Advent
Luke Warm Christmas
There has been a lot of talk this year about the phrase "Happy Holidays" versus “Merry Christmas”. I for one prefer to say Merry Christmas as I am a follower of Christ. However, the greeting Happy Holidays is not offensive to me. You see, it began innocently enough. It was a way to include all the holy-days surrounding our Savior’s birth into one greeting! Over the years, however, it has lost its meaning. Instead of being a way of wishing people well during December’s holy days, it came to be a way to skirt around the Christ in Christmas. How sad.
Today, in our politically correct society, Nativity scenes, Christian decorations and even workplace discussions of Jesus have been attacked. Atheistic signs and anti-Christmas slogans have become common in the name of “free” speech. Christmas, it seems, is being attacked under the guise of not wanting to exclude anyone...or as I have read so often in the headlines recently, so as not to "offend" anyone. Hmmmm. What about the Christian’s right to free speech?
Now, I'm all for being polite and not being disrespectful to my neighbor. Christ teaches us to love and not to hate. But He also tells us to "Go and make disciples of all nations…" (Matthew 28:19). How can we do that if we are lukewarm in expressing our faith? I think it’s time we stop watering down why we are celebrating! Should we hide and act as though we are ashamed of Christmas? If we do, aren't we really saying we are ashamed of Christ? And, how can that be? Jesus Christ - the One who came to forgive our sins, to heal our souls and to set us free! Jesus Christ - the One who came to give us hope, peace, joy and love! To me, that is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a gift beyond description.
I know that Jesus is the One who saves. I cannot force anyone to believe. However, through my actions, my words and yes, even my celebration of Christmas, I can plant the seeds that hopefully point others to Him. So, during this holy-day season, let’s remember not to hide from the true meaning of Christmas simply because we don’t want to upset someone who doesn’t (yet) believe. God’s gift of Christ is far too special and far too important to keep behind closed doors.
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light” (Luke 11:33).
My prayer is that Christ’s light will shine brightly throughout our homes, cities and country this Christmas. May we have the courage to stand up and proclaim to the world that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He is the reason we are celebrating! Through everything we do and say, may we reveal the love of Christ to those around us so that all will come to see the Light.
Praising the Name of Christ,
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14 Comments
You are so right, Joan! I have actually felt a little annoyed by all this controversy! Christmas is about Christ's birth and it seems like the world is trying to bury this fact! I, for one, will always be ready to stand up and proclaim that Jesus is the REASON for the season!! Thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteJoan:
ReplyDeleteI also was never offended when someone said "Happy Holidays". Now that it has become the "politically correct" thing to do, I am careful to say "Merry Christmas". In a nearby town, atheiest petetioned to put up their own sign on a courthouse lawn because of a nativity scene. Their "free speach" was being violated. However, it seems these days that the only free speech being violated is that of Christans and it makes me sad.
You are right, we need to let our light shine brightly. There is no one that God's saving grace is unable to reach.
Blessings,
Joan
I agree, Joan! Whatever takes away God's witness is not right. If Christians or any group is silenced, that is the opposite of freedom. Good post!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy Holy Days, both centered around Christ. I Love it, Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to proclaim Christ in a way that lets others know about him and that we are believers but as you say without offending someone. Sadly, too much of Christmas has been taken away from the manger. Merry Christmas! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Joan....I' wrote a similar post and yes yes yes to speaking the Truth. Hope you have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteGood topic! Yesterday I made a point to say "Merry Christmas" to everyone. It had a favorable response. In fact one clerk thanked me for saying it versus "Happy Holidays'!!!
ReplyDeleteBoy, Joan. I couldn't agree more. I remember when Happy Holidays was a good greeting but it has been hijacked to mean something "politically correct". The more I learn about political correctness the more I hate it. It seems like the only people who are getting less and less freedom are Christians. Thank you for sharing this timely post, and MERRY CHRISTMAS.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Amen! Jesus is the Light to the Nations and only in Him can we shine.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Joan. I am also angered about the watering down of Christ in our society - and especially at this time of year. We must not be ashamed to speak the name of Jesus - and to proclaim the Truth of who He was and what He came to do.
ReplyDeleteMerry CHRISTmas, I say to the world.
GOD BLESS!
I'm seeing glimpses of God's light around me with each Merry Christmas I hear. The birth of Christ was light to a world bound by rules and sacrifices.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Pamela
Powerful post, Joan. Yes, we are asked to be political correct, but what about us who believe?
ReplyDeleteI do not 'cram' Christ down into someones throat, but everyone around me knows what I believe and Who I trust Him. I hope that they can see one day why.
Great post Joan. Every year we see more schools choosing to have a 'politicially correct' Christmas, nativity plays being swapped for other things, no exchange of cards as it may offend ... it saddens me greatly. It is one of the reasons why I am doing my Advent series, and hope it may make a difference somewhere, to see the great hope we have in Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anita! Even though I wrote this post last year, I sent it through Pinterest this year because I felt it was so relevant to what we are experiencing in the world today. I think that when we stand up for what we believe and truly celebrate the gift that Christ is, we will all be encouraged! Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteJoin the conversation! (Be sure to add your first name so I know who I'm talking to!)