Dallas Morning News columnist Rod Dreher has written a marvelous piece on the commercialization of Christmas. From the article:
To be sure, as exploitative as the right-wing outrage sometimes is, it really is appalling to have to endure the pettiness of the American Civil Liberties Union and sundry village atheists, who seem deathly afraid that somebody somewhere might have some theistically inclined fun this time of year. That said, I can’t recall an actual ACLU lawsuit or politically correct blue-nosery interfering with my celebration of the holiday. Can you?
and…
Here’s the thing: Aside from acquiring a Christmas tree, little of this involves commerce. It’s crazy talk, I know, but trust me, it really is possible to enjoy the season without giving oneself over to the frenzy and anxiety of the shopping ritual. In fact, actively resisting the commercialization of Christmas has become the only sane response in a culture where compulsive shopping has taken on the trappings of mass psychosis.
You can read the entire article here.
Charlie Brown would be proud of you, Rod.
His comments about the complicity of Christians in this commercialization were very thought-provoking. Perhaps if evangelicals were decidedly counter-cultural in their celebration of Christmas, the gospel would take a front seat this time of year.
Or, I may just be getting cheap…
Comment by Mike — December 10, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
That isn’t just talk with Rod. He lives what he writes.
Somehow I can’t picture him attending the “Christmas Spectacular” and ooohing and aahhhing at the live barnyard animals in the sanctuary. May his tribe increase.
Comment by Stuart — December 15, 2007 @ 6:16 pm