The War on Christmas Will Soon Come to an End

The war on terror may not have a definite ending, but December 25th marks the official end of the war on Christmas -- at least for another year. Its conclusion will not be as dramatic as Lee surrendering to Grant at Appomattox, but Christians, pagans, and consumers have collectively agreed to a cease-fire until the day after Thanksgiving 2006.

Those who feel that traditional Christmas was under attack got a shot in the arm from the insurgents at Fox News. Led by commentator Bill O'Reilly, Fox News devoted time and energy on a segment entitled: "The War on Christmas."

According to Mr. O'Reilly, "It's all part of the secular progressive agenda ... to get Christianity and spirituality and Judaism out of the public square."

He then added: "Because if you look at what happened in Western Europe and Canada, if you can get religion out, then you can pass secular progressive programs, like legalization of narcotics, euthanasia, abortion at will, gay marriage, because the objection to those things is religious-based, usually."

Yes, I see Mr. O'Reilly's point. If you remove Nativity scenes from public property, you are indeed moving toward the hedonism of Western Europe and Canada.

Who knows where that could lead? We might even, God forbid, take seriously the notion of universal healthcare?

Could you imagine? People actually taking to the streets because they find it morally outrageous that 40 million people could go to work everyday and be without medical coverage.

But make no mistake, this is a take no prisoners confrontation. Among this year's casualties was the First Family.

President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush committed perhaps an unpardonable sin by sending out cards, wishing 1.4 million of their closest friends and supporters a happy "holiday season."

Can anyone say impeachment?

William A. Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, told the Washington Post, "This clearly demonstrates that the Bush administration has suffered a loss of will and that they have capitulated to the worst elements in our culture."

Joseph Farah, editor of the Web site WorldNetDaily.com, stated: "Bush claims to be a born-again, evangelical Christian." Adding, "But he sure doesn't act like one, I threw out my White House card as soon as I got it."

Not to be outdone, the PC police delivered their own "shock and awe" by advocating that the Christmas tree be called the "Holiday tree." Since we're talking about a deeply rooted pagan tradition, why stop there?

Shouldn't they also demand that all references to Santa Claus as St. Nicholas cease and desists immediately?

Given that Santa Clause is the secularized version of St. Nicholas -- who by most accounts was a bishop of Myra sometime in the 300s -- wouldn't such references, especially on public property be some sort of violation between church and state?

I can certainly understand the trauma that can be inflicted on an individual, when some poor unsuspecting soul -- overcome the by spirit of hope, joy, and love -- has the unmitigated gall to greet a stranger with "Merry Christmas."

Shouldn't they at least ascertain where the individual stands regarding the war on Christmas before uttering such shibboleths?

For those not offended by the salutation, I believe that before one emits "Merry Christmas" from the lips, there should be an additional burden to understand how the individual receives the greeting.

Do they celebrate Christmas in a religious, pagan, or consumer tradition, or some combination thereof? This might have a profound impact how one enunciates the phrase.

But fortunately for you and I, we do not have to worry about such matters until next year.

The 365-day cease-fire means that Christians can call off their proposed boycott of left leaning pagan organizations such as Sears, Walgreen's, and Best Buy. PC police will have an entire year to hone their message points and galvanize their fundraising efforts.

As for me, I will attend worship services and spend the remainder of the day with family.

Oh by the way, Merry Christmas.