James C. Bryant, 32°, K.C.C.H.
1470 Leafmore Place, Decatur, Georgia 30033–2023

Christmas is part of the fabric of American culture, regardless of our individual religious beliefs. Non-Christians understand it as a festive holiday season that calls on people of good will and peace to treat each other with special kindness and generosity. Everyone is caught up in the spirit of buying presents and sending holiday greetings.

During the holiday season, beginning on December 22, 2000, Jews will celebrate Hanukkah (literally, dedication), the Festival of Lights lasting eight days to commemorate the victory in 165 B.C. of the Jewish Maccabee brothers over Greek oppressor Antiochus Epiphanes and the consequent rededication of the Temple at Jerusalem after three years of disuse because of desecration. A Menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, is kindled, one candle each night. The ninth candle, the shammash, is used to light the other candles. The lighting is accompanied by chanting appropriate blessings and singing. Afterwards small gifts are exchanged.

The Hanukkah light, symbolizing the light of religious, national, and cultural freedom, continues to be celebrated, although the Maccabbean victory was short-lived and Jewish autonomy was lost again less than 100 years later, not to return until 1948 when the Jewish state was born.

What can Christians gain from Hanukkah? For one thing, they can see in the Jewish struggle against oppression that hope remains alive and inspires the best during the worst of times. Hanukkah also symbolizes the strength of personal conscience and religious freedom. Also, it reminds us that we are all children of God and brothers to each other.

Most Americans celebrate Christmas during the holiday season. For Christians, Christmas is a feast commemorating the birth of Jesus, the Messiah as written in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. The life of young Jesus ended with crucifixion, but not before he introduced his followers to the Kingdom of God, a spiritual realm that surpasses time and space. He had dedicated His life to teaching women and men how to know God and do His will on earth. The ministry of Jesus was directed at helping others and loving all humankind in peace and good will. He urged generosity, tolerance, and forbearance.

What can non-Christians gain from Christmas? Regardless of our religion, the joy expressed at Christmas and the genuine warmth expressed by many can help people sense the bond of brotherhood that rises above dogma. When we hear "Joy to the World" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful," it is hard to resist thinking warm thoughts of family and friends. For a while, we incline to be more courteous than usual, and we take time to wish each other "Merry Christmas" and send season's greetings through the mail.

Christmas has a way of bringing out the best in human nature, regardless of bad times. It is a happy time for people willing to be happy, and it presents a challenge for us to seek peace on earth and good will among all persons. Christmas reminds us, even for a short while, that we are capable of much more than we show, and its spirit makes us wish it would continue throughout the year.

The Christmas season and what it stands for—kindness, generosity, and understanding—apply to people of any religion.
Can anyone rightly object to peace and good will?

James C. Bryant is an ordained minister and a frequent speaker who is currently Special Assistant to the President and University Historian at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. The author of several books and articles, he is the Chaplain of Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta and editor of the Basharat, Yaarab Temple's popular monthly magazine, where the above article originally was published.