Why, you ask, is celebrating Christmas an act of defiance?

A pilgrim holds a figurine of baby Jesus in St. Peter's Square as Pope Francis leads the Angelus at the Vatican Dec. 20. (CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters)

Why, you ask, is celebrating Christmas an act of defiance? | Dale Ahlquist | Catholic World Report

Don’t be surprised that the word “Christmas” is controversial. As G.K. Chesterton says...

“Actually,” you say, after reading the above title, “I never thought of celebrating Christmas as an act of defiance.”

But I suggest that perhaps you should.

“Why?” you ask.

Why what?

“Why is celebrating Christmas an act of defiance?”

So you have asked the question, after all.

But now you object that I have merely tricked you into asking it. And yet you are curious, if still skeptical. “Is this just about saying ‘Merry Christmas’ when most people say ‘Happy Holiday’?”

I ask back: You mean you think that saying “Merry Christmas” is an act of defiance?

“I didn’t say that,” you say, moving from merely being on your guard to being naturally defensive.

But, I insist, it is an act of defiance. But that is not what I’m talking about.

“Wait,” you interrupt, “How is saying ‘Merry Christmas’ an act of defiance?”

Well, I answer, why have commercial and educational institutions adopted a policy of not saying it?

“Because they don’t want to offend…”

So saying “Merry Christmas” is offensive?

“Maybe. Sure. It probably is to some people…”

So, I respond, if I know it is probably offensive to some people, and if it is officially not acceptable to say it, then saying it is an act of defiance.

You feel like you’ve been tricked again.

But I try to offer some comfort and joy.  Don’t be surprised that the word “Christmas” is controversial. As G.K. Chesterton says…

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