The Art of War on Christmas--Entry 1

I have been dismissing the "War on Christmas" rhetoric for years.  And this year, it struck me that there might actually be a war on Christmas and I might actually need to get ready for it.  You see, I was reading the Gospel of Luke where Jesus himself used the analogy of going to battle as a metaphor considering the cost of being one of his Disciples (Luke 14:31-33).  I thought to myself, "If I am going to consider the cost of following Christ as a King might consider his options going into battle, I am woefully unprepared.  I know nothing about fighting battles."

So, I downloaded a copy of The Art of War as it seems like I've heard that it is supposed to be a must-read for people who want to understand how battles are lost and won.   Yes, I've heard all the objections to using "spiritual warfare" language.  But, I've been working with metaphors a long time and have a pretty good grasp on why we don't treat images as complete, total, or literal descriptions of things.  That said, while I've not completed my reading of The Art of War, I am struck by its power when read through the lens of Christmas and Christian discipleship.

For example, The Art says, "In your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison in this wise:"  He goes on to list seven considerations.  The first  is "Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral Law?"

That seems like the right place to start reflections on the war on Christmas.  Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters; for a servant will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and wealth" (Matthew 6:24).  In the war on Christmas Christians must decide which of these two sovereigns "is imbued with the Moral Law."  Is Jesus imbued with Moral law?"  with his emphasis on concern for the poor, commitment to non-retaliation, mutual service, and prayer?  Or is the sovereign of commercialism with its emphasis on prosperity, possessions, and instant gratification imbued with Moral Law?

Many Christians would emphatically insist that we do indeed serve Christ and not money.  But what we say and what we do are in sharp contrast.  I place myself in the group of people who are divided in my own allegiance.  I want financial security and instant gratification--two goals that are not easily compatible even from an economic stand point.  I convince myself very easily that another possession or service or experience will bring me happiness and joy.  At Christmas, I convince myself that the way to be the best father and husband is to give the best gift I can afford financially.  I suspect I'm not alone. 

If we're going to win the war on Christmas, it's going to have to start with discernment about which Sovereign is imbued with Moral Law.  I choose Christ and even as I do, I know just how easily I listen to the commands of greed and material desire. 

Purify my heart, O Lord.  Cause me to hear only the commands that come from you.  Silence in my mind the commands that emerge out of my own greed, covetousness, and desire for material things.  Release me from my allegiance to my culture's commercial obsession and accept my glad and willing service to your way.   Amen.