Speaking Of Christmas

All images: Macy's.

The majority of the people on earth, about 69%, are not Christians. Christianity is followed by only 31% of the world's population, therefore, far from a majority. Can we not accept the world as it is? While we humans have different responses, in life we all ask the same ultimate questions* and try to arrive at the same place.

 

First aiming to live a life of greater purpose, followed by a hope for the best outcome that life doesn't end in death, but we find some ultimate good or meaning in our struggles and beyond our finite lives. Theologians spend years studying the human condition and its connection to the divine -- the world of concrete vs the world of ideas, the infinite vs finite. Believing requires a leap of faith, and for certain, time will tell. It's that simple and complicated.

We have all heard the catchphrase: Let's put Christ back into Christmas, but I like to focus on putting Christ back into Christians. As we move into the Christmas season, is it possible for us to worry less about cookie-cutter conformity and more about understanding and having a tolerance of others? Might we even leap to celebrating our cultural differences, as well as, showing generosity and hospitality to everyone as we embrace our own traditions?

I'm always honored when another culture or religion shows me warmth and goodwill. An invitation to fellowship can be an attempt to connect and share, not usually to convert. What's more, I think savvy modern people can tell the difference and navigate accordingly.

Moreover, when a clerk in a department store wishes me a "Happy Holiday" in lieu of a "Merry Christmas," it's an effort to be gracious from a stranger in society who doesn't know what tradition I practice and nothing more. Why should tolerance and good wishes from friendly strangers upset us? It's misplaced animosity perhaps based on fear and insecurity in a changing world. 

If a history buff like me, you realize the world simultaneously changes and stays the same. Everything we experience has been experienced before in another century or millennium. Times can change, but humans react the same. Life on earth is cyclical. Everything new becomes old and everything old is new again ... this time around "new" to us. Furthermore, when the world is ripe for change, it moves forward. You can't stop change forever.

I hope with the supply chain down this holiday season all people -- especially Christians -- worry less about exchanging material gifts and put their energies into showing more people benevolence, support, compassion, and collaboration. After a challenging pandemic apart, wouldn't it be a meaningful, awesome way to celebrate Christmas?! Let's dole out gifts of human acceptance and kindness beginning today!

The Nativity Scene Christmas decorations are available from Macy's the only major New York department store that seems to still sell them. {You won't find them at Saks or Bloomingdales.} I'm only a customer, and my blog isn't sponsored by the retailer. I do love Macy's however ... a must-stop for tourists and New Yorkers alike during the Christmas season! Starting on November 26th, the North Pole with SantaLand opens. Located on the 9th floor for in-person visits as well as online.

✯𐫰✯𐫰✯𐫰✯𐫰✯𐫰✯𐫰✯𐫰✯𐫰✯𐫰✯𐫰

*The Ultimate Questions in every religion are: Where do we come from? Is human life random or created by an all-powerful God? What is the meaning and purpose of life? What happens after we die? 

In examining the human condition, all religions have a diagnosis ... what went wrong; and a prescription ... here's how to fix it to get back on the right path. All religions offer hope that life, good, bad, or ugly, has intrinsic worth and meaning.

You may also enjoy:

5 Gifts For New York City Lovers

The Beauty Advent Calendars Are Out

Last Minute Shoppers Head To T.J. Maxx

Let's Ease Into Christmas With Bette Midler