The message of Christmas

At this time of year, many struggle to find the deep meaning of Christmas, aside from the presents, the glitter and endless pop Christmas tunes on the car radio. We are in a conflicted, oppositional era when even the progressive and conservative Christians seem to be at war with one another.

That recently played out in an attack by Mayor Higgins, Spokane Valley, on Rev. Gen Heywood, minister of Veradale United Church of Christ. The mayor accused her and the interfaith groups she works with of being aligned with violent, hate-filled people. Nothing could be further from the truth.

As the lay leader of the Pacific NW Conference of the United Church of Christ, I know many people are shocked to hear of a Christian church and a denomination that truly believes every person is unique and valuable, and that “no matter where we are on life’s journey – notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God.” This Christmas, I hope those on the far right, the far left and everyone in-between know: the message of Christmas is to ‘love one another’.

Wendy Blight

Seattle