Christmas Without Christ

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. A time of hope. A time for wishes to come true and dreams to be born.

For Christians, it is the holiest of times. The birth of Christ. A celebration of his message and inevitable sacrifice for the world. Over the years, Christmas has been joined by Santa Claus. A golly man who brings presents to the world and spreads joy wherever he goes. We celebrate both during the Christmas season. We cover our homes in bright, festive lights, wrap trees in ornaments and tinsel with a star at the top, representing the star of Bethlehem which led the wisemen to Jesus.

For a long time now, Christmas was a celebration of Jesus with a wink and a nod to Santa. Both represent hope and love and helping others in need.

So what happens if Jesus has been co-opted for political purposes and used to justify the election of a wicked man?

What happens if listening to religious leaders celebrating the ascension of Donald Trump makes you feel dirty and betrayed?

What if the Jesus you were raised to believe in would never stand for the greed, gluttony, and deception being used to manipulate his message?

What if, this year, you simply removed Christ from Christmas?

Christmas can still be a time of magic and wonder. It can still be filled with joy and the spirit of giving without the need for praise in return.

Christmas can survive without political Jesus for a time.

Hang your lights, listen to the music, believe in the impossible and hold those you care for tight. We will still need each other, as we have always needed each other.

Those who preach that God is speaking through Donald Trump are just con artists preying on the fears of society.

The spirit of Christmas still rings true, with or without Faux Christ.