“ Merry Christmas”
I remember the first time that I ever heard that those two words were considered offensive by some. Blew my mind almost as much as when I found out that “grape nuts” had nothing whatsoever to do with grapes or nuts. (Sorry) My breakfast cereal trauma aside, it seems like every year, there is a battle on some front over the Christmas season. There are arguments about whether “Merry Christmas” is an inclusive thing to say, arguments about whether Christmas is being practiced by Christians in a godly way, arguments about whether Christmas trees are actually pagan symbolism, arguments about the color of coffee cups, and even arguments about whether Christmas is Christian at all.
Christmas is indeed a time when many Christians celebrate God becoming flesh for the purpose of giving His life to redeem His children; although, in the secular realm, there are many who come together simply to celebrate family and the winter season. That being said, let me encourage you in this. Those who do not celebrate Christ are not “taking” Christmas from Christians anymore then they could take Jesus from them. The phrase “Jesus is the reason for the season” is still very applicable, because Jesus is the reason that any of us have any hope at all, in this season or any other.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3 This time of year can be secularized, commercialized, or “Santa-fied” but, the theme of the baby Jesus is still very much here, and this time of celebration is one of my favorites because it is the easiest time of year to start a conversation with somebody about Christ.
So, this year, I encourage you to not get caught up in the arguments one way or another. Follow your convictions regarding the celebration of the holiday, but more importantly, celebrate God sending His Son by telling someone about Him!
I’m reminded of the scripture: “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” 1 Peter 3:15 There will be ample opportunity to share your reason for hope this season. The opportunities are everywhere! The music! The decorations! The holiday’s name! Share the hope you have! Have a merry CHRISTmas!