In the last few years there has been a movement afoot by the ACLU and others of the secular society to, in my estimation, destroy Christmas and just about anything Christian. There have been many efforts, quite successful mind you, of getting municipalities and other public venues to do away with public scenes of the season of Christmas, most notably the Christmas creche or manger scene depicting Joseph, Mary and the Infant Jesus.

Where is the outcry among those who know and believe in what this season is all about? A large majority of American people claim to have a belief in God and many of those also call themselves Christians. But where are they? Hiding? From what? I can see why a parent may not want to confront a teacher or principal on a major issue because they may have the perception that some reprisal might be made toward their child; but what can secular society do to any of us? Besides, by our silence and lack of response, they’re winning already and convincing everyone that they’re right.

Another weak excuse is the old saying, “What can I do? I’m just one little voice.” Well, maybe it’s time we woke up and realized how lame this excuse really is. If a Christmas creche has been banned in the public square or in front of a public building that doesn’t mean that it can’t be displayed on private property.

So, what if we say this year, “Enough!” and diplay the creche in front of every Christian home or place a Christian message in the windows of our homes? Each little voice can be heard and collectively we will speak with a similar resonance that filled the Savvis Center when Pope John Paul II addressed the young people of our City during his visit in January, 1999. By the way, at that time he did challenge us to let our voices be heard and to let our light shine forth before all. We have the ideal reason to take it upon ourselves to do just that!

You can make a difference this Christmas! Encourage your families and your friends to include the chrece as part of their outside decorations; or encourage them to decorate a window with the message we all need to re-state loudly and boldly: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! Just imagine if our efforts produced 50 or 100 or 500 of these in each neighborhood. What a statement that would be to the secularists and what a setback that could be in their efforts to destroy what we have a right to believe. Also remember that Christmas doesn’t end on December 26th. We traditionally celebrate Christmas from the Nativity until Epiphany. Keep the message alive at least until then.

Here’s one more thing we might do. When doing your Christmas shopping this year, feel perfectly free to respond to the “Happy holidays” greeting from the salesperson with a pleasant and sincere, “And Merry Christmas to you.”

For all you can do, thank you!! May you and your family have a most Blessed Christmas this year.

Father John Borcic