To all those folks in the United States who think the constitution prevents us from celebrating Christmas:

I am SO offended at the insidious politically correct view that pervades our country. As Christians first, then citizens of the greatest country on Earth (thankful to God), we need to speak out at every opportunity to tell the truth of how and why this country was founded. Folks were looking for Religious Freedom.

Here are the words of the First Amendment to our Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment OF religion, or PROHIBITING the FREE EXERCISE thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Look folks, it says freedom ‘OF’ religion, not ‘FROM’ religion. The government is not to institute a religion and force us to become a part of it nor is it to keep us from exercising our chosen religion – that is freedom ‘OF’. If Muslims can have a ‘prayer’ service in one of the foremost Christian buildings in our nation, what is to prevent those of us who are Christians from exercising our right to celebrate the birth of our Savior in a public way, as has been done since the Pilgrims first set foot in a free land. And yes, it is possible this is not the exact date that Jesus was born, but it is the date we have chosen to celebrate his birth.

I don’t force my belief in Jesus on anyone when I say Merry Christmas. I will not say Happy Holidays when it is time for Merry Christmas and I will respond to that comment with my own Merry Christmas greeting. If I know a store is bowing to the minority’s wishes and sees fit to leave the word ‘Christmas’ out of their ads, but instead holding a ‘holiday sale’, you can bet I’ll patronize a store that wishes me a ‘Merry Christmas’.

If you are a Christian and celebrate the birth of Jesus, I encourage you to put something in your front yard that speaks to the ‘real’ reason we celebrate on December 25^th. I will be putting these words on our front porch as soon as I can get the sign made: “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”. It is short and to the point. We have outside Christmas lights, a Christmas tree, various other Christmas décor, including a manger scene on display inside. But people who drive by need to see a reminder that Christmas is not just a reason for ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Holiday Sales’ and family gatherings. It is the time when we celebrate our Savior’s birth and I am thankful that we live in a country where we can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, even though there are those who are trying to deny me that privilege.

 

Sandra Naugle is a Co-Editor of Word & Work and lives in Sellersburg, IN.