Merry X-Mas!*

Most of us have participated in classes, seminars, or trainings with Cultural Diversity or Sensitivity in the titles. An episode of the TV show The Office depicted the clumsy efforts of the boss, Michael, to address diversity. Like Michael's subordinates, you may be more or less receptive to these attempts to promote understanding, openness, and acceptance of the cultures, traditions, religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientations/lifestyles of others. In the United States in this first decade of the 21st century, some Christians have felt as if they're encouraged to celebrate any religious viewpoint but their own. At this time of year, we're reminded of this as businesses, governments, advocacy organizations--and often their attorneys--haggle over whether to allow a manger scene, a Christmas carol, or a "Merry Christmas." As Christians at Christmastime, we can almost feel a little oppressed, even persecuted.

St. John records these words of Jesus:

"Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me."
John 15:20-21

Now, our "persecution" here and now is of a different magnitude than that which Jesus suffered, that which Christians have suffered through the centuries since his death, and that which many Christians in other parts of the world suffer even as I type this. Still, whatever the level we experience, we can ask God to transform its meaning and guard us from becoming resentful or reacting in unrighteous anger. We can begin to see it, maybe even embrace it, as a reminder that we are his servants and that we share in our Master's portion, both good and bad. We can, in the strength of our Master and the power of his Holy Spirit, respond lovingly at Christmastime to those who seek to suppress even the mention of Christ. Jesus says we will sometimes be treated poorly because of his name and we want to respond in love for the same reason--because of his name.

And speaking of the "bad" and "good" portions, the often persecuted St. Paul encourages us:

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
2 Corinthians 4:17

*Just in case this is new information: "X" is the Greek letter that corresponds to the word for Christ. So, the next time you see "Merry X-Mas," smile knowingly.

--Lee Lower