Christmas is a peculiar topic about which to have a war. Yet in certain quarters of the media, that appears to be precisely what is going on. Businesses that wish “Happy Holidays” are seen as betraying treasured Christian traditions. Meanwhile, wishing “Merry Christmas” to those who don't celebrate it can be seen as insensitive and overbearing.

Must Christmas be sacrificed to political correctness? Or must it be forced on others against their will? The “war” seems to set up an either/or choice.

But the spirit of Christmas is not overbearing. The child whom Christmas commemorates was born in a barn after his pregnant mother was turned away by everyone in the town. 

And Christmas is not in need of promotion. The original story was announced to the shepherds in the field and wise men from the East without electric-powered twinkle lights or “50 percent off” sales. 

Christmas is the promise of “on earth peace.” It is the commitment of goodwill toward all. These terms can't lead to a “war.” They should, in fact, be an antidote to it.

Today, our five stories include two on the nature of progress: For women in Africa or for conservationists trying to save elephants, how do you move forward when the way seems blocked? We also look at how the Muslim right is viewing the United States' Jerusalem move.