During the several years I lived in the Middle East, I grew to appreciate not only my Christian faith but also the freedom of religion that I knew in my native land. As I was a foreigner and a Christian in a land that officially allowed no other religion but Islam, I secretly worshiped with other Christians, avoiding the surveillance of the authorities but making certain that we did not fail to observe the special days of our liturgical calendar.
Nevertheless and despite being a member of an officially banned faith, I did not fail to wish Muslim colleagues a Happy Ramadan or a Happy Eid al-Adha. In fact, I relished opportunities to visit Muslim homes when Ramadan fasts were broken, and when some of the most delicious food I had ever tasted was available. You may be sure that, if the occasion presented itself, I would still convey best wishes to Muslims, even though, I am very much aware of the sad history of persecution that characterizes the lives of religious minorities residing in many Muslim lands.
As for Jewish friends, throughout my life they have never failed to wish me a Merry Christmas, or a Happy Easter; and I, in turn, have reciprocated with regard to their holidays, such as Hanukkah. And, as one who considers himself an Abrahamic Christian, the Jewish holidays have a special place in my own personal faith outlook.
If I knew anyone who celebrated Kwanzaa, I would gladly wish them well. Certainly, any feast day emphasizing faith, family and culture is well worth encouraging.
In 2012, approximately 74% of Americans identified themselves as Christians. Quite naturally, then, there would be more identification with Christmas. Fortunately for religious minorities in the U.S., Americans are the most religiously tolerant people in the world; and, having lived in foreign lands and traveled through much of the world, I feel very secure in making that statement.
As an American, I find it more than a little insulting that those of the politically correct elite in the U.S. have crusaded to expunge acknowledgement of religious holidays in common human discourse. To say, for example, "Happy Holidays!" is such a bland, boring and weak cop-out from recognizing the importance of religion in people's lives. But, as liberals and progressives seem to all have been cut from the same bolt of cloth, they do tend to be bland and boring people who have nothing better to do than to inflict their opinions on others. By their use of "Happy Holidays!" they are rendering their ultimate insult to organized religion. They are, in effect, informing people of faith that their most deeply held beliefs are as nothing and, as such, are not even worthy of mention.
As a Christian who values religious freedom in a time of increasing encroachment on that freedom, I say with all of my heartfelt conviction, "Merry Christmas!" And I will say it because, truly, Christmas is essential to my faith. And, as an American, one of those strangely old-fashioned people who are religiously tolerant, I will say to others not of my faith that I wish them God speed in their observances! If they would like to bid me "Happy Ramadan!" Happy Hanukkah!", or "Happy Kwanzaa!", I shall most happily accept that wish and respond with "Merry Christmas!"
Deo Vindice!
God bless Texas, and may the Lone Star State remain forever red!
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