December 2: Blue Christmas Day
While Elvis made the term “A Blue Christmas” popular to
describe Christmas doldrums, this holiday is for those who work in law enforcement;
police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers. As of this writing (2020), it’s been a rough
year for the folks in blue.
There has recently been a concerted effort to rewrite
history. The argument goes that law enforcement sprang up to support greed and racism. While there is no question that those elements
have been a part of corrupt and nefarious groups, to paint all of those in blue
as necessarily in bed with greedy capitalists and white supremacist groups is
not only sad, but historically inaccurate.
The rule of law should be celebrated and encouraged,
especially by those of us who bear the name of Christ. The very purpose of government in general and
law enforcement in particular is this: “ For
rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of
the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive
his approval, for he
is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not
bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who
carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore
one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the
sake of conscience.“ (Romans 13:3-5)
The” power of the sword” would be translated “the power
of the gun” today. God has instituted
governments and their agents to punish those who do wrong, and reward those who
do good. To what end? “First of all, then, I urge
that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all
people, for
kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet
life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) We pray for those in authority over us so
that we may lead peaceful and quiet lives, IN THE PURSUIT OF GODLINESS!
Recent moves to defund the police and replace those in blue with social workers and counselors is as misguided as it is dangerous. Clearly, we need to ferret out “bad” agents, and correct injustices and abuses. But we must do that as we celebrate the contributions of the majority of those who protect and serve. Today, pray for those in blue. If you see one of them while getting your coffee, thank them for their service. Our church has even taken to sending thank you cards from the church to those in blue. However you celebrate this day, remember that governments and those in their employ have been put in place by God, for our good, and His glory. Go blue!
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