Staff Reports
As the festive season approaches, the spirit of Christmas typically fills the air with joy and goodwill. However, a recent stir in the news reminds us that not everyone is spreading cheer. Just days before Christmas, the New York Times published a piece featuring a Princeton University religion professor who indulged in some rather skeptical speculation about the virgin birth of Jesus. For those paying attention, this controversial article left many conservative readers scratching their heads and wondering whether the holiday truly remains a time for celebration or has become a platform for airing grievances against Christianity.
The article suggested that the miraculous virgin birth may not have been so miraculous after all, proposing the far-fetched idea that Jesus could have been fathered by a Roman soldier. This twist of academia felt more like a poorly scripted plot twist in a holiday movie than a serious historical critique. Father Gerald Murray, a canon lawyer from the Archdiocese of New York, quickly condemned these claims as “propaganda masquerading as history.” It seems that in an age of skeptical narratives, facts often take a backseat to sensationalism, especially when it comes to topics near and dear to believers’ hearts.
Father Murray pointed out that the claims made by the professor are not just misguided; they’re old news. This type of rhetoric has been recycled over the years like that fruitcake nobody wants to eat, but someone always seems to bring to holiday gatherings. With a history of penning provocative theories, the professor’s assertions were branded as “nonsense and garbage.” Instead of fostering an environment of respect and understanding, such narratives contribute to a growing tide of animosity towards faith during what should be a time of reflection and reverence.
The issue runs deeper than a single article, as it taps into the very foundation of Western civilization itself. Father Murray argued that the core of Western history is built upon the belief in one good God who sent His Son to redeem humankind. With that in mind, undermining this belief is akin to shaking the very pillars that hold society together. The assault on Christianity, particularly around the Christmas season, calls into question the principles of personal responsibility and the significance of truth—values that are essential as the nation faces challenges head-on.
In a delightful twist during the discussion, hope emerged from an unexpected source. Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh turned a post-game news conference into a moment of spiritual inspiration. He shared a moving message from the Virgin Mary, encouraging his team and fans alike to rejoice and remember the bigger picture of life. This reminder resonated beyond just sports, showing that even in the most competitive environments, there’s room for faith, courage, and a nod to the divine. Perhaps this uplift in religious sentiment is a signal that not all hope is lost in a world that seems to revel in dismissing it.
As the world gears up for the holiday season, the importance of celebrating joy and faith takes center stage. Amidst the noise of skeptics and cynics, it is essential to remember why Christmas is celebrated—to honor God’s intervention in history and to acknowledge the ultimate gift of salvation. More than just a season of gift-giving, it’s about recognizing that there is so much more to life than mere material existence. In an age of divisive narratives, let this Christmas be a clarion call to return to joy, hope, and above all, faith.
