In “The Wise Man’s Gold”, Gordon is an object of ridicule because he decorates his workspace for the Christmas season. It’s clear that no one considers him worth emulating.
Bah. Humbug.
As a schoolteacher for fifty years, I encountered Gordon’s dilemma annually when I inserted a wreathe on my bulletin board and spruced up my room with a few other visuals. We were a private, but not parochial, school; and while that meant Constitutional issues were not involved, other matters were just as touchy and off-putting.
For example, there was religious diversity to consider. Did I have to give a menorah equal prominence if I put up a tree? Would non-Christian parents conclude I was proselytizing? Were Nativity scenes coming next?
And Hindus might wonder why Diwali was omitted. In the Muslim calendar, there are a number of revolving holidays, although they are not associated with a visual perspective.
Do I have to please everybody?
On the other hand, should I ignore the fact that everything from parking lots to traffic light poles is draped with festive lights and/or greenery? Should I make my European History presentation as thoroughly Calvinistic as the Puritans we are studying?
Of course, I also had to deal with the raised eyebrows of my teaching associates. Although not as openly critical as Gordon’s officemates, they let me know that decorations ought to be confined strictly to the lower grades.
I acknowledge these opinions. I understand that each is based on rational assumptions and a desire to sustain our academic focus and our dedication to acceptance of — not merely ‘tolerance of” — our national diversity.
But we do not achieve an appreciation of cultural variety by ignoring that diversity is there. To be diverse assumes and acknowledges that we are not all identical, except in our love of country.
Pointing out that even the atheist Soviet Union celebrated a “Winter Festival” using prominent decorations, I set up my class tree with secular ornamentation.
A key principle and motivation in all this is the need to explain what each faith celebrates this time of year. One must be ready to answer questions that will convey information and enhance understanding.
In “The Red and Green Blues”, Phil learns that caring for others is what has been missing from his office parties. That is what Gordon already knows. The Josephson family (“Annunciation” and “The Transparent Angel”) embodies selfless love in our diverse society and does not need to explain it.
While Gordon’s love of holiday decorations brought him ridicule from his office mates, his sensitivity toward the client’s desire for a holiday message bridging cultures and beliefs struck at the heart of ethical business practices.
Joy that stems from that kind of active love is at the heart of why we celebrate, no matter what our faith may be. Gabe (in “Friend, are you saved?”) states that reflecting God’s love in our lives is “a great sales pitch”. That is something we can use in the workplace, in school, and at home.