Is there a “War On Christmas?” Absolutely! But that’s not what we should be worried about. There will always be the cantankerous Scrooge to rain, or snow, on somebody’s vision of Christmas.

The seemingly endless violations of the Christmas spirit by these modern nay-sayers are just trial attempts at something more deeply sinister; namely, the beginnings of a war on Christianity.

That sounds ominous, but think about it. In the 1950s and ’60s, when most of those reading this column grew up or raised families, the country was Judeo-Christian in public, in private, in population, in media, basically in everything. Jesus was worshiped as the Son of God, and spoken of as such even by non-believers. People could be pretty sure that their neighbor shared the same values as they did.

That is all changed. Our citizenry is much more diverse. Secularism has leeched religious meaning out of any public discourse or entertainment. To speak of Jesus as Savior or Lord is to unfairly impose private beliefs on public opinion. To insist there is a right or wrong is somehow being intolerant or absolutist.

Just to identify oneself as Christian with a Christian world view is to invite ridicule; moreover, to say you are Catholic is to so ratchet up the hatred level in some people that they spew forth a venom not seen before in our American culture.

We are tempted to withdraw, to not offend, to just keep the peace. But that is the insidious temptation for Catholics, indeed all Christians, of today.

Fortunately, St. John the Baptist strides out of the desert for us today, just as he did 2,000 years ago. Nobody feels comfortable around him. He is pent up righteous energy, staring you in the face, saying, “Get a grip: prepare, repent, get ready — you are part of the Messiah’s advance team!”

These Advent readings we hear about at Church are meant to stir us up. This is no time for a lukewarm faith; instead, we are asked to joyfully proclaim that Christ is coming into this world just like he did 2,000 years ago.

And that’s the point, isn’t it? Notice that St. John the Baptist comes out of the desert to tell us to get busy — he does not invite us back into the desert to be apart, quiet, silent. We are to face the darkness of this world with courage and bring Christ the Light to those who have not heard of him or who even reject him!

These little dust-ups of controversy over Christmas are just the beginning; we are called to get ready for the real struggle.

It’s good to read the signs of the times. It’s good to get mad about those who savage our faith or traditions. But it’s better to be the kind of Christian that sees the damage and goes out into the world to right it. Many lift their eyes to the heavens and see only darkness.

This Christmas, look to the skies and find the star that leads you to Bethlehem; let its light fill you with joy and hope.