I’d like to wade in on the Merry Christmas, Xmas, and Happy Holidays controversy. It’s a suicidal tendency, I know, but I think we are wrong to punish stores that no longer say “Merry Christmas.”
After discussing this in our Advent Conspiracy group, I’ve become convinced it’s our opportunity as Christians to share Christ at Christmas. That means it’s not the job of a store. We shouldn’t boycott the world for being worldly.
Stores are in it for the money. They don’t worship Jesus. They are selling short-term happiness at your current Visa card’s interest rate. They aren’t evil, but they aren’t Christian either. Why would we expect them to tell the world about a Christ they may not even believe in? They aren’t selling Jesus at Christmastime. That’s our job.
What would happen if we acted like Christ at Christmas? Instead of boycotting we could spend a bit less (overspending and getting what we want while others go hungry is an odd way to celebrate the One who came to set us free from sin/selfishness), and use the spare time/money to…
· Give More Like Jesus – Meaningful gifts like time, our presence and creativity (ideas at www.rethinkingchristmas.com)
· Worship Like the Wise Men - Giving what we now don’t spend to those really in need– like to our local Crisis Pregnancy Clinic or Haiti Relief or the local abused women’s shelter. Think of it as spending less for junk made in China for people in America who don’t need it, and spending more for homes made in Haiti for those who live there and desperately need it.
· Worship Like the Shepherds – Investing in others and inviting them into the story of Christ. Maybe even to a Christmas Eve service and a meal at your place.
· Love All – Even the “Happy Holidays” door holder who is trying to cheer you up while stuck working retail at the most difficult time of the year. Give him a tip and wish him Merry Christmas in the name of Jesus. He might remember.
Wading out,
Dan
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