I have am blessed to have very wise friends who have a variety of takes on any number of issues. Â One that is coming up right now is the issue around the phrase, “Merry Christmas!” Â Should we be allowed / encouraged to use that particular term at the expense of the more generic greeting, “Happy Holidays!” Â What do each of those phrases represent and what is the larger issue that is bubbling just under the surface? Â It is a very meaningful discussion, no?
This is an by Elizabeth Hunter, from .
While I don’t resonate with all of her thoughts, my question is… Â Â Â What are your thoughts on her thoughts?
This will likely be the last posting for the year as I am taking a few days off and then will be going to !
In the name of our Messiah whose birth I celebrate,
Jim
RobS said...
1I emphatically wished a Jewish friend “Merry Christmas” yesterday on the phone so I must be one of the troublemakers that Elizabeth describes in her essay.
I’m not sure her essay said a lot of opinion, more of a history lesson of sorts.
Although, for Christmas, we will give some gifts to the less fortunate, and put up a tree, etc, but for the Christ follower, the time to reflect on God becoming flesh — incarnate — is truly what Christmas should be.
I did like her point about shepherds, Bethlehem, Mary & Joseph — the more common or insignificant parts of the world were touched by the first Christmas. And not to think too highly of myself, but compared to God, I’m insignificant as well — but in Christmas I can be joyful that He comes to me then too.
12/21/11 2:24 PM | Comment Link
John said...
2So if the statistical majority of people believe that the purpose of Christmas is to spend time with family and friends, why would they be upset when I wish them a Merry Christmas? They must not like their families too much, I guess 😉
12/21/11 4:09 PM | Comment Link
Saul said...
3Jim, the CNN article refers to Christmas being “political” throughout history, but only seems to address the politics of the day during Jesus’ birth. The more recent issue regarding political correctness of saying “Merry Christmas” (as referenced in your blog heading) is a much more interesting topic to me. It seems to me like the whole “War on Christmas” has been a hot topic only in the last decade or two, and perhaps might be a product of the media. I suppose there have been people out there who are offended by the term “Merry Christmas”, but I never was back when I was an atheist, nor do I know any non-Christian friends who would take offense. My wife works in the school system, where the word “Christmas” is no longer used. However, this seems to result from pressure not from Atheists or non-Christians, but from groups or individuals who call themselves Christians but forego the traditional American Christmas celebrations. If anything, their gripe may be that Christmas is not Christian enough, and the celebrations distract followers from the reason for the season.
Recently, our United Methodist pastor wrote a great sermon regarding the “War on Christmas.” Truth be told, Christmas hasn’t been about Christ for years. For much of the western world, it is a time to enjoy certain special traditions involving certain trees and foods, spend time with our families, give and receive gifts, do something wonderful for children, and boost our economy (much of which is very dependent on this holiday.) That’s what our pastor refers to technically as “Christmas.” Coincidentally, Christians would also use this time to celebrate the birth of Christ. It seems contradictory for a Christian to use this same time to boycott stores, confront cashiers, browbeat non-Christians, and some of the other things that have more recently been associated with this holiday. My gut instinct tells me that Christ would not have approved of such behavior. And from the point of view of someone coming from a secular background, that sort of hysteria just seems silly. Let’s use this time to appreciate our blessings, and to works to show the world how Christ would recommend we live.
P.S. I would like to wish a Merry Christmas to you and your readers.
Saul
12/21/11 9:40 PM | Comment Link
said...
4RobS -You don’t need a CNN blogger to know you are a troublemaker! 🙂 I think the historical vibe as to the recency of what we understand as the celebration of Christmas demonstrates her opinion… Merry Christmas to you, Robin and the Schneider clan!
Saul – love your points, don’t have time to reflect on them now but will do so in about a week. I think that some of the “War on Christmas” vigor and lingo comes from a theological viewpoint about the role of Christ-followers in our world. Will delve into this more in a few days… Love your sentiment as well about showing how Christ would navigate an issue like this as well… Merry Christmas to you!
12/22/11 11:12 AM | Comment Link
said...
5anyone else?
12/22/11 11:12 AM | Comment Link