I Say, Merry Christmas
By Tom Arn
During the Christmas season there are different views on what to say. There are some that want to say “Happy Holidays”, while others still say the age-old tradition of “Merry Christmas”.
Several years ago it become a very large debate in communities across America as to what someone should say. There were groups of people who took major offense to the statement of Merry Christmas. Several attempted to sue various companies for allowing it to be said in the workplace. Many felt that it was imposing Christian views on people who did not believe in Jesus.
During that time frame, it was all over the news about what to say. Various companies then changed their signs to say Happy Holidays. Greeters in the stores changed the words to match also.
While this was occurring, many Christians rose up to defend the right to say Merry Christmas. One of the things that was started was a campaign to say, “I say Merry Christmas.” All over the nation groups began to make this statement. Each year since there are groups that bring this back up. Buttons, shirts, posters, and many other things are made to make the statement that “I say Merry Christmas.”
At first I agreed with this method and thought it was a good thing. Since then I have really thought about what was being said and done in making that statement.
Making this statement is like putting up your fists and asking for a fight. It is basically saying “I dare you to stop me from saying this!” It is saying that you are going to say something and don’t really care what anyone thinks about it, and that you dare anyone to think differently.
While a believer must be concerned first with what God says and wants him to say, there is a point of how it is said. Nowhere in the Bible does God command His people to say “Merry Christmas.” In fact, the concept of Christmas is not found in the Bible directly. It is man’s way of celebrating the birth of Jesus.
The writer of Hebrews states that every believer is strive to be at peace with every person. As a believer you are also to love even your enemies.
Instead of putting up your fists in a fight against the world, show them love. Just say “Merry Christmas.” Do not make a big deal out of it. Just saying it will show people that you believe in saying it. They may or may not make the connection of it with Jesus, but that is not your problem. That is their problem between them and God.
As you say the phrase, also allow others to say “Happy Holidays.” In itself, there is nothing wrong with that phrase either. It is also a true statement. During the months of November, December and January, there are three holidays celebrated: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. ‘Happy Holidays’ actually looks at all three. It is giving the individual the blessing of happiness in all three, not just one.
Forcing someone to say a certain phrase does not bring them to Jesus in any way. It will most likely push them away. Do not get caught up in man’s traditions and forget about God and Jesus and their ways of doing things. Do not get caught up in a fight that Jesus never set up.
Focus on being His witness in this world and showing the love of Jesus to everyone you meet.
And, by the way, Merry Christmas!
Sunday School Teacher. He has General Ministries Degree. He began with short devotional Bible studies on his blog, Insights From Tom in 2014. He travels through each book of the Bible, chapter-by-chapter and section-by-section, writing what God places on his heart at the time.
Tom is happily married for 31 years to his wonderful wife Cammie. Together they share with everyone how God has blessed them with eight children and one precious grandchild. He desires that God may richly bless you, and make you more like Jesus everyday, drawing you closer to Him.
Feature Photo by Wallpaper Safari
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