Merry Holidays.

I saw a post the other day from a Christian that I couldn’t let go of. I know this Christian personally. They are so incredibly kind and loving. They are not white. They have the most wonderful family. And yet, the post insinuated that what was at stake in this election was the country’s Christianity. “Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays.” And I am STILL having trouble wrapping my mind around it.

Firstly, Happy Holidays is not a war on Christmas. It’s not a war on Jesus. It’s not a war on your beliefs. It just includes so many others this holiday season, especially if you live in a major city. It’s just kindness to wish others who might be celebrating another holiday a “Happy Holidays.” I worked in a beautiful children’s bookstore for a while and during the holiday season, I wished everyone “Happy Holidays.” It wasn’t a rule, it was just considerate. Picture me looking at a Jewish child, who is so excited about Hanukkah, and his parents that are passing down their generations of tradition and ritual, and me being unwilling to acknowledge that they might be celebrating differently than I might? I’m not talking about someone who’s offended because I offer up a “Merry Christmas.” I’m talking about MY heart and considering OTHERS. I’m just celebrating WITH them. This is a beautiful season and I WANT to include my neighbors.

Secondly, I find it a dangerous suggestion. It insinuates that one is the chosen Godly candidate. I understand having your beliefs on the way you’d like to see this country develop. I understand having your beliefs on which policies will help everyone better. But something has sat SO OFF with me about attaching the “God choice” to any candidate. Even if I allow that Trump IS INDEED a Christian (which again, I see ZERO fruit. ZEEEEEEERO.), but even if I allow that, Joe Biden is Catholic. Like, actually attended services and practices Catholicism. So…if we’re choosing the God candidate in accordance to who claims to follow God…it’s a dead tie.

Lastly, Christians, I urge you not to take this election and turn it into a false persecution. I have been to countries where Christians are actually persecuted. I have sat in a room with old men in Uganda, telling me about the time Idi Amin’s men put him and other pastors in sacks in the woods, drenched them with gas, and lit them on fire. I’ve heard stories from friends who lived in China. Heck, i’ve watched the news and seen the beheadings and executions. This is not persecution. And even if it is, glory. Isn’t that what is expected? Isn’t that the example of Jesus?

So American Christians, is the goal to live in prosperity and get to go to church whenever you want and get to hear public acknowledgment of your holiday, or is the goal to follow Jesus?