(ThyBlackMan.com) The English word advent comes the Latin word adventus – which means “impending arrival”. We are currently in the season of Advent. Many Western religions observe the season of Advent as a period of observation, preparation, and celebration towards the nativity. Christmas is, of course, the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus has been, is now, and will forever be the true reason for this season. Alas, the meaning of Christmas is rapidly becoming a lost art. This is the not-so-new normal in the U.S. of A.
Christmas isn’t the pagan day of days for retailers and manufacturers; but that’s certainly the way it seems. Christmas isn’t the Super Bowl of getting stuff for the young (and the young at heart); but that’s how people treat it. Christmas isn’t some political football that one party can use as a barometer of religious purity and self-righteousness against another party; but that’s precisely what happens at this time of year every single year.
Since all of us were indeed created in God’s holy image, that makes us all His children. Since we are all His children, then He is our Heavenly Father. Since He’s our Father, then we’re all brothers and sisters. We are family. As family, why can’t we celebrate Advent together? As family, why won’t we dwell together in love, in peace, in unity, and in joy not just today
– but every day? As family, why couldn’t we acknowledge our differences even as we embrace our commonalities? Seriously, what’s stopping us from doing these things? Is it a matter of can’t – or won’t?
There should never be a place, a time, or a circumstance in which Christmas becomes a racial issue. Christmas should never be a political issue. I don’t believe that’s debatable. I don’t think you believe that’s debatable. So if you and I touch and agree on this point, how do we explain what’s going on with our friends at the Fox News Channel? Over there, Christmas is racial. Over there, Christmas is political. They make it so.
You’ve been naughty, Megyn Kelly. You felt the overwhelming urge to inform us all recently that Santa Claus is White. You felt the insatiable desire to inform us all lately that Jesus Christ is White. Then, you pretended to be confused at the backlash which inevitably came your way as a direct result of your on-air statements. Next, you tried unsuccessfully to pivot your point by claiming that your critics fell prey to your admitted race-baiting; and subsequently revealed themselves as racists in the process.
Please allow me to response to her controversial assertions in a non-controversial way. Mrs. Kelly, how do you know? Have you had a Damascus road experience a la the Apostle Paul? Have you seen Jesus personally? As for Santa, please do your due diligence. Santa visits children all over the world, Mrs. Kelly. His external appearance varies depending on where he is. As a mother, you should know that.
You haven’t been nice, Bill O’Reilly. You’ve made quite the name for yourself over the years spreading the fictional ‘War on Christmas’. Who do you blame for trying to deemphasize Christmas as a holiday in America? Oh, right – liberals. You’re convinced that Democrats prefer to say “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas”. “Any public display of Christianity is not good for the progressive cause,” O’Reilly said recently. Mr. O’Reilly, Democrats didn’t use litigation to remove prayer from public schools. Atheists did that. Don’t take my word for it. Look into the matter for yourself. And Merry Christmas, sir.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Maybe it’s me, but have you noticed that Advent is the only time of year when you hear that Bible verse (Luke 2:14) so frequently? Why are people kinder, more loving, and more patient between Thanksgiving and Christmas than any other time of the year? Why do we individually and collectively return to the status quo of me, myself, and mine on December 26th?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word adventure as “An undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks”. I concur. It is a dangerous thing to inject political ideology into Christmas. It’s dangerous mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s dangerous politically, qualitatively, and socially. Doing so divides rather than unites. Doing so creates agitation rather than peace. Doing so dispels agape love rather than generating it. Father, forgive those who willfully choose to do these things – for they know not what they do.
Advent provides Christians the opportunity to joyously reflect on the First Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; but it also reminds us to await His Second Coming. As Christmas approaches, please remember the reason for the season. Glory to God. Good will towards everyone. Peace on earth.
Staff Writer; Arthur L. Jones, III
This talented brother is a local Minister, weekly featured Democratic Op-Ed columnist, non-profit advisor, and sees the Braves winning it all this fall. Rev. Jones welcomes your comments! Please email him directly at: tcdppress@gmail.com.
