Unintentional Irony

On our way back home from Thanksgiving, we happened to drive through a small town. This unusual gift shop caught my eye. Outside were a number of signs. One sternly proclaimed that all the goods were American Made.

 OK, a lot of people feel strongly about that. No problem here. Other signs advertised Military Supplies and Tactical and Hunting Supplies.

I don't have a problem with hunting -- especially after having four different collisions with deer in as many vehicles. I'm not quite sure what "tactical supplies" might be (tackle?), but still, no worries.

But it was the other signs admonishing the reader to Put the Christ in Christmas that  I found interesting. Because one was right next to the sign for Military Supplies.


See, Christ had very strong opinions about using weapons, even in self-defense.

Here's what happened when armed soldiers came to arrest him:

Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." 

 - Matthew 26: 50-52 


The story -- with Jesus' admonishment -- is also told in Luke and John.

So, to me anyway, selling military supplies seems somewhat incompatible with the notion of  putting Christ into Christmas. I mean, if you feel that strongly about  the Prince of Peace...