Post by Richard on Dec 23, 2005 10:41:00 GMT -5
Question: "How should Christians respond to the War on Christmas?"
Answer: The stories seem to be coming more frequently: a grade school choir sings “We Wish You a Happy Holiday” instead of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” for their “Winter Concert.” A library invites “holiday displays” from the community, provided the displays have no religious connotation—the stable may have animals in it, but no people. This year, it seems possible to do all one’s Christmas shopping and never see or hear the word Christmas in the stores.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with saying “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” But if someone says “Happy Holidays” for the sole purpose of not saying “Merry Christmas,” then we are right to question what’s going on. “Why is the word Christmas censored?” we wonder as we wander through the malls. Why do some public schools celebrate everything from Kwanzaa to Labafana the Christmas witch, and ban the Nativity, all in the name of “inclusion” and “tolerance”?
One reason put forward by those seeking to avoid the word Christmas is that it would offend non-Christians. But, according to a recent Gallup poll, only 3 percent of adults in America say it bothers them when a store makes specific reference to Christmas. The exclusion of Christmas, then, is not really a way to “adapt” to a more diverse culture, but a way to engineer a more secular culture.
Many times, the arguments against Christmas programs and displays are couched in political terms, but we believe the bias against Christmas goes much deeper than that. This is primarily a spiritual battle, not a political one.
Jesus at His birth was born of a virgin, announced by angels, and adored by kings (Matthew 1:23; Luke 2:10-11; Matthew 2:11). Definitely a unique entrance. If someone denies the truth of Jesus’ birth, he or she may not want reminders of Jesus’ birth. Avoid Christmas, and avoid having to consider who Jesus is and why He came.
How should we as Christians respond to the ubiquitous use of “Happy Holidays” and the exclusion of Christmas? Here are some suggestions:
1) Celebrate Christmas! Let the joy of the season show in your life. Teach your family the significance of Jesus’ birth and make the Christmas traditions meaningful in your home.
2) Wish others a Merry Christmas. When confronted with a “Happy Holidays,” get specific, and wish the greeter a “Merry Christmas!” You may be surprised at how many respond in kind. Even if you’re met with resistance, don’t let it dampen your cheer. Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew was rebuffed year after year, but it never stopped him from wishing his humbug of an uncle a Merry Christmas and inviting him to Christmas dinner.
3) Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to share Christ’s love and the gospel message.
4) Pray for those in positions of power (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Pray for wisdom. Pray for revival so that Christmas, instead of being “offensive,” would be honored by all.
Recommended Resource: The Gift of Christmas by R. Kent Hughes.
Answer: The stories seem to be coming more frequently: a grade school choir sings “We Wish You a Happy Holiday” instead of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” for their “Winter Concert.” A library invites “holiday displays” from the community, provided the displays have no religious connotation—the stable may have animals in it, but no people. This year, it seems possible to do all one’s Christmas shopping and never see or hear the word Christmas in the stores.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with saying “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” But if someone says “Happy Holidays” for the sole purpose of not saying “Merry Christmas,” then we are right to question what’s going on. “Why is the word Christmas censored?” we wonder as we wander through the malls. Why do some public schools celebrate everything from Kwanzaa to Labafana the Christmas witch, and ban the Nativity, all in the name of “inclusion” and “tolerance”?
One reason put forward by those seeking to avoid the word Christmas is that it would offend non-Christians. But, according to a recent Gallup poll, only 3 percent of adults in America say it bothers them when a store makes specific reference to Christmas. The exclusion of Christmas, then, is not really a way to “adapt” to a more diverse culture, but a way to engineer a more secular culture.
Many times, the arguments against Christmas programs and displays are couched in political terms, but we believe the bias against Christmas goes much deeper than that. This is primarily a spiritual battle, not a political one.
Jesus at His birth was born of a virgin, announced by angels, and adored by kings (Matthew 1:23; Luke 2:10-11; Matthew 2:11). Definitely a unique entrance. If someone denies the truth of Jesus’ birth, he or she may not want reminders of Jesus’ birth. Avoid Christmas, and avoid having to consider who Jesus is and why He came.
How should we as Christians respond to the ubiquitous use of “Happy Holidays” and the exclusion of Christmas? Here are some suggestions:
1) Celebrate Christmas! Let the joy of the season show in your life. Teach your family the significance of Jesus’ birth and make the Christmas traditions meaningful in your home.
2) Wish others a Merry Christmas. When confronted with a “Happy Holidays,” get specific, and wish the greeter a “Merry Christmas!” You may be surprised at how many respond in kind. Even if you’re met with resistance, don’t let it dampen your cheer. Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew was rebuffed year after year, but it never stopped him from wishing his humbug of an uncle a Merry Christmas and inviting him to Christmas dinner.
3) Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to share Christ’s love and the gospel message.
4) Pray for those in positions of power (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Pray for wisdom. Pray for revival so that Christmas, instead of being “offensive,” would be honored by all.
Recommended Resource: The Gift of Christmas by R. Kent Hughes.