In the last few years The New York Times has been publishing several articles on Christmas and religious displays. In one article published in 2004, the author complains about the lack of Christian themes in modern Christmas music, while another complained that in a pluralistic society we must be sensitive to Jews and Muslims. This sentimental view of Christmas together with this pluralistic view of Christmas both err. The Coming of Messiah is the coming for the nations. Whether Buddhists or Jews, Messiah must be acknowledged, and indeed He will be acknowledged by all peoples. The Consolation of the world (Luke 2:22-35) will bring light to every man. The question is not so much a question of sentimentalism or pluralism, it is a question of authority and lordship. Christmas declares that Caesar is not Lord, Messiah is, and His kingdom has no interest in sharing its glory with another.
