Lukewarm Christmas

There has been a lot of talk in recent years 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,