Oh, Christmas Tree...Oh, Really?

As we approach the third Sunday of Advent, and as we begin the Christmas season in earnest, the heated "Christmas tree" debate is becoming salient...again.  In just about every corner of the country, citizens, politicians and religious leaders are fighting to name the tree that pops up this time of the year one thing or another.

Some want trees that appear in state capitals, governors' mansions and other public places, to be called "holiday trees."  Naturally, these people want to use politically inclusive language for the tree as many people of many faiths with be celebrating, holidays at this time.

Others (the perpetually offended) want to call the trees "Christmas trees."  These people say they believe that a tree decorated and displayed around this time of year, is unmistakably a Christmas tree, and any attempt to call it anything else, is pandering to the politically correct forces in this country and "taking Christ out of Christmas."

While I can appreciate their concern for wanting to protect Christ, Christ doesn't need any help keeping himself in the celebration of His birthday.

We know from a careful reading of historical context and the scriptures, that Christ was neither born on December 25th or even in the winter for that matter.  It is more likely that Christ was born in the fall between September or October.

What's more, there is nothing "Christ-like" about "Christmas trees."  Not only are the scriptures void of any mention of a tree in or around the birth of Christ, every single story about the origin of the Christmas tree has pagan roots, so to speak.

And, after decades of Black Friday shootings, Santa Clauses, reindeer, Frosty the Snowmen and other gimmicks designed move our attention away from the reason we celebrate Christmas, we still acknowledge Christ this time of year and we know that Christ breathes charity and loving kindness into this holiday season.

So while I'm sure Christ appreciates their efforts to protect Him, I think He has this whole Christmas season covered.

Politicians and religious leaders should use their time living the gospel of Christ--an endless, perpetual fight for the marginalized--rather than try to score political points with this issue.