Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays

Are either of these pictures offensive to you?  They are both pretty and cute and sweet to me.  I find that this time of year a lot of people share things on social media about how Merry Christmas has taken a hit over the last 20 years or so.  In some ways this might be true, but I think in the most part the whole Happy Holidays thing is not a direct hit on Christmas, it is more of a way to encompass all holidays that are celebrated in December, including New Years.  

I know that a lot of people are cringing right now when they read this.  My point of this post is to tell you that if you choose to say Merry Christmas to someone and they aren't a Christian, more than likely they are not going to be offended.  They are going to see it as a kindness, you are wishing them well.  Especially if they are an acquaintance or a stranger, how would you possibly know if they celebrate Christmas or not.  And, if you are in the United States and a lot of other countries, more than likely they are going to be celebrating Christmas whether they believe in Christ or not.  It has become a secularized holiday and it's been this way for a long time.

If someone says Happy Holidays to you, say thank you and realize that for the most part they are just wishing you well during this season.  They aren't trying to cause you strife by not acknowledging your Christianity.  Kindness is often taken very well by strangers.  You would be surprised by what a smile, a nod, a quick hello or a season's greetings can get from a stranger.  

I encourage you this season to try something out.  Next time you are in the store, grocery store, mall, where ever you shop or go: Say one of the following; Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings and smile.  Switch it up and see how people react.  I am guessing that most of them, if not all, are going to smile back and say thank you, return the sentiment or state something like "you as well". 

Now, you might get some grumblers-some people just don't care for the holidays and they get into a funk this time of year.  If you are one of these people(believe me I've been there and struggle with it every season) try focusing your attention outward to someone or something else that is in need.  You might find that will help your attitude a little.

Focus on the real reason for the season for us Christians.  Maybe it means staying away from all the commercialism. Maybe it means changing up your Christmas song list to something more Christ focused.  It certainly means more prayer and more time in the word.  Enjoy the little things that bring you happiness in this season.  Choose the light and not the darkness.  

We recently received snow here in New Hampshire.  One of the reasons I do not like this season.  However, as I look outside this morning, I choose to see the beauty in it.  It blankets everything so it looks fresh and white.  It reminds me of how Jesus' blood washes us white and clean.

So in this 3rd week of Advent, find Joy in Jesus.  This will look different to each of us. Some it may mean excitement, some peace and others something else.  But know, that no matter your emotions about this time of year, lean on the Joy;

Matthew 9:26

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

And during this season of busyness, crazy politicized greetings, commercialism and emotional upheaval: remember that if you are a Christian, this time of year is really about the birth of Jesus.  Emmanuel: God With Us!