Answer: Many
people perceive that there is a concerted effort to eliminate the word
“Christmas” from public discourse—sort of a “war on Christmas.” 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. It is 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 the bias against Christmas goes much deeper than that. This is
primarily a spiritual battle, not a political one.
How
should 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. He is the reason for the season!
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 Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel. .(courtesy: GotQuestions.org)