In the C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the “White Witch” (who represents evil), through her wicked ways, made so it was “always winter and never Christmas” in Narnia.

It is not only in works of fiction, though, that people come along to abolish Christmas. Throughout history, we know of several dictators and government leaders who abolished Christmas. The Soviet Communists officially abolished Christmas, as did Adolf Hitler in Germany. Even in England, military leader Oliver Cromwell, banned Christmas in the 17th Century because the holiday seemed “too Pope-ish” (i.e. Roman Catholic).

While it is unlikely any newly-elected leader in America could do away with Christmas officially, many fear Christmas is being done away with unofficially, from the forces of political correctness in the culture and the economy.

This comes in tangible, frontal attacks on Christmas, such as what was recently seen at the University of Tennessee’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which issued a memo recommending ways to make sure all holiday expressions on campus were Christmas-free.

It also comes in more subtle ways, such as items previously associated with Christmas being named, such as Christmas trees called “holiday trees,” Christmas parties now called “holiday parties.”

Yes, the “War on Christmas,” as it is called, has created an all-out cultural battle. From the culture to business to the government, people everywhere are likely to continue to remove nativity scenes from public, banish the name of Christ from every publicity piece, and worse.

But this is nothing new. Christians must know that in almost every generation, someone has tried to do away with Christmas. If you think about it, King Herod of the Bible tried to stop Christmas before it started, with his orders to execute first-born boys.

So what can we do to stay committed to Christmas? There are at least three things we can do.

1. Don’t wait on the culture

This Christian holiday could fall on such hard times that it will no longer be profitable for stores to sell Christmas merchandise. Christians cannot and should not wait on the culture to help us share in Advent and Christmas. We should be preserving the culture, telling the stories and making art that does this.

2. Be a Joshua

Americans hopefully will be protected from a Lenin or Stalin coming along to officially abolish Christmas. We must be decided, however, that whatever comes, our household will have a Joshua attitude. This says, ““If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15).

3. Go to Worship, don’t just yell at the TV

Cable TV news channels do a great job at getting us riled up. If we’re not careful, reacting in  an angry way to what’s on TV will become the new form of “worship” at Christmas. The best way you can help “our side” of the War on Christmas may be to turn the TV off and go to a Christmas worship service. The quiet testimony of Christians turning aside from busy holiday schedules to worship the King will speak much more loudly than talking heads on television.

The Advent season and Christmas itself are powerful reminders that “God became flesh and dwelt among us,” offering salvation and new life to all who repent and believe. Don’t get distracted or fearful by the War on Christmas. Get focused on Jesus, the real reason of the season.