We Christians in The USA have a frustrating time at Christmas. We see many of the symbols of our faith being removed from society; public displays of the Manger scene, Government officials honoring God or praying for the country, greetings of merry Christmas...all vanishing. It seems as thought the most tolerant faith ever is not being tolerated. The easy response is to lash out, try to reverse the tide by force of will, political pressure and even the court system. I'd like to recommend a different tactic.
Let's understand what Jesus told us the last days would look like and honor Him by doing what He told us to do. Jesus said we would have many enemies because of Him. He said we are blessed (lucky) when people persecute and falsely accuse us. He told us that famine, earthquakes and wars would all increase until the end. Jesus told us that we would be hated by all nations because of Him, we would be imprisoned and killed, but that he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He gave us an example by praying for the very people who were killing Him. Surely, we can do the same for those who are merely being intolerant towards us.
If we can't have a cross in the public square and can't pray out loud in a public school, it means nothing. The place we carry Jesus and honor Him is in our hearts. The best way to do that is by honoring His teaching and His example by being good to those who hate us and praying for them. The weapons of our warfare are mighty. We battle not against flesh and blood. This Christmas and throughout the years to come, let's be tolerant even of the intolerant and do our fighting the only place we can win...in the spiritual realm.