As December inexorably marches toward the new year, another holiday season is upon us. Modern political correctness has created a controversy over how to greet one another. In the name of the modern mantra "give no offense," many people and merchants have adopted the greeting, "Happy Holidays" so as not to bruise any tender sensibilities. Happy Holidays is a clever way of satisfying the urge to say something celebratory while managing to say nothing and to avoid taking a stance. I don't think there is nothing wrong with saying "Happy Holidays." That is if you are celebrating that we've always celebrated at this time of year and nothing more.
Preferring the exercise of free speech to "giving no offense," I believe one should unashamedly proclaim the object of one's celebration. If you're a Christian, for Christ's sake, say, "Merry Christmas." If you're a Jew, shout,"Happy Hanukkah." If you're a rugged individualist who is not about to give up a day off work and presents in the name of something you don't believe in, feel free to let loose a hearty, "Happy Holidays!" I suppose if you're a follower of Islam, Buddism, or Hinduism it's best to just keep your mouth shut and mind your own business. The thing to do is to decide what you are celebrating and why you are celebrating it. The rest is easy.
To my fellow Christians I offer this gentle reminder, regardless of what the world is celebrating, we are celebrating the birth of Christ. This is not a rant about commercialism. If you want to decorate a tree, stuff yourself with cookies and fruitcake, and shower everyone you know with gifts---knock yourself out; there's no biblical prohibition to any of that. However, in the midst of all the indulgence and celebrating, take time for your spiritual dimension. Feast on the scripture, spiritual song and praise made possible by God's gift of a savior. Don't leave Jesus off your gift list. I'm not talking about money. I'm not even talking about good works or charity. I'm talking about giving God something He actually wants.
What do you give to the God who has everything? Your heart. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength..." this is God's Christmas wish.
Some people find fault because long ago Christmas co-opted the winter solstice celebrations of the heathen in order to memorialize the gift of the Christ child in a way that had roots in the local population. Get over it. The idea of celebrating the birth of Christ is a good one. It's not about a date; it's about an event. God gave His Son to reconcile the breach between God and Man. He gave His Son to the entire world but only in the sense that He gave His Son for each individual in the world. Pick a day and celebrate His gracious gift. But, understand there's no day like today to receive God's unspeakable gift. This Christmas exchange gifts with God. He gave His Son; give Him your heart.
Don't be dismayed by those who wish others a “Happy Holiday.” After all, without Christ, Christmas is nothing more than a chance to rob your employer every December 25th. If that's enough for you, have a "Happy Holiday." If you want more, I invite you to give the gift of your heart to God and have a "Merry Christmas."
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