I originally wrote this two years ago.
Although the world is a darker place now than it was then, I still stand by what I wrote.
Feel free to let me know what you think!
Let me say two things right up front.
1) I do think there is a cultural 'war' on Christmas. In our quest to make everyone happy and comfortable, many have taken things to a ridiculous level.
2) I LOVE Christmas! I mean, I love everything about Christmas!
So, that being said, the whole 'We Say Merry Christmas' thing often leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
Not that I don't think we shouldn't say Merry Christmas-- at our house we say it to all we greet this season. (note I do make an exception to those CLEARLY of a different religious belief)
And not that I don't think it's just plain silly to say 'Holiday' tree and the like. Seriously, I think everyone can agree it's a Christmas tree.
My problem with the whole thing is the attitude behind it. If you are saying Merry Christmas to prove some kind of point- The point you are proving is that you have attitude. Wishing someone Merry Christmas should come from the heart! That you do want them to know the true meaning of Christmas not that you have an agenda.
Never once have I found someone not respond back to with a smile and a "Merry Christmas to you too!" when saying it to them.
I know we've drifted far away from our founding principles as a nation and I know that is scary thought for so many of us. But, I want to teach my children and show others around me that Jesus came so long go, because He loves us.
I'm not sure you can do that with a chip on your shoulder.
When I think back to that cold Bethlehem night in a stable far away, I think of the love and compassion of a God who sees us and loves us anyway.
I have a hard time believing He would want us to use that night so long ago as weapon for when the "World" acts like the "World" always will.
Jesus came to be the Light of the World and calls us to be light in a dark place.
I'm not sure how much light we're putting off while tearing someone else down.
So, I'll say Merry Christmas to the overworked check out person at Wal Mart and to the diligent bell ringer as I drop in some change, to the tired waitress who messed up my order, not because I'm proving a point, but because I do indeed hope they know the peace, love and joy of a very Merry Christmas!
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4 comments:
I, too, have often wondered if sometimes we (Christians as a whole) get into a spitting war just to prove a point. Not that we don't have a point, but that in our quest to "keep" Christ in Christmas, we lose sight of what we are fighting for. I hope my "Merry Christmas" reflects that of the person we are celebrating.
Beautifully put!
Very well said!
thanks Tonya! Of course, I thought of things I would change or add, but it is what it is :)
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