LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY jarandhel)

Every year it seems that Christmas is marketed to us earlier. Halloween costumes are still on the shelves this year, and I have already seen Christmas trees only aisles away advertising the coming shopping season. And now another sign of the season is coming even earlier as well: the "War on Christmas". The American Family Association just sent this charming missive to its mailing list:

Oak Lawn, Illinois bans Christmas from schools

Here is a Christmas Plan They Can't Ban!

It is time to take a stand. Sponsor your church in
Project Merry Christmas.

Dear ,

It's hard to believe this kind of religious intolerance can happen in America in 2007.
The city of Oak Lawn, Illinois has banned any recognition of Christmas in their schools. The ban came after a Muslim woman complained.

I don't know what you think about that, but I am more than a little annoyed by those who want to replace Christmas with a secular holiday.

It's time Christians take a stand and proclaim to our communities that Christmas is not just a winter holiday focused on materialism, but a "holy day" when we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Here is a Christmas Plan They Can't Ban!

This year you can remind your community of the true meaning of Christmas by taking a vital leadership role in AFA’s "Project Merry Christmas."

Here's how. AFA is making available an attractive button and magnet that carry this thought-provoking, Gospel-focused message: "Merry Christmas. God's Good News."

I am asking you to purchase enough buttons for each member of your church and enough magnets for each family to have one. Urge your fellow members to wear their buttons and display the magnets during the entire Christmas season.

If you are unable to sponsor your church yourself, ask your Sunday School class to make it a class project. You can even order buttons and magnets to share with co-workers, children in Christian schools, customers, etc.

I know that some might think simply wearing a button or displaying a car magnet is a small thing, but God can use small things to make a big point, and to create opportunities to share the Good News. And what a great time to do that at Christmas!

I'm asking individuals like you in thousands of communities across the nation to head up this project in their local churches. Your willingness to underwrite the cost for your church and enthusiastically promote this project is the key to making an impact in your area.

Order before November 1 and AFA will pay the shipping.

During the upcoming Christmas season, your church can bless your whole community by offering this gentle reminder to everyone you meet: "Merry Christmas. God’s Good News." It's a plan they can't ban!

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon, Chairman
American Family Association

Funny how they're not just perpetuating the War on Christmas meme, they're profiting from it. It's the gift that keeps on giving! They're also perpetuating a false negative image of Muslims. The parent who "complained", it seems, never asked for recognition of Christmas to be banned. She asked for Ramadan to be added to the list of observed holidays. Here's the real story:
http://www.wbbm780.com/Emotions-Run-High-Over-Holiday-Celebrations-In-Oak/1043399

Keep the spirit of Christmas alive! Bear false witness against Muslims and buy your Naggy Christmas pin today! Available at your nearest Dominionist megachurch & shopping center, in the aisle behind the white sheets and nazi paraphenalia.

Edit: Edited to correct the name of the organization involved. It should have been American Family Assocation, not Focus on the Family.