...and dwelt among us.

Think about that.  Really.  Stop reading and think about that for a few minutes.

Why are we not in awe of that.  Why are we more concerned and angry that store clerks say “Happy Holidays” in stead of “Merry Christmas”?  GOD became flesh and dwelt among us.  He made it clear what He cares about - in the law, the prophets, Jesus’ words, and letters to the early church.  He wants a crazy, 100%, self-sacrificial, pour yourself out kind of love for those around us.  Both those that deserve it and those who don’t.  The kind of love that would make GOD become flesh and live with and die for sinners like me.

We’ve missed the point.  I’ll give the benefit of the doubt to the Church - conceding that our intent is to honor Him.  But we’re not.  We’ve missed the point if our focus is on the specific word people use to label a holiday.  We’ve missed the point if our focus is on forcing our views on others - defending ourselves and our traditions against the world around us.  Jesus faced a world just as hostile to His message.  His response was love.  Love that looked past people’s faults and saw their needs.  Love that attacked others only when their attitudes and actions put culture, formalities, and religion ahead of loving and caring for people. When we make Jesus so compelling and so attractive by truly duplicating His love, that is when all the things we want to change will change.