We have noted before that the President of the United States typically reflects the nation even in faith and practice. This year at Christmas, President Obama did not do something very traditional for an American president. He did not go to church to observe the birth of the Savior he claims to follow.
According to the New York Times, the president and family “celebrated a low-key Christmas in Hawaii this year,” but did not attend church services.
“Historically, watching the nation’s first family head to church dressed in their Sunday best, especially around the holiday season, was something of a ritual,” the Times noted. “Yet Mr. Obama’s faith is a more complicated, more private, and perhaps — religious and presidential historians say — a more inclusive affair.”
The president and first family have not attended church much at all since the president was elected. In fact, he has attended church a total of 18 times since being sworn in for his first term.
Some have noted that it is very unusual for a US president not to attend church at Christmas. This despite the president’s encouragement to return to the real meaning of Christmas.
“Every year, we mark the holiday season with celebrations and good cheer. And I should remind my girls that I like getting Christmas presents as much as anybody,” Obama said, according to Mail Online. “But this is also a time to remember the story of a child born to two faithful travelers on a holy night, long ago.”
Believers in Jesus Christ, including the president, should be careful to observe an active faith and not just give lip service. As James noted, we should be doers of the Word not hearers only.
