"Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" - part 2

Just one more thought on this topic... (see yesterday's post HERE)

I DO think that Christmas needs to be reclaimed. But I don't think it needs to be reclaimed from retailers who say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." I think Christmas needs to be reclaimed from the entire rat-race nature of the Christmas season.

We tell our children that Christmas is about peace, joy and love being found in Christ, but then we spend the month of December doing nothing but running from one commitment to another - spending too much money - being impatient and irritable - and not very happy or forgiving.

So - I'm not sure we need to fight the "Happy Holidays" debate... Instead, let's fight allowing ourselves to be distracted from finding our joy, peace, and hope in Christ! And if it is a busy time of year - it ought to be busy in the way that it is one special celebration after another that we enjoy, love, and helps us better remember Emmanuel ("God with us.").

There is nothing wrong with the gifts, trees, lights, cookies, parties, music, stockings, shopping, food, etc... if it ENHANCES our enjoyment of this time of year and points out the specialness of celebrating the coming of Christ. But if, in the process, we grow in impatience, irritability, and intolerance - then maybe we are missing the point.+

I hope we see you on Christmas Eve at 5:00 or 6:30 at Northridge for a final focus-adjustment before Christmas!

Comments

[Christine Bare]

Thanks for posting your thoughts on this... I totally agree. :)