McDonalds Canada and the Spirit of Christmas

And lo, the Dercee from McDonalds Canada went forth to all of the restaurants it owned (though not to its franchises) that Christmas was banished from the land. No banners or trees or ribbons or Christmas music. Its restaurants were to be as bland as a November's day, with all hint of Christmas stiffled to death. Why, you might ask? Because Christmas is "too controversial."

Meanwhile in Toronto a provincial court judge has banned the Christmas tree from courthouse property. Not, mind you, because of that curious American misreading of its own constitution. Toronto, after all, is in Canada. No it was because Christmas trees are "too controversial."

Meanwhile people of many religions - Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists - laugh at us in amazed surprise. They were never against Christmas. In fact, they kind of liked it. Thus the indentity of the person or persons who declared Christmas "too controversial" remains a mystery. Apparently, in the interests of plurality and multiculturalism we've decided to create a monochrome society in which anything that would give spice to life is forbidden.

I've pretty much given up on saving Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Jesus, because Silver Bells and Baby It's Cold Outside have knocked the stuffings out of Away in a Manger. But society needs to value Christmas for one thing - it seems to be the only time in the year when we reflect on who we are and who we need to be. It's the only doorway, narrow and confused, though it may be, to the true meaning of everything.

And for those who can see past the tinsel (if tinsel is allowed where you are), they may be able to discern dimly a baby in the manger who is the hope of us all.