Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Holiday Discrimination

By Dr. Richard P. Bucher

Drive downtown or walk into a local business or public place this time of year and you're likely to see resplendent holiday decorations. Colorful lights, posters, and tinsel brighten our way by reminding us of the joyous holiday season.

Nothing new, you say -- and you're right. What is new in the late Twentieth Century is a growing awareness that Christmas is not the only religious holiday celebrated in December. Our Jewish neighbors celebrate Hanukkah, some African-Americans observe Kwanza, some Indians, Bhai Dooj. There is also a new sensitivity among government and business that if you're going to give coverage to one religious observance, you should give equal coverage to all.

So I was quite surprised when I had lunch at a local, nationally-recognized, fast- food restaurant recently. Practically every square foot of wall and ceiling space was plastered with holiday cheer. Hanging from the middle of the ceiling was a poster celebrating Hanukkah. Off to a good start, I thought. But when I looked for something that observed Christmas, my search was in vain. There were many decorations featuring Santa, elves, and reindeer: but no Christmas decorations.

"Oh, I get it," you say. "This writer is just another picky Christian who gets down on Santa." No you don't! Don't walk away so easily. This article is not about Santa-bashing. It is about discrimination. The manager of the fast-food restaurant must have thought that he was giving equal time to Christians and Jews. He put up the Hanukkah poster for the Jews and the Santa Claus paraphernalia for the Christians. Come on! Santa may be fun, but everyone knows that Christmas is a Christian holy day that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

What do you think would happen if government and business starting putting up Hanukkah decorations that featured Beasley the Benevolent Bear? Our Jewish neighbors would immediately cry religious discrimination. Why? Because Beasley has nothing to do with Hanukkah! Members of Judaism would not stand by and see their sacred festival defaced in this way. They certainly wouldn't be appeased if someone tenderly told them that religious equality had been satisfied. But somehow Christians are silently to take what no one else would.

I am tired of the discrimination. If a business or local government can put up authentic Jewish religious symbolism, then they also can put up authentic Christian religious symbolism: a nativity scene, a picture of the Christ-child, the angels, and the shepherds. Santa Claus and Christmas trees do not satisfy the Christian quota! Christians everywhere should demand of their local governments and businesses equal representation. Anything less is discrimination. And last time I checked, you don't have to be a minority to be discriminated against.