"Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays"

As I mentioned on Sunday, the "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" debate is one I'm not very interested in pursuing. There are Christian organizations that push "letter writing" campaigns to various companies or even to boycott companies that won't say "Merry Christmas." I hadn't planned on saying anything about that on Sunday - so my thoughts weren't organized very well. So I thought I'd organize my thoughts a bit better here:

Here are four main reasons that I don't think this is a fight worth having:

• If companies use "Merry Christmas" to get my business - I'm not interested. I don't want to be manipulated.
• If unbelievers are using "Merry Christmas" to get Christians to shop at their store, aren't we helping them use our Lord's name in vain? Using God's name in vain simply means using God's name in a meaningless way.
• When anyone says, "Happy Holidays" to me - it hints to me that perhaps (not certainly) they don't know the hope that can be found in Christ. So when someone says "Happy Holidays" - it gives me a reason to pray for them not be annoyed with them or their employer.
• I'm tired of Christians being known for what we are against, what we are opposed to and what makes us "mad." What happened to "they will know us by our love?" Instead, it seems, they know us by our anger at "them" (whoever "them" is). Don't get me wrong - I know there are times to be against something and we have to use strong words spoken in love. But I'm not sure this debate rises to that level.

All that doesn't mean that it isn't sad that this is an issue. It IS sad that our culture has moved far enough away from Christian values that saying, "Merry Christmas" is a debate in our country. That is sad, but the solution is NOT to fight to make the phrase used by everyone - believers and non-believers alike.

So - no matter if someone says to me, "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" - I will respond the same way, "Merry Christmas." And I will do it with a smile and with great meaning. I pray they come to know the joy I have found in Christ.

Comments

[Brad Files]

David,

Well said. More and more the unchurched, well educated, and post-Christian America around us sees us as a threat - an angry majority bent on imposing our will on everyone. Bullying them into honoring our traditions only reinforces that view.

If I may, I'd like to plug a favorite book of mine, Finding Common Ground by Tim Downs (http://tinyurl.com/ygob877). I think the subtitle says it all. "How to Communicate With Those Outside the Christian Community...While We Still Can."

I would say 90% of my outreach efforts to neighbors, friends, co-workers, and unbelievers in our Small Groups is, "I'm a Christian and I'm not scary."

We must be willing to acknowledge their skepticism. History past and present gives them plenty of reason to doubt our motives. We must be willing to ask forgiveness for our belligerent brothers and sisters and even our own misdeeds or thoughtless remarks. The explanation of course is that we are sinners too.

Humble, broken, servant-hearted, cross-loving, Christ followers will give them pause.

[Brad Files]

Whoops. Slight correction to link above: http://tinyurl.com/ygob877

[Mark Nelson]

Plus, let's not forget that "Happy holidays" from someone is meant to be a KIND gesture, one that is well-intentioned. It isn't as if someone who says "Happy holidays" is actively attempting to be mean. Instead, they are speaking words of kindness (an attitude that reflects Christian love even if they don't understand Christian love). The retailer's job is to sell products and to tick as few people off in the process as possible. If they were aiming their sales only from Christians you'd expect them to always say "Merry Christmas", but since they have a broader cliental it seems "Happy holidays" covers it. There is nothing intrinsically offensive about the word "holiday", it simply means "holy day" or "day set apart (to observe something special)". Christmas is a day that Christians set apart to celebrate the birth of Christ... so it IS a legit holiday.

[Dave Charleston]

Someone told me once (a believer) "Happy Holidays" included new years. I'm like, that is so soft dude. Merry Christmas first, then wish me a "happy new year's when it is time" =) Frankly, how can we expect a non-believer who has no fellowship with a holy God to understand Christ. Dead men can't choose God or the things of God. Pray that the Holy Spirit decides to touch their life. Merry Christmas late David (I think it really was in the Spring =).

[Eric]

Santa Claus would never use the phrase "Happy Holidays".

[Ruth]

good thoughts :) and ... I agree ...

[Rick D]

A hearty Amen to that. I used to get consumed by all the little things and forgot the big picture. Thanks for the words of wisdom. It is so much easier to have a heart of grace and compassion. I don't always get it right, but I know it would be what the Lord would have us do. That is the only thing that matters. Thank you for the encouragement Dave. It is much appreciated and Merry Christmas.