Why Christmas Still Matters

We all benefit--not just the religious

It’s telling that the birthplace of Jesus cancelled Christmas this year. The Palestinian Authority (PA) that governs the city of Bethlehem ordered all local Christmas decorations demolished. Its rationale: Celebrating Christmas offends the sensibilities of Muslims who live there.

In 1950, Christians made up 87% of the Bethlehem population. Now they make up only 12%. Far from respecting religious diversity, the PA has sought to eliminate all expressions of Christianity in Bethlehem since Israel transferred administrative and military control to it in 1995.

As the presence of Christianity, and its most visible public expression, Christmas, fades from the city of Bethlehem, we should remind ourselves of the importance of Christmas—not just for Christians but for all people, religious and secular.