While searching for unity, just don’t put the Christ Child, in a manger, in too prominent a place on the Christmas tree, if you dare to call it that. But some people of other faiths might not rake on you like you think. Like they might if you use the rake to Kick It, as in fallen leaves from the month before, into their undecorated yard.
But what when you invite all your neighbors, of various religions, under one roof for celebrating Christmas? Yes, you might want a big house over an intimate gathering, to create a buffer for when you choose. But it could be done, and it might not even be too difficult to decide which traditions to highlight — or discuss these with your guests. Gather at least four of these peoples of different faiths, around one tree, as that trait should work — just be sensitive in what you hang on it. Psst, a young adult Jesus, not other ages, might be best. See why below.
This was the year believe it or not. So hope you made the most of it. Four key religions, some normally at odds, coming together? In our just experienced unusual annum, Christmas Day was celebrated, and on the same day because of an occasionally, not-every-decade-seen oddity in the alignment of their calendars, Menorahs were lighted by the Jewish people as the start of the days of their celebration, some Muslims found various ways to get involved in selected festivities, and the Kashaa fest celebrated by Black people (big around the area of my Milwaukee family) entered into the fray on Dec. 26, taking over for Christmas basically to the second.
All of these seem like festivals of light to me.
But I have worked on more than one newspaper where the headline was always some close manifestation of this phrase: Keep Christ In Christmas. In the last city where this was a December staple, right here in Hudson, it seemed that no other topic could be highlighted. I think this turned off some of the ethnically diverse professionals who were part of the commuter crowd.
Nextdoor to my brother’s house that is decorated with numerous lights and decorations and Christmas figures, some religious and some secular, is a home that recently became occupied by people they believe are Palestinian. No holiday decorations on the lawn there, spare a small hockey net that’s kitty-korner to the steps. No visible tree in front of any unshaded window. But a full nativity just across the lot line, courtesy of my brother.
But lookout across the street, there is a house in which a family from Vietnam reside, with literally thousands of individual lights, some flashing or scrolling or blinking or rolling, especially on the two-car garage door, but even with their brightness and Busta Move, it was hard to see because their party had already started, and cars were parked in front..
But back to my brother’s immediate neighbors, a google search showed that many people of such descent and belief also celebrate a few of the holiday traditions of Christians — even Jesus based — such as putting up lights or flashers, and exchanging gifts, although many of them choose this as a time to reflect then intentionally conserve their money and/or utilize it for a purpose that’s more needed than say toys or jewelry or clothes. Some even erect a tree, and may decorate it too, but they say the togetherness with family and friends and sharing a bountiful and thus sacred meal is more valued.
This may not be totally Christ centered, but he is in the picture, as Jesus is considered a major prophet, note I said major, in the Muslim Holy Book, which also teaches, get this, that he before “death” was assumed higher into a place of salvation by God. Not bad for someone whom some think they are supposed to despise. But wait, was Jesus not crucified? It is taught by them that a substitute who looks like him stood in for Jesus and was the one on the cross. Imagine pulling off this bait and switch. So Muslims don’t fully celebrate the birth itself, and forget the crucifixion and Easter. I’m not a student of the Koran, so I’m not sure how or if the shepherds and Three Wise Men are slotted in. How would the three men weigh in if reigning in immigration court? Two of three, not four of seven, ruling for you would keep you here? I’m sure someone would appeal. Again and again …
So in this of all years, with everyone bickering about who should even be allowed here, and the plans for mass deportation, of even whole families who choose not to be split and make this their last and lost holiday season together, thicken and pick up smell, it was still possible for the believers in some of the largest religions in the world to celebrate simultaneously, if not a bit differently, and maybe even (if unleavened) break bread together — if indeed they all feast in that same manner. So why don’t we all issue each other an invitation.
Until then, see the music video of The Christmas Truce as done by heavy metal band Sabaton, a true story where both the entrenched Allied and German troops on Christmas Eve put down their arms and feasted and kicked the soccer ball around together, before they again resumed brutal fighting once Christmas had past, rifling balls of lead not woven cloth.
See you, all of you, next year in Jerusalem?