Hysterical Fear Messages are Undermining Christmas

May your Christmas celebrations be merry.

Christmas is upon us again. For Christians, this is supposed to be a commemoration of Christ’s birth, and as with other Christian activities, it’s best shared with friends and family members. I fear that both of these activities have been discarded in the hysteria this year.

It's common and even decent for political pundits at Christmastime to criticize the gross consumerism that goes on, and the lack of reverence for the meaning of the holiday. The attention on purchases is no worse than usual, but this year, official announcements from political figures and news anchors have centered on the avoidance of community.

They seek to spread division above all else. They tell adult sons and daughters to cut their parents off based on vaccination status or how recently they’ve been tested. The idea of holding contempt for another on the basis of medical decisions that one did or did not make seems anathema to basal human decency. To do this toward a (former) loved one is a decision to allow government propaganda machines to dominate our lives. At this time of year, it might be most prudent to turn back toward the meaning of the holiday, and to remember that allegiance to God is always more important than allegiance to government. Tune out from the political theater and those who would have you hate your neighbors rather than embrace those who were placed in your lives.

Resist the messages of fear from those, including the White House, who delivered messages of fear during a time of year that ought represent hope and salvation. The Biden Administration has issued a sort of damnation proclamation upon those who are unvaccinated. Whenever a government has sort to marginalize and dehumanize one group of people, then blame them for all of society’s ills, it hasn’t ended well. Especially be aware whenever the government blames the scapegoats for situations that it, in fact, caused (“It’s their fault that we won’t give you your freedoms!”).

Do spend this time celebrating Christ’s birth, with your family members and friends, who are surely your greatest real treasures. Look beyond their medical decisions, for those are theirs to make. Pray for the wellbeing of those you care for, regardless of whether you think they made the right decision.

This year, some are staying home, shunned by their own families for being unvaccinated or even under-vaccinated (“Have you had your third booster?”). It’s a horrifying prospect, in part because it would have seemed so improbable just a couple of years ago. If you’re able, reach out to those around you who might be in this situation, and consider extending an invite. Baltasar Gracian famously wrote that, “Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil.” Don’t turn down an opportunity to make another friend.

Those who are having a simple Christmas, by choice or otherwise, should remember that the first Christmas surely was.

Merry Christmas.