It has become an avenue of contention in recent years. Christians soliciting the Christmas season to be welcomed with the formerly traditional greeting of “Merry Christmas” over the politically correct greeting of ‘Happy Holidays.”
I understand happy holidays to be religious in origin and comes from three words, [happy holy days]. I still like the Merry Christmas greeting.
What do I mean when I wish you a Merry Christmas?
It’s an invitation to make Christmas your personal time of joy. Happiness comes and goes but joy remains because joy is of the Lord and it is our strength. I want you to experience the strength of the Lord and thus benefit His joy.
It’s an invitation to make your Christmas your season of wisdom. Smart people often pat themselves on the back when their smartness is a far cry from wisdom. Plenty of people think the “Merry” part is going out drinking and making yourself intoxicated, etc… People of wisdom know you can be ‘Merry’ without getting drunk. Too many “smart” people have gotten themselves and others killed while people of wisdom know you can have a wonderful time of celebration rejoicing in what Christmas really means.
I want you to be safe while you are joyful. Too much sadness in this world. So much love to share. Sorrow should evaporate into gladness as wisdom prevails over thoughtless acts that are not really even smart.
When I wish you a “Merry Christmas” I’m inviting you to make Christmas your time of reflection. To help in that reflection I suggest this acronym: JOY.
Reflect on Jesus, Others, and then Yourself.
Give Jesus an honest and open invitation to affect your life by reading about Him. The Gospel of John is a great place to start.
Take some time to reflect on what Jesus means in the lives of Others. What has Jesus done for them and what is He doing for them now?
Lastly but just as important is You. For your Christmas to be all Jesus wants it to be means you get to be a little selfish by reflecting on what Jesus means to you. Envision what Jesus can mean to your future. What role does Jesus play in your life? Is it you that brings joy? If it isn’t, it can be! Make Jesus Real.
When I wish you a Merry Christmas, I’m wanting you to know Jesus, His love for you, His gift to you, and His impact in your life so that it can be a joyful time. There is nothing you can do or have done that will make God love you any more nor is there anything you can do or have done that will make God love you any less. God loves you to the max! Love Him back. Make the connection.
“Merry Christmas.”
Until next time,
Hoss
hosswmj.wordpress.com 