On religious expressions

It’s that time of the year again, when greetings of “Merry Christmas” cause hysteria for the radical ungodly. As for me and my family, we have never been big on celebrating Christmas in a special way—not that we do not give thanks to God for giving us his only Son, but insofar as external display is concerned, we don’t decorate our houses, put up Christmas trees, or give gifts to each other. We might write cards and present gifts to special friends and relatives.

In addition, I have taken into consideration the arguments of some in the Reformed circle, that since Christmas is a Romish thing having pagan origins, it may be a violation of the second commandment. Even though I have taken a more moderate view and would allow some room for individual conscience and tradition, that consideration only adds to my not observing Christmas in a special way other than participating in my church’s programs.

Back to the hysteria of the ungodly. In some ways, there is the rich irony, almost of a Kierkegaardian sort, that in fact these people do understand something about God and consciously rebel against him. The offense of the Christmas message is clear to them, unlike the average nominal Christian or the average non-offended unbeliever who says and receives the greetings with nonchalance.

Also, isn’t it instructive that the Christian’s religious expression (in speech) can cause so much anger in these radical ungodly ones, while the Muslim’s religious expression (not only in speech, but in destructive acts) is not only tolerated by apologized for? What an odd world!