On Saying "Merry Christmas"

“And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation…”

2 Corinthians 5:19b

Over the last several years, at this time of year, you hear a lot of conversation about the “war on Christmas.”  Most of this centers around what is perceived as an effort to take Christ out of Christmas.  People get concerned because some public schools now have to call it “Winter break” rather than “Christmas break.”  In some schools the children are not allowed to sing Christmas songs that make reference to Jesus and His birth.  They can only sing secular songs like Jingle Bells and so forth. In some stores clerks have been instructed to wish people a “happy holidays” not “Merry Christmas.”  The stores, I guess are worried about offending customers who aren’t Christian.  All of this has many Christians offended.  “What right does the world have to take “Christ” out of Christmas.  This is our Christian holiday, the celebration of our savior’s birth.”

I, however, want to share with you a different perspective on all of this, one that is growing in my heart over the years.   In my humble opinion, we believers in Jesus should be neither surprised or offended that the unbelieving world sees no need to wish us a Merry Christmas.  When someone wishes me a “happy holiday season” I am grateful for their kindness and wishes for my happiness. 

What?  How can you not be offended that they are taking “Christ” out of Christmas?  The reason is simple.  It’s not the job of the unbelieving world to keep Christ in Christmas.  It’s my job and your job as believers in Jesus.  Read the text for this blog today – God “has committed to us the message of reconciliation…”  He has made known to us the great good news that “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting men’s sins against them.”  He has brought us to faith in the good news that “savior has been born who is Christ the Lord.”   His calling in our life is to share that wonderful message of Christmas with a world that doesn’t know about Jesus.

In other words, if Christ is being left out of Christmas, than we who believe in Jesus should look at ourselves… then that means we are failing to share the good news of great joy with a world that doesn’t know Jesus.  The Lord has convicted me that it’s not the world’s job to wish me a Merry Christmas.  He has called me (and you) to speak that wonderful greeting to the world. For me to be offended when the people don’t wish me a Merry Christmas, does not reflect very well on that wonderful message.

So, this is my thought today.  If you and I want Christ to be in Christmas, then He needs to be at the center of our hearts, of our words and our witness.  His love for us should be reflected in our response to and our love for the people in our schools, in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods and communities.  Let me suggest a better response when someone wishes you a happy holiday.  First, say thank you.  After all, isn’t it nice that someone would wish you happiness?  Then, wish them a Merry Christmas.  Maybe you can be even more bold and tell them “I pray that God would bless you this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus our savior.”  After all that’s the work and witness God has called us to give!