how to decorate coffee cups. God did not come to model taking offense over how we greet one another, or what kind of music is most God-honoring.

No. Jesus came into the world to teach us how to love one another. When we have plenty, he shows us how to share, to “pay it forward.” He reminds us that others will know we follow the Christ, not by our coffee cups, our t-shirts or CD collections—not even when we call ourselves Christians—but by our love. As Advent draws closer, how will you practice love in the ways Jesus taught us?


Monday Call someone whom you find easy to love. Tell them how important they are in your life. Ask how you might pray for them. Isaiah 64:1-5

Tuesday If you go out today, find a way to bless another. Maybe it’s a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. Don’t be shy; Jesus loved mingling with strangers. Psalm 80:1-7

Wednesday Choose a charitable group and make a donation, either of your time or from your pocketbook. Ask questions. Learn who is really being helped. Isaiah 64:5-9

Thursday Look inside your heart today. How do you feel about people who believe differently than you do—both Christians and those of other faith traditions? Why? Pray. 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Friday Meditate today on a favorite gift someone gave you for no reason. If the giver is still alive, share your feelings. If not—thank God for the beauty of this saint. Mark 13:24-29

Saturday Do you find it easy to love yourself? Take time today to look at yourself through the eyes of the One who created you. Psalm 80:17-19

Sunday Have you been a contributor to our local food bank ministry? They can certainly use your help these days. Be generous. Mark 13:30-37

 

I am a veteran of the War on Christmas. I am just emerging from a battlefield strewn with dead trees and torn shreds of brightly colored wrapping paper. –Henry Rollins

 

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