War on Christmas?”

Bah! Humbug!

There are those of us — naming no names — who would like to say that the Christmas tradition is under attack, and they often insinuate this is due to the godless liberal left. The horror that the holidays bring, ladies and gentlemen.

But before we go around arguing with one another, let’s do a little research, shall we?

Now, if the other side wants to claim that the true meaning behind the holiday is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it should probably be noted that the dude wasn’t born in December. Or, at least, it’s highly unlikely.

In the cold time of December, it would be uncharacteristic of shepherds to behave in accordance with the American King James version of Luke 2:8, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

It is far more likely that Jesus was born in September, during the Feast of Tabernacles. At this time, the flocks would be far more active, and a 14-year-old pregnant girl traveling 70 miles would be a tad more acceptable.

Doing simple math, we can thus surmise that December would actually be Jesus’ conception, not birth. This would actually be in keeping with the AKJ version of John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh,” as it would be the creation of Jesus’ human form that would cause the Word to become real.

However, it’s important to note that the Bible never mentions an exact date. Nobody knows Jesus’ true birth date, assuming he existed.

The original significance of December is that it is a month during which a solstice occurs, a time of year when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is turned farthest from the Sun. This is known to be a celebratory time for pagans, who were often conquered or otherwise converted to Christianity.

Of course, one of the methods of conversion was simple replacement. Rather than erase a people’s unholy traditions, it would be infinitely wiser to replace it with holy ones. If the solstice traditions had simply been banished, the people would have surely become unsettled, to say the least. Unsettled people often revolt.

Not a good thing for the Roman Empire.

While we’re still on a history kick, let’s look at the history of nativity scenes, because I hear people are getting upset that others want them moved or taken down completely.

Was Jesus born in a barn? Well, the Bible doesn’t actually say. The only relevant information is the mention of a manger. Turns out, a lot of houses had them, as people generally lived in the same building as their animals.

As for the inn that supposedly had no room? It is the Greek word “kataluma” which is used in Scripture, and this can be translated as guest room, lodging place or inn.

However, it would be reasonable to guess that it refers to a guest room in this instance, as the only other time the word is used is in the AKJ version of Mark 14: 14-15, “And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.”

So, where was Jesus born? According to the Associates for Biblical Research, most likely with some relatives who simply had no room in their “kataluma,” their “guest room.” So, having no proper space, they made ready for the baby in their manger.

So now that we have some basic history down, what’s with this supposed “War on Christmas?”

Well, it’s not a war on Christmas that people who hold this ideological view are really opposed to. It’s a war on their perceived notions of tradition and faith.

Some common distorted thoughts of this mindset:

If you say Jesus wasn’t born in a manger, you’re saying he wasn’t born at all.

If you say Jesus wasn’t born in December, you’re saying the Bible is wrong.

If you wish me happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas, you’re denying America’s Christian roots.

Of course, none of these arguments are valid. “Under God” was added to the pledge in the ‘50s, the Founding Fathers were Deists and there is virtually no religious imagery tied to the government in any fashion pre-Civil War.

Just because these facts — coupled with the research I have provided above — don’t match your preconceived notions, that doesn’t mean you should stop believing as you do. Nobody is saying that. I’m merely pointing out some common misconceptions that people get very defensive about for some reason.

The United States of America is a wonderful country. One in which we celebrate diversity.

We have a diversity of ethnicities, cultures, languages, religions and more. Celebrate that diversity with “Happy Holidays” this year. It’s simple and it’s elegant. Yet it should be noted that it isn’t words that are important here, it’s the intention behind them.

If you wish someone a “Happy Holiday” with all of the goodness in your heart, how can that mean less than wishing them a “Merry Christmas?”

And to those sitting opposite of the religious fence, just be good for goodness’ sake, won’t you? Don’t make a fuss over some lights strung up on a tree — also a pagan symbol, FYI — just because it’s called something you don’t like. These people aren’t out to get you, they just want to celebrate something near and dear to them.

Stop acting like any and every display of faith is somehow a violation of the First Amendment.

It isn’t.

What matters most this:

Um …

Season … is what is in your heart. Caring for others, putting them before yourself.

That’s what it means to me, anyway.