Happy Holidays

Seems to me I've spent quite a lot of time "on the edge" this year. So, I might as well see 2004 out the same way. Yeah, I always was an adventurous sort. (Grin)

In October, I got my knuckles rapped for having the audacity to publish a political statement. I didn't bother to fight that one, but, rather, just sighed. And gee, I never even got started. I *could* have said the last time people listened to a bush, they got to spend 40 years in the desert. But, I guess "Freedom of Speech" applies to everyone but me.

Now, as Christmas is fast approaching, I have something else to say. Some won't like it, but a few will stop and consider. That's all I ask.

We're hearing that people consider Bush a "leader." He considers himself a leader. When so many Christians support that guy, I can't help but wonder why they don't remember what their true leader taught.

The leader so powerful an entire worldwide religion was built around his teachings, yet he managed never to lie, cheat, steal, nor take a single life! I wonder what he thinks to see some of his followers now - blindly following the self-proclaimed "War President."

What does that have to do with Christmas? I think it's the attitude. I recently saw an email flying around the 'Net railing against people referring to this time of year as "the holidays" rather than "Christmas." Whoever wrote that piece of trash wanted to start a war over it.

The rant was over people saying, "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas." I can't help but wonder ... what would the person whose birthday is being celebrated on December 25th have to say about that?

It so happens that many festivals and holidays are celebrated around this time of the year. My family celebrates Christmas, but some of us also celebrate the Chinese New Year. Why? Because we have two beautiful little Chinese girls adopted into our family.

Sadly, I'm sure we'll need to go underground with that, soon. In fact, we'll be lucky if those two precious little girls don't find themselves locked away in "detention centers" like the Japanese Americans during World War II!

In China, the New Year is a time of family reunion. Family members gather at each other's homes for visits and shared meals, most significantly a feast on New Year's Eve.

With blessings, games, gift giving and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs - both religious and military - of ancient Jewish heroes. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces. The celebration also reaffirms the continuing struggle to live by God's commandments.

Islamic Ramadan is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. It ends at Eid al-Fitr when people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. It is estimated that some 18 million African Americans take part in Kwanzaa. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa honors a different principle. These principles are believed to have been key to building strong, productive families and communities in Africa. It is based on the
year-end harvest festivals that have taken place throughout Africa for thousands of years.

All of these festivals and holidays (regardless of whether they have a religious element) are celebrated within roughly the same time period as Christmas. Do you see the common thread in these five holidays: Christmas, the Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, Ramadan and Kwanzaa?

All are celebrated with family and friends, in love, joy, prayer and community. MILLIONS of people celebrate the Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, Ramadan and Kwanaa, right here in the USA alone!

Yet, for some reason unfathomable to me, when speaking to the general public, we shouldn't say "Happy Holidays" - which has been my habit for years - but, only "Merry Christmas!"

No, that isn't true - it isn't unfathomable. I'm very aware of what creates this attitude. It's the arrogance of separatism - the same separatism that causes people to believe that "Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men" (and women and children and ALL people) was only meant for those who hold specific beliefs.

Until the day we can understand a department store window being decorated with ALL of these at the same time ...

* A Nativity Scene, or Cristmas tree (your choice)

* A Red Dragon,

* A Menorah and the Star of David

* The Fanous, a beautiful lantern of light and the Sun Horse, both traditional symbols of Ramadan

* The seven symbols of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: fruits, vegetables, and nuts, place mat, candleholder, ears of corn (one for each child), gifts, the communal cup of unity, and seven candles ...

we will never see the the greatest gift offered by the one whose birthday is so highly revered: PEACE ON EARTH.

It isn't a matter of "rights." It's a matter of love and acceptance that ALL are created equal. After over 2,000 years, the gift still awaits its acceptance.

Pitiful.

Copyright ©  2003, jl scott, ph.d. Author of The MASTER COURSE http://www.TheMasterCourse.com