CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

Dear Editor,

Our homes are ablaze with Christmas lights as we celebrate Christmas. But, the question needs to be asked. What are we celebrating? Is it Christ’s birthday or a pagan celebration of selfish acquisition, hatred and tribal exclusion. Do his values permeate Christmas?

It seemed for a period of time that love and acceptance of“others” was winning. Enforcing civil rights and building a society of inclusion seemed to have made progress. We had more to do, but thought it was better. Ironically, it seems that was only on the surface.

This last election was filled with hate and promised retribution against enemies and others not in our tribe. And, increasingly our politicians are passing laws and adopting doctrine that criminalizes those “others.”

The poor and struggling are shamed and blamed. Women and people of color continue to be exploited and paid less than men. Laws have been passed controlling women’s bodies.

We know that Christ was a dark skinned man. And yet, we depict him as a white one. What a travesty our prejudices make of the Christian concepts of the non-judgmental love Jesus preached.

Churches should be safe havens. But, people are being shunned by them for being gay and for being transgender. In a very condescending manner Christians rationalize: “Hate the sin and love the sinner.” What a hypocritical doctrine of love and judgment.

Anti-transgender laws have been passed, even though it is widely known that there are multiple variations of humans. But, if a person doesn’t fit a rigid designation of male or female, they are seen as an abomination. Variations are legion, but hidden, because of fear and the shame of being marginalized.

The 2025 document, the gospel of the incoming administration, wants to make it a felony to be transgender.

Separation of church and state is important, but that doesn’t mean that beliefs of love and acceptance should not practiced by the state.

During the Christmas season it is an important time to clarify our values and ask our selves, if those values reflects how we live our lives, conduct our business, and govern our country. Often we live a dual belief system and are oblivious to the injustices around us.

The Dalai Lama says that empathy and love is the most important way to live. And Christ said to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That is the true meaning of Christmas. And, it is not conditional.

Signed,Barbara ParsonsRawlins, WY