it has subtly crept in, year after year
and I couldn't never quite put my finger on it
...
among Christians there seems to be a latent anger around Christmas time
and it is becoming palpable
...
their faces redden as 'Christ is taken out of Christmas' - like He is marginalized by semantics
they obnoxiously wish someone 'Merry Christmas' merely out of spite or to prove a point
...
are these the responses we are called to?
I too am saddened that more do not know my Jesus
but I am not overly surprised that Jesus is being removed by a culture than doesn't recognize Him from a time that has seemingly little to do with Him
...
so my fellow brothers and sisters...you love Jesus?
good
so show it
you want to celebrate Christmas?
good
do it in a way that honours your Lord
...
because quite honestly - you're not acting much like the One you say you celebrate if you are driven to anger and bitterness instead of grace and mercy
...
1st Peter talks about giving an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you have - and to do this with gentleness and respect
is the hope that you're showing calloused and jaded?
or are people even asking you?
...
and may Jesus shine in our hearts so brightly and His love so fully that we desire to serve those who may not acknowledge Christ yet, as we celebrate not just His birth - but His life, death and resurrection
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4 comments:
While I would agree that the way in which we respond to people about the whole "Merry Christmas" ordeal is important, I do not think we should change what we say just because of the culture. I have and will wish people a Merry Christmas because that is what this holiday is about. If others choose not to say those words that is their decision. Christmas is about Christ and His birth, so let's celebrate it!
Sorry if I was not very clear. I am not proposing that we do not say "Merry Christmas" - I say it everyday.
Thanks for the comment.
I always find it difficult this time of the year as it becomes more and more, less of Christ in Christmas and it even has succumbed to Easter now. It's not so much anger, bitter feelings but rather hurt that Christ is being bumped or disregarded in most things in life. I believe we have to take a stand, gentle and loving stand, letting our lives show it. I agree we need to never let Christ be taken out of our wishes to Merry Christmas. It's not Happy Holidays without Christ!
If we truly wish to celebrate Christ's birth and how Merry that day actually is then let us show the difference Christ makes in our lives by emulating him. Good blog sir. Right on.
Ryan
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