It is said in many different ways, but it is a very familiar phrase:
“We must put Christ back into Christmas.” (I searched this phrase on Google and got 1,460,000 results in 0.22 seconds.)
Or, “We cannot let them take Christ out of Christmas.”
There once was a time when almost all Americans were willing to say, ‘Merry Christmas’ regardless of their religious beliefs or associations. Christmas was a cultural event that even non-Christians recognized as a festive time for doing good. While they might not believe in Jesus or his virgin birth, they were okay with all the associations that had been handed down for years. However, recently political correctness has taken over. The phrase ‘Merry Christmas’ for some businesses & organizations is now considered offensive. Their employees are told to say ‘Seasons Greetings’ or ‘Happy Holidays’. Ironically, before people were told not to say ‘Merry Christmas’, saying Happy Holidays was not considered anti-Christmas.
I must admit since the war on the words, ‘Merry Christmas’, I am much more intentional about using the term in public. I am resolved to keep the name of Christmas alive! In the past, at times I might have said ‘Happy Holidays’, but no more.
Yet, I must ask myself and all who read this:
Is fighting over a name all that is required to keep Christ in Christmas?
If our government and businesses endorse the phrase ‘Merry Christmas’, is Christ really back in Christmas?
I’m all for symbolism and for taking advantage of our freedoms as Americans. But, here’s a novel thought: Instead of being riled up and convinced our righteous indignation is enough, why don’t we put Christ back in Christmas by our manner of living?
I’m all for symbolism and for taking advantage of our freedoms as Americans. But, here’s a novel thought: Instead of being riled up and convinced our righteous indignation is enough, why don’t we put Christ back in Christmas by our manner of living?
Why don’t we re-discover the ‘Heart of Christmas’ and share it in words and lifestyle with all we meet? What is the heart of Christmas? The heart of Christmas is to celebrate a love so great that a gift was given that could never be deserved or repaid. This gift of Jesus brought the opportunity of salvation and peace with God to all of mankind. (Luke 2:10-11 & John 3:16-17)
How can we put Christ back in Christmas? By remembering the real meaning of Christmas. Yes, the name is important, but its message is more important. This Christmas let’s purposely love, give of ourselves, and share the gospel in word and action. In so doing, we can help others put Christ back in Christmas.
