A three-paragraph statement was released on Christmas Day by RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. It began by remining readers about the true reason for celebrating the season – Jesus Christ – but many critics did not get past the first paragraph, as some read into and questioned the intentions behind it.

Victims of assumption?

Even though most assumed it was obvious that the RNC’s Bible message (see below) was not subject to interpretation and was overtly speaking of Jesus as the “King” – with a capital ‘K’ – some read into things and accused the RNC of referring to President-elect Donald Trump as the “King.”

“Over two millennia ago, a new hope was born into the world, a Savior who would offer the promise of salvation to all mankind. Just as the three wise men did on that night, this Christmas heralds a time to celebrate the good news of a new King,” the first paragraph of RNC’s Christmas message read.

Shortly after the message was disseminated to in an effort to bring hope and encouragement to Americans nationwide, critics launched a volatile debate on social media by insisting that the reference of a “new King” was intended to refer to the incoming president, Donald Trump.

Taking to Twitter, John Weaver, who serves as the top aide to Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio), was one of the hostile respondents to the RNC’s Christmas message. He declared his anger and frustration with the statement – a statement that was subsequently confirmed to solely lift up Christ as King while celebrating His birth on Christmas Day.

“Dear RNC: We don’t have a ‘new King,’” Weaver tweeted on Christmas in a heated reaction to the opening of the RNC’s statement. “What the … is wrong with you people?”

More backlash …

More outrage over the message was expressed by one Twitter follower, who demanded an apology from the RNC for the so-called “comparison” of Trump to Jesus Christ.

“@reince & @rnc should apologize for using Christmas to compare @realDonaldTrump to Jesus & calling him a ‘new king,’” John Aravosis insisted in his Christmas tweet.

Another tweet accused the RNC of heresy and of lifting up the president-elect as an incoming royal ruling leader.

“#GOPChristmasMessage either blasphemy or crowning Trump king of America,” .Jim Gonyea posted on his Twitter account. “Either way disturbing.”

Silencing the critics

In an effort to dispel the rumors and accusations made over the GOP Christmas message, RNC Spokesman Sean Spicer – who will serve as Trump’s press secretary when he takes office next month – quickly set the record straight and quelled the social media frenzy.

Spicer spoke in defense of the RNC’s Christmas statement, broadcasting over the liberal media waves that the biblical reference had nothing to do with Trump assuming his role as president.

“Christ is the King in the Christian faith,” the soon-to-be White House spokesman stressed to CNN.

In a subsequent statement on the matter, Spicer addressed those behind the social media backlash to the RNC’s Christmas message.

“[It is] sad & disappointing you are politicizing such a holy day,” Spicer lamented, according to Fox News.

In addition to bringing glory to Jesus Christ, the RNC’s Christmas Day message encouraged Americans to pray for those serving the country in the United States Armed Forces and offer them their support and assistance.

“[Please] rise to meet the material, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals all around us,” the GOP’s Christmas statement concluded.