The Story that Really Matters

There is nothing more powerful in this world than the power of story. The world is full of stories – thousands of them, all competing to be heard. Stories are how we explain our existence. Some people have a story about a highly improbable accident that began the universe and life as we know it. Some people have a story about endless cycles that they must endure to finally be released from the bondage of existence. Some people have a story about a prophet who told people to conquer in God's name. And some people have a story about a God who died for his rebellious creation, but who couldn't stay dead, and who will return once more to rule over the restoration of all things.

While I have not (and really, do not) intend to wade into the stupid red cup broohaha, I feel like something needs to be said, because this is a symptom of a bigger problem. We live in a world where the Christian story of God and his creation and salvation through the blood of Jesus is losing ground to the other stories. As Christians, our story has been the dominant one in North America for the last two hundred years. For much longer than any of us have been alive, it has shaped not only Christian hearts, but also our social, political, and cultural structures. As we lose that position of power, it is natural that there's a period of disorientation as we adjust to the new cultural realities in which we find ourselves.

But I am bothered by the many who feel a need to shrilly affirm that they will “keep Christ in Christmas” and “it's 'Merry Christmas' not 'Happy Holidays'.” I appreciate the celebration of Christmas. I love a good excuse to eat chocolate, celebrate the big story that explains my existence, and sing some really cool songs. But Jesus doesn't need a holiday. Jesus didn't have a holiday in the first century (he probably didn't have one in the second century, for that matter). If we are no longer the dominant cultural voice, perhaps it is time to sacrifice our snowflake cups for whatever the current culture finds more appropriate. Our Lord does not need some sort of Christian culture for his good news of great joy to be heard by all people.

Listen to me here: Jesus does not need us to defend him. If someone says “Happy Holidays,” return the sentiment with whichever greeting rolls most naturally off your tongue. And if you have reason to believe that that person's big story is very different from your own, maybe take a moment to thank them, since they are honouring you with the best wishes of a holiday that is not their own.

At Christmas, we celebrate the story that really matters: that Jesus entered into a dark world filled with sinful rebels to save us all. Let's love deeply, and live generously, even when – perhaps especially when – they are people who don't look or act like us. Let's care for the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner as if they are our own people, because our God is in the business of turning orphans into beloved children, and foreigners into citizens. Let us celebrate the country, the kingdom, that truly belongs to God. Let us celebrate Christ our Lord and light who shines in the darkness, though NBC and CNN have not understood it.