"Christmas is Constitutional" -- So What?

Flipping through the channels last night, I caught a portion of Jerry Falwell's comedy hour -- er, televised ministry. Apparently, he wanted to spread the word that "Christmas is Constitutional." Of course, this begs the question as to whether or not individuals have right beyond those which are constitutionally protected, but I'll leave mini-lessons on the Ninth Amendment and the Privileges and Immunities Clause for another occasion.

Among the things one has the "constitutional right to do": say "Merry Christmas;" wear Christmas attire; send Christmas cards; and sing Christmas songs.

The Rt. Hon. Reverend delivered his message so emphatically that I wanted to trapse over to a courthouse today dressed in "Christmas attire." Upon arrival, I would proceed to interrupt a capital murder trial by singing "Joy to the World" and distributing Christmas cards to all and sundry. Shoot, former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore may do something like that in his long-term bid for the governor's chair.

Does anyone really need to note that all of the above activities have nothing to do with Christ, or the Bible generally? What is the scriptural basis for celebrating the birth of Christ after the event? On this note, I think that the Jehovah's Witnesses have it right: Christmas is utterly "worldly."

How many self-described "God-fearing Christians" are aware of the fact that "Christmas" is a naked appropriation of the pagan feast of Saturnalia, to honor of the god of agriculture? Or that what we have come to know as a "Christmas tree" was a Victorian refinement of the German tannenbaum, which is a celebration of life in the midst of a cold, dark winter.

Today, those who would wage a "Christmas culture war" to combat P.C. excess fail to communicate that Christ is at the heart of their crusade.

Why is that the case, beyond self-serving efforts to sell books, attract viewers, or rake in donations? Christmas, to the vast majority of Americans, is essentially a celebration of material prosperity -- with aesthetic spiritual trimmings. Christ doesn't get top billing on his "birthday," and one could logically argue that he never has.

The bottom line: in contemporary America, celebrating Christmas is a celebration of capitalism. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Invoking Jesus to substantiate material consumption is a gross perversion of his life and his philosophy. Jesus wouldn't get wrapped up any of the activities that we have come to consider hallmarks of the holiday season.

[Not so humble theological aside: To answer a question that resonates with many fundamentalist Christians, Jesus would renounce Christmas as an institution. Indeed, He would probably mock every one of us purchasing the umpteenth item from the mall when there are so many of the "least of his brethren" requiring assistance. Matthew 25: 31-41. And His ire would be especially acute for those who use His name for their pecuniary benefit.]

Rev. Falwell's website features a memo by the Liberty Counsel to "to offer guidance to public officials and schools regarding the upcoming holiday celebrations" (emphasis added).

Gee whiz, I thought it was CHRISTMAS!?!