ArcaMax

My critique of Christmas cards definitely struck a nerve. I wrote about how I was disappointed at how many Christmas cards left out any reference to the belief that Christmas is the day Christians celebrate the birth of the Messiah – Jesus Christ – and substituted gauzy trite depictions of winter scenes or worse the fat guy with the flying venison. In the flood of letters many of you were on my side:

Q: I read your article every Sunday in Newsday. I must comment favorably on your God Squad article of Dec. 28, 2025. I also have trouble choosing Christmas cards. None of the images they depict seem real to me. We do not know what Mary and Joseph looked like. The inside sentiments don't seem appropriate. A card with a Christmas tree on the cover? Please! All those images we associate with Christmas came from Europe and were adapted from pagan/polytheism rituals: mistletoe, decorating trees, etc. And Santa Claus has nothing to do with Jesus. He has his own holy day (Dec. 6, 2025). I remember as a child decorating the bottom of a Christmas tree with the Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in a manger (because there was no room at the inn – more on that later), and a figure of Santa Claus! Jesus was not born on December 25. And there wasn't any snow. Jesus' real name was Joshua. "Jesus" is a Latinization of his name. Another attempt to un-Jewish Jesus?

Jesus was not blond with blue eyes as depicted in European art. I'm pretty sure they did not have "inns" in the Middle East when Jesus was born. I was raised Roman Catholic but thank you, Rabbi Gellman, and God bless! – (From E, Rego Park, Queens, NY

A: Once again you are spot on. This time regarding Christmas cards. In recent years, the trend is family photos. Of course, family photos are beautiful, but some even have no mention of Christmas. Just the kids and their dogs. Each year the Christmas holiday is more and more overdone with decorations and presents. This year, I bought my friend a nativity scene, just as a “gentle reminder”.

Q: As a practicing Catholic, I so often condone your wisdom, as well as that of my many Jewish friends. On a non-religious note: Happy New Year. – (From S in Westhampton, NY)

Q: Merry Christmas cards to my Christian friends and Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends. Been doing this for many many years. Will not send happy holiday cards to anyone. New year’s is not Christmas or Hanukkah. Thank you for your article. Read you every week. Father Tom Hartman married me many years ago! Great person! – (From D)

Of course, not everyone thought that I had spoken the truth…

Q: I greatly enjoy your column but disagree with your views on Christmas cards.

While Christmas is of course based upon Jesus's birth, the greater meaning of it, at least to me, is peace on earth and unity. The prophetic title of Christ as Prince of Peace from Isaiah 9:6 is the best description of this. For that reason, having Christmas cards that are more inclusive is actually a wonderful thing. They make all, or most, people have positive thoughts about the holidays and lead to greater harmony. Thank you very much for your sage advice over the years, even if I have a respectful disagreement with you every decade or so. – (From V)

A: Thank you, dear V, for your kind, gentle and wise disagreements. However, I am not certain that I agree with you that the highest life mission of Jesus was to become the Prince of Peace. If that were so, then his mission would have been a failure because peace did not arrive with him nor did it arrive after him. The one part of Jesus’ mission, as I interpret Christianity, was his atoning death and resurrection to wash away the sins of the world. For Christians that part of his mission was accomplished in full and tragic but glorious manner. The harmony you prize must come after the resurrection not before it.

Christmas is the celebration of what is to be, not what has already happened. For that Christians must wait for Easter. God bless you.

(Send ALL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS to The God Squad via email at godsquadquestion@aol.com. Rabbi Gellman is the author of several books, including “Religion for Dummies,” co-written with Fr. Tom Hartman. Also, the new God Squad podcast is now available.)

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