The relatively quiet ceremony on the National Mall stands in contrast to the Washington State Capitol, where a holiday tree became a Christmas tree which inspired the erection of a Menorah and a lawsuit installed a Nativity scene.  (The annual arguments are becoming so regular that the Seattle Times has called them the “holiday tradition.”)

More controversially, an atheist sign has joined the Christmas display.  While many have supported and even encouraged the free expression of the atheists, some have taken issue with the adversarial nature of the sign, which some say demeans the other celebrations present in the display:

“At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail.”
“There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell.”
“There is only our natural world.”
“Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts
and enslaves minds.”

Created and erected by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the same sign has been annually posted in the Wisconsin state capitol for 13 years.

Some have commented that while the Christmas displays are celebrations of the occasion, the atheist one is an intentional swipe at other beliefs; by contrast, an atheist sign that merely “celebrated” the winter solstice would not have received the same cool reception as the one which degrades religion–the object of the other displays.  Some have suggested, tongue in cheek, that a sign could now legally be erected next to the atheist one saying “Atheism is Lunacy…Merry Christmas,” and that it would be equally welcomed and protected.

Such behavior, though, while an entertaining diversion, would reflect neither the spirit of Christmas, nor the Spirit of Christ.

Just as there are controversies with Christmas displays in government, so, too, are there sometimes in the military.  Many bases also have base Christmas trees…or sometimes “holiday” trees.  Many have Christmas–or “holiday”–parties.  Often, there are Nativity scenes at base chapels or in common areas.  Traditionally, some units paint wooden “Christmas cards” that are posted along a main base road.  The plywood displays may vary from pictures of Santa Claus and “Happy Holidays” to various religious references.  This year, Hannakuh also falls during Christmas, so Menorahs and other imagery are likely to be erected as well.

Just as a base “holiday” tree should not inherently be considered an attack on Christianity, neither is a base “Christmas” tree an endorsement of a religious faith.  (And if the Commander in Chief can light the National Christmas tree in our nation’s capital, surely a base commander can do the same on a far smaller scale.)  Religious freedom still permits the public celebration of religious holidays–including Christmas, Hannakuh, and the Islamic Eids–by military members, even while on military bases.

That said, Christians would do well to remember that the meaning of Christmas goes beyond trees, lights, or signs.  While some battles must certainly be fought, Christians must remember that it is the message of Christ that is preeminent, and that message may sometimes be best conveyed with subtle, neighborly love, rather than critical controversies.

Who knows, even a “holiday” tree could be the impetus for a discussion on the “Reason for the Season.”