Keep His Commandments

December 29, 2007

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. 1 John 2:10

The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Luke 2:33-35

Piety

Lord, help us to love those who are far away, those who are difficult to love and those who no one else loves. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/122907.shtml

On this fifth day of Christmas, our little catechism continues with lessons about how not to fall or fail. Love. Plain and simple.

Love those who are easy to love.

Love those who are difficult to love.

Love those close to you.

Love those far away.

Love those that no one else loves.

Simeon's message of contradiction foresees the Nazareth manifesto that Jesus will soon introduce, a program which elevates the lowly and reduces the powerful. His prediction that Jesus "will be the cause for the rise and fall of many" is a theme that will be born out throughout the Gospels. No one will be spared, not even Mary whose heart will be broken by the attitude expressed by Jesus in public as well as by her experience at the foot of the cross witnessing the execution of her son.

If we loves our sisters and brothers, then we will be spared the fall and will be among those whom Jesus will raise up. Like Mary, we should open our hearts to God. Like Mary, when our hearts are open, we also should be prepared to have our hearts broken, too.

Later in his letter, John goes on to write: The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. (John 3:16-18)

After a holiday season where many gifts (some which are hardly necessary) were planted under our tree, John calls us to action "in deed and truth."

Action

Please join me in a letter, e-mail or telephone campaign to National Public Radio. Let me admit first I am a fan of many if its programs and even a sometimes contributor. However, one story last weekend went a little over the line. You can hear the story at this link. The website bills the story as:

Removing Religion from Holidays a Tall Order

by Tovia Smith

Weekend Edition Sunday, December 23, 2007 · A growing number of young people now identify themselves as non-believers, and some colleges have responded by adding so-called "atheist chaplains" to their staff. Harvard now has an atheist chaplain, who helps students celebrate the holidays without violating their core (non)-beliefs.

In the story, one student remarks that they want to "take back Christmas from the Christians." Yes. Listen to it. There would be no Christmas without Christ. There is nothing to take back.

NPR could have aired this program at any time…but to air this slur on the day before Christmas Eve when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of the Son of God is truly an insult. If this had been a story about another faith, there would be an outcry. What if they said, "Let's take back Ramadan from the people who practice the Muslim faith?" Imagine the outcry if they said "Let's take back Passover from the Jewish people." So let's start the outcry.

The radio network makes it very easy to file a comment on its web site (http://www.npr.org/contact/) like the one I sent below.

I strongly but lovingly object to the person interviewed by Tovia Smith who said that atheists wanted to "take back Christmas from the Christians." Pardon me but my ears are still ringing. The continuing assault on Christianity must stop. Christ's birth is the very reason for this holy day. Christ's message is a message of love for all people, including atheists. It's not about Christmas trees or gift giving. It is about God becoming Man and living and loving among us. Trees and presents flow from the unfortunate commercialism of the holy day. While this student is entitled to such an opinion, in the interest of fairness, why did you not interview a Christian to challenge this misguided opinion? In the future, please tell BOTH side of a story, not one anti-Christian attack without providing an appropriate opportunity for fairness and balance.