No Happy Holidays

by Sharman J. Monroe

Back in the day, at this time of year, people would greet each other with a resounding “Merry Christmas!” People would respond with either “Merry Christmas to you!” or nod and smile. Nowadays people are quick to frown and snap back “I’m Jewish!” or “I’m Muslim!” or “I’m this!” or “I’m that!” or “I don’t celebrate Christmas!” What ever happened to “if you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all”?

Because of people’s reactions, Christians today are timid about saying Merry Christmas. They don’t want to offend others or, worse, be viewed as politically incorrect. The funny thing is the other people think nothing of offending Christians when they snap back their curt responses.

The word “Christmas” comes from the Old English Cristes Maesse, which means “the Mass of Christ” and it was a day set aside to celebrate and remember the birth of Christ (before anyone says, I know Christ was not born on December 25^th). Jesus the Christ came into the world to save us from the penalty sin, which is death, and to give whosoever believes in Him everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus called Christians, believers in Him, to be the light of the world and to let our light shine (Matthew 5: 14-16). He left us here spread the good news of His coming and His redemptive death throughout the whole world (Matthew 28:19-20). We can’t do that if we are concerned about being “politically correct”. As Christians, we must be proud and overt in our belief in Jesus so that others ask us why.

Some say the greeting “Happy Holidays” is meant encompasses all the various holidays in December. I can buy that but don’t forget Jesus, also called Emmanuel meaning “God with us”, is THE reason for the season. Clearly something to celebrate!

Merry Christmas to all our readers and your families!