Jesus and the Census

I always think of Monty Python’s Life Of Brian when I read about organizations getting charged with blasphemy.

Yes, blasphemy.

So I had to chuckle when I read Greg Tajeda’s latest at Chicago Argus. Greg reports that the Joliet Jackhammers have posted a sign that reads, “BUY JACKHAMMERS TICKETS TODAY! – God.”

That’s quite an endorsement.

As you can imagine, there are people who are quite offended by this specious use of the divine. The Jackhammers have a disclaimer on their Web page indicating “people who buy a season ticket package during the month of December can have the ballclub donate a portion of the purchase price to any church or religious organization the fan chooses,” according to Tajeda. The National Associaton of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), however, seems to have taken things a step further with their call to participate in the 2010 census. After all, “This is how Jesus was born,” an ad from the group claims.

From Chicago Argus:

IN THE CASE of the NALEO, they are trying to encourage Latinos to realize they should take it seriously next year when the Census Bureau sends them a form so they can be included in the official population count. For the Jackhammers, they’re trying to sell season tickets for 2010.

How does religion get involved in either of these “causes?”

For NALEO, they cited portions of the New Testament that would indicate that Joseph and Mary were headed to Bethlehem so they could be included in something resembling a modern-day Census, which would mean the baby Jesus was born just in time to be counted.

Their advertisements literally tell us, “This is how JESUS was born,” and adds later, “Don’t be afraid.”

NALEO IS ONE of about 136,000 groups cooperating with the Census Bureau to try to get as accurate a count as possible in the Census, which officially records how many people are living in the United States on April 1, 2010.

I’m not going to parse this any further. I simply see too many Christians who get wildly offended at alleged attempts on the part of — you name it: society, the media, atheists, the Left, the Right, liberals, Hollywood, government (local and federal) — to take the CHRIST out of CHRISTMAS.

Hogwash.  Christmas is what happens when you and your family get together and celebrate.  It’s what happens when you and your family go to Church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  Christmas is what happens when you and your family and friends exchange gifts, wish each other well, or pray for each other and help the less fortunate during this holiday season.

Sorry.  During this CHRISTmas season.

Nobody can steal your Christmas.  Nobody.  So get over it.

Some Christians can be downright rude during the Christmas season. Look, it’s not happening. There is no war on Christmas.

NALEO probably used bad judgment, but blasphemy?

I don’t think so.

Remember, this Christmas season (no, I’m not saying “holiday season” for a reason here), the big message is “Peace on Earth, good will to all.”

Please be sure to participate in the 2010 census. And the Joliet Jackhammers are awesome.

Merry Christmas.