"Tens of millions of Christians decorate Christmas trees each year to demonstrate their joyful anticipation of the marking of Jesus’ birth. Mindful of the Christian teaching that “faith without works is dead,” Christians also demonstrate the hope and joy of the season through generous acts of kindness to their family, friends and the less fortunate. House Speaker Dennis Hastert has chosen to mark the season by insisting that the Capitol’s decorated spruce be called a “Christmas tree,” as opposed to a “Holiday tree.” He is right on this point. It is a Christmas tree. While the Speaker’s action may constitute a “work,” we think that the message of Jesus means more. If Speaker Hastert really wants to put Christ back into Christmas he might want to start by joining religious leaders such as Reverend David Beckmann (Bread for the World), Reverend John Thomas (UCC), Reverend Jim Winkler (UMC), Reverend Clifton Kirkpatrick (PCUSA), Bishop Mark Hanson (ELCA), and Bishop Frank Griswold (Episcopal Church) in supporting an effort to reverse the House’s plan to cut $50 billion from Medicaid, food stamps and student loans while spending tens of billions of dollars on tax cuts for people earning over a $1 million per year. Hastert should heed the true spirit of Christ by caring for the poor and vulnerable. As Jesus reminds us in Luke 4:18-20, by following his example we can "bring good news to the poor."Center for American Progress
