Christians See "War on Christmas" Momentum Shift

From Cybercast News Service:

(CNSNews.com) - While the city of Chicago is distancing itself from a movie on the nativity for fear of offending non-Christians, stores across the country are embracing the "Merry Christmas" greeting and Christian groups are claiming minor victories in what some have called the "war on Christmas."

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But while Christian groups continue to argue with Chicago over the film, they are seeing some victories in the "war on Christmas" as some companies that had once rejected Christmas terminology are beginning to embrace the holiday.

Among the most prominent stores now wishing shoppers a "Merry Christmas" rather than the generic "Happy Holidays" are Wal-Mart and Macy's.

Others like Target, Dillard's and J.C. Penny also make Christian advocacy groups' "nice list" as they are this year allowing employees to say "Merry Christmas" and are advertising Christmas sales and selling Christmas products.

While Christian activists are seeing victories in some areas, there are still numerous U.S. retailers that shun Christian terminology and symbols. Liberty Counsel's list of "naughty" and "nice" stores include 12 that are using "Christmas" and 14 that prefer to use more generic terms.

Spokesmen for Best Buy, Eddie Bauer and Barnes and Noble, all of which are on Liberty Counsel's "naughty list" of stores that avoid Christmas, did not respond to requests for comment Monday.

The American Family Association, which in 2005 led a campaign against Wal-Mart's use of "holidays" instead of "Christmas," is now targeting Best Buy.

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Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Catholic League Announces "2006 Christmas Watch"

"Nativity" Ban Called "Most Blatant" Form of "Religious Discrimination"

Christmas Banned From Christmas Festival

Marines Would Rather Needy Children Go Without This Christmas Than Receive a Jesus Doll

Best Buy Bans Use of "Merry Christmas"

Wal-Mart: We're Not Afraid to Say Merry Christmas

Court Okays Anti-Christian Discrimination - Allows Jewish and Muslim Symbols, but Not Christian Ones, in Public Schools

University Administrator Declares Christmas "Forbidden"

Massachusetts School District Cracks Down on Christmas

Merry You-Know-What

"Silent Night" Secularized (Wisconsin Elementary School Changes Lyrics)

"Merry Christmas" School Lunch Menus Recalled

I Celebrate Christmas

Jewish Groups: Okay to Say "Merry Christmas"

Catholic League: Wal-Mart Joins Neo-Puritan Left In Banning Baby Jesus' Birthday

Operation Nativity