"What's missing from the White House Christmas card? Christmas. This month, as in every December since he took office, President Bush sent out cards with a generic end-of-the-year message . . . . Many people are thrilled to get a White House Christmas card, no matter what the greeting inside. But some conservative Christians are reacting as if Bush stuck coal in their stockings."

-- The Washington Post, Dec. 7

As a parish pastor who works hard to keep Christ in Christmas, I also lament the loss of a religious focus in this season of out-of-control office parties and conspicuous consumption. But I don't think that a cheery "Merry Christmas" in 1.4 million mass-produced cards goes nearly far enough. The words of Jesus Himself offer President Bush many ways to stress the reason for the season in personalized cards.

To those confused by his malapropisms: "You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive." (Matthew 13:14)

To passed-over or withdrawn Supreme Court nominees: "Many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14)

To the architects of the war in Iraq: "What king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand?" (Luke 14:31)

To supporters of his economic plan: "To those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away." (Matthew 13:12)

To liberals who pounce on his every mistake: "The measure you give will be the measure you get." (Matthew 7:2)

To those who decry the Bush dynasty: "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49)

 

© 2005 The Washington Post Company

Henry Brinton is pastor of Fairfax Presbyterian Church.
Author's e-mail: hgbrinton@aol.com

Link to Henry Brinton's Washington Post Articles Index Page

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