Is it me, or are people unusually eager to move on from Christmas this year? When I went for a walk on Christmas night, I passed several homes that already had tossed their tree to the curb!
Sure, the economy has been rough. But to me, that’s a reason to keep the good times rolling as long as possible. It couldn’t hurt. As a Christian, this season brings me great joy – so I’m sad to see it go so quickly.
Jesus – Finding Common Ground
Of course, many other religions don’t believe in Jesus as the Son of God. And many don’t celebrate Jesus’ birth. But why not Muslims? Ironically, Christians and Muslims share more in common on the subject of Jesus than it may seem!
Compare the New Testament and the Quran, and you’ll see that both religions believe Jesus was:
- Born of the virgin Mary
- Conceived through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus – Understanding the Differences
Of course, on the other hand, Christians and Muslims disagree about who Jesus was, and what his life means for us, spiritually. But that shouldn’t mean Muslims can’t join us in celebrating Christmas.
Christians believe Jesus was God made manifest in human form – God the Son. To the Muslim, this makes Christians guilty of “shirk” – the blasphemy of associating a man (Jesus) with God. This isn’t a small difference, theologically, because it speaks to the heart of both religions.
The radical monotheism of Islam requires that no one is divine but God – Allah (“The God” in Arabic). In contrast, the Christian concept of the Trinity (Father – Son – Holy Spirit), doesn’t allow for Jesus to be a mere mortal. So both religions view the other as incorrect, wrong, misled, misguided, or heretical. It seems there’s no common ground here.
Defining Holidays
Muslims celebrate holidays identified by the Quran – Ramadan, the Hajj, and the respective Eids (or feasts) for these holidays. Since the Quran doesn’t classify Jesus’ birthday among its celebrations, Muslims don’t acknowledge it. But that doesn’t mean they couldn’t, or shouldn’t. After all, if Muslims see Jesus as a prophet (which they do), why not celebrate his birthday?
I’m not saying Muslims should necessarily decorate Christmas trees and splurge on too many gifts, as many Christians do. But perhaps a birthday cake and a few presents might be nice – especially in parts of the world where Christians celebrate the holiday.
Obviously, here in America, we’ve moved away from the original intent of Christmas. Initially, it was known as “Christ’s Mass” – the church celebration commemorating Christ’s birth. Now, millions of Americans who don’t believe in Jesus’ divinity – or even attend church – feel perfectly comfortable celebrating the holiday. To these Americans, it’s a season focused on peace, love and joy – an opportunity to exchange gifts with family and friends – and a time to sense beauty, magic and wonder around us.
The Spirit of Christmas – Free for All
As a Christian, I don’t begrudge non-Christians these blessings of the season. I’m actually glad my religion has given others something to celebrate. There are plenty of Christians out there bemoaning how Christmas has become less definitively “Christian.” However, I’m not one of them.
I am happy to share the holiday with anyone who wishes to celebrate it with me – in a spirit of true love and fellowship. And so I offer those Muslims who may want to celebrate Christmas my warmest wishes for the blessings of this season.
Throughout the coming year, may we focus more on the common ground we share than the differences that may divide us. And may we find more peace on earth and good will towards all!
Jeff
(To discover what the holidays were like for me while I was serving in the muslim country of Afghanistan, I invite you to read my book, “AFGHAN JOURNAL: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan.” Learn more at the Afghan Journal website. Or order it at Amazon.com.)
