Ho Ho Hold on a Second: “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Thu, December 08, 2005
- Viewed 38
- (88) comments so far
Mark Waltz does a masterful job of tackling the whole "Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" debate that is raging this year. I always enjoy Mark's blog; and encourage you to add it to your 'must-read' list... Mark is one of the pastors at Granger Community Church in Granger, IN. Mark writes:
The whole “holiday vs. Christmas” debate gets under my skin. I’m tired of the rhetoric.
If Christ-followers are going to enter the conversation, let's at least do so in an informed manner. The last thing people in our culture need are Christ-followers who discredit themselves, their argument and their God by being uninformed about history and the celebration we embrace called, Christmas.
I wish we Christ-followers wouldn’t get so worked up about whether our kids have Christmas break or a winter holiday break. Labels aren’t the point. Jesus is. Nobody is taking away our ability to honor Christ in our lives.
For instance, Easter was celebrated in the early days of the Early Church, not Christmas. Late December holidays were celebrated by Europeans and others before there was ever a “Christmas”. Seems that Pope Julius I decided to mark the Christmas holiday on December 25 (since the Bible is silent about the time of year) as an alternative to the cultural debauchery associated with society's year-end party. Throughout the 5th – 8th centuries the custom spread from Poland to England.This time of year was chosen by the Pope in an effort to absorb the debauchery that marked the pagan celebrations in December. Christmas is a Christian holiday – established in contrast to other celebrations that honored pagan gods that Christ-followers didn’t trust.
In America the Puritans wanted nothing to do with the pagan holiday, so it was actually outlawed in Boston from 1659 – 1681. In fact the first Christmas after the declaration of America’s freedom, Congress was in session on December 25th. It wasn’t until 1870 that Christmas was declared a recognized holiday in America.
So, too often many Christ-followers in unintended error and ignorance, get worked up about the pagans in our “God-fearing” country taking away our religious, Christ-centered Christmas and replacing it with “holiday”.
My point? Our job is and always has been to live as the light of the world within our culture. Our job has never been to “Christianize” America or the world through political, legal or otherwise forced strategies. The church of Christ and his followers will always have Christmas. We do recognize the Christ - the one true God.
So, light the tree! Sing a carol! Read the Christmas narrative! Send cards that celebrate the Christ-child and God's kingdom on earth. Immanuel - He's here... whether our neighbors say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays".
I'm grateful for Rob Bell's (he's not the first and only one to point this out, but he says it well) take on Immanuel in chapter 3 of his book, Velvet Elvis. It's the same point that our weekend series "Pop Spirituality" celebrated a year and a half ago. Signs of Jesus are all around us. Joy, laughter, giving, and love all mark the presence of our Christ – whether those experiencing life and relationships acknowledge him or not. Our call, our privilege is to point to the Light - wherever He is... whether it's a holiday or Christmas.
He’s here. In every "here". "God with us ... Immanuel."
Enter the dialog. But, do so informed. Do so with respect for people. Because people still matter to the God we celebrate on December 25th.
Comments
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Mark on Thu, December 08, 2005
My thoughts…
The history of Christmas celebrations (prior to modern, 20th C America) is moot to me. I really couldn’t care less about the pagan roots of a December holiday. Like language, the meaning and understanding of holidays evolves over the years, Halloween being a perfect example. What it was sure isn’t what it is!
And I’d guess that “Christians” are upset because this Christmas intolerance that seems to be expressed by a relatively small segment of the population is so inconsistent with our “PC” culture. We are expected to tolerate all expressions of faith - from Islam to atheism - in the marketplace, while ours is squelched. It comes across like a double-standard, no?
Of course, I also think that this “Happy Holidays” campaign is upsetting to “Christians” because it exposes our lack of influence on culture and society. We took it for granted for so long, and while we were sitting in our churches having fun, the world decided we were expendable. Ouch! Now we wake up and the best we can do is protest and complain? The only cure would seem to be repentance and patience.
In the end, my take is that none of this threatens Christ or His supremecy in the earth, it’s just a poor reflection the church and a culture we’ve lost touch with.
Tim on Thu, December 08, 2005
Great post, Todd. You’ve replaced Hermie the Elf as my Christmas hero.
I for one am so grateful for the holiday season, regardless of what it is called on my Starbucks cup. I love the preparation. I love the excitement of giving gifts. I love going through advent with my son. And singing Silent Night by candlelight with my family around me at church on Christmas Eve (even when we go to a service two days before Christmas…gasp!) is one of the most solemn, sincere, and intimate moments of the year for us.
And on one level, I’m happy that society at large chooses to replace “Christmas” with “Holidays”, regardless of the reason. I know that forcing people to say Merry Christmas, or sing “Christian” songs, is more alienating than engaging on a spiritual level. And you only have to look as far as the plastic light-up nativity on the neighbor’s lawn to see that when society DOES try to engage in the spirituality of the season, it does a pretty good job of missing the point.
So I’m with Todd. Let’s celebrate, and reflect, and enjoy the season for our own Christ-centered reasons, and use the opportunity as a witness to our friends and family…not that we want to force them into meaningless rituals, but that we understand the true heart of the season.
Bernie Dehler on Thu, December 08, 2005
Mark says:
“We are expected to tolerate all expressions of faith - from Islam to atheism - in the marketplace, while ours is squelched. It comes across like a double-standard, no?”
I don’t agree there’s a double-standard. I think we get equal billing, for the most part. Seems to me that Christians are hyper-sensitive to not getting their way. We are accustomed to being in control.. being the majority.
ld on Thu, December 08, 2005
Why do we have “In God we trust “ on our money? Is this pushing the Christian agenda also? There sure is a silent majority and that majority is getting more silent every passing day.
Evangelist Jeff on Thu, December 08, 2005
NEWS FLASH FROM KORN FIELD COUNTY
Is it:
Hapy Holerday’s U all
or
Mary xmas U all
From News reporter:
Jethro Bo Dean,
Holiday- a day free from work, one set aside by law to commemorate a special person or event. A day set aside for religious observance.
Merry- Full of gaiety high spirited Marked by or offering festivity. Delightful entertaining. Syns: festive,gala, glad, gladsome, happy, joyful, joyous.
I say them both. Why? Well! for starters you have three holidays back to back during this time of the year.Thanksgiving,
Chirstmas,New Year. I tell people Happy Holidays meaning all of them. Because in my heart I am wanting all three Holidays to be the best one they have ever had.
As it gets closer to the one of the holiday’s then I will say Happy Holiday’s and Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Or Happy New Year.
What in tar nation does it matter how you say one or the other. To me this is just being nit- picky.
Now before you get all offended I am not mad, shouting, fussing, yelling, or telling anyone off. I am trying to use a little humour here. Instead of get all serious. But this is the deal dude’s and dudetts.
Why is it this subject just came up this year? Wouldn’t all of you agree that this is just another way to steal our joy during this time of year. Who care’s what they say? If we must complain about this issue, shouldn’t we complain about it in prayer to the Father instead of backbiting with these people over this trivial issue. After all, aren’t we the ones who knows the true meaning of Christmas.
Come on you guys. Do like I do.
1) Put on Benig Crosby.
2) Pour ya some Egg Nog.
3) Throw a log on the fire.
4) Break out the Marshall mellows for the kids.
5) Stretch out on the couch with your spouses.
6) Watch the flames and listen to the crackling of the wood burning.
7) Listen to the kids talk to each other while rosting their marshmellows.
8) Watch them smile
9) Listen to them laugh.
10) Listen to them sing.
11) Tell your spouse how blessed you are to have them in your life. “I knew a feller 1 time that said he married and angel. You did I said. Yep, she was always up in the air harping about nothing to wear.”
12.) Look up to heaven and say Thank you God for making me the richest and blessed person this Christmas.
13.) Pray for those who persecute you and mistreat you.
Amen. Amen.
This is Jethro Bo Dean reporting…....
Franklin Reeves on Fri, December 09, 2005
“How many observe Christ’s birhtday! How few, his precepts! O!’tis easir to keep holidays than commandments.”
Benjamin Franklin
Christ is coming out of Christmas, for the same reason prayer came out fo the schools, and the Ten ocmmandments are being ripping from the court houses.
Becase we,Christians, have failed teach them to our kids and relegated that job to the schools, church, and the stores.
I can not speak for God. I would not be surprised if He is not letting this happen to force us to be witness once again like we always should have been.
You who have named the name of Christ, you wish peole merry christmas. You teach your children to pray and they will pray in school. You talk about the God’s word as you go, rest, eat, sleep, and it will sink into the heart and will be everywhere you and yours go.
Bernie Dehler on Fri, December 09, 2005
Franklin says:
“Becase we,Christians, have failed teach them to our kids and relegated that job to the schools, church, and the stores.”
Maybe even a bigger reason is because of the plurality and diversity of our population… much of it due to massive immigration. At the formation of our Country, there were mainly Catholics, Protestants, and Jews. Now we have Muslim’s, Buddhists, and all kinds of foreign religions, not to mention home-made USA religions such as Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons.
Let’s appreciate this diversity, and quit demanding that we should get preference in public and government. Let’s treat the USA as a mission field.
Many Christians are complaining that our forefathers would be so upset to see what’s happening today. I don’t think so. I think Thomas Jefferson would be proud with many or most of the supreme court decisions that are upholding the seperation of church-state. Sure, some like Patrick Henry would be really upset, but there were factions then just as now. The freedom to practice any religion was very important to them, as they weren’t allowed religious freedom in England, because of the state-sponsored controlling church there.
Evangelist Jeff on Fri, December 09, 2005
Larry the Cable guy.
Jade on Fri, December 09, 2005
It is Christmas, which is a Christian holiday. Has been for 100 years. Why change it now. The fact is we Christians believe in what is true. Regradless of what the others think, we have the truth.
Christmas celebration was started as a evangelistic tool. They were trying to convert pagans to a Christianity so they could save their soul. That is admirable thing in my mind.
So if you don’t like Christmas and are not a Christian, have your time at the New Years Eve, but don’t try to turn what has been a Christian Holiday for 100 years celebrating the Christ Child who came to save us, all into a Holiday that is just about Santa.
My Goodness just almost everything about the Christmas season is religous, Gifts, Christmas Tree, Lights, etc. I have done my homework about this as well. Are we going to start calling The Jewish Celebration of Hanaka (Spelling wrong?) into Happy Holidays too?
If you are offended by a Christmas play at school, don’t come, and don’t have your children come. I am offended by a Homosexual teacher, being able to instruct at our schools, but I would not try to get the guy fired, so why is the same tolerance not shown to Christians? It is our Holiday, I would like everyone to celebrate it, but if you can’t and you are offended, don’t try to turn it into just a Holiday. Let us celebrate what we believe on the day we have chosen. My two cents I am out!!!
Peter Hamm on Fri, December 09, 2005
Bernie says [Let’s appreciate this diversity, and quit demanding that we should get preference in public and government. Let’s treat the USA as a mission field.]
You could NOT have said it better, man! I so totally agree!
Peter
Ben E. on Fri, December 09, 2005
I don’t think we are demanding our perference, it just seems that ANYTHING Christian is getting shoved out the door!
Fine, next to the manger scene, set up minora. (terrible spelling, you know, the Hannaka candle stand) Have a Kwanza display.(sp? again) Heck, if someone wants to put a display celebrating Jerry Seinfeld’s new holiday “Festivus,” whatever! It’s a free country. Just don’t tell me it’s Christians being intolerant or that we demand perference. I think Christian’s are more on the recieving end of that effort.
As for what Thomas Jefferson would think or “be proud of,” I’m not so sure.
The original intent was to keep goverment out of the religion business more than keeping religous expression out of goverment. Find a copy of the original letter from the Baptist minister who first wrote to Mr. Jefferson with his concerns that the new goverment would move to create a “state” church. It’s considered to be the imputus for the whole seperation issue.
Never the less, Merry Christmas to all.
Ben E
ScottV on Sat, December 10, 2005
I have the amazing opportunity to sit in the top executives from none other than the Gap. Can you imagine my embarassment as I had to sit in a meeting where we discussed the influx of “merry christmas vs. happy holidays” emails and their impact on our ability to service our normal customers? So called Christians are emailing their thoughts and “disgust” about Gap not saying Merry Christmas, inundating our email boxes with garbage, causing frustration on the part of both the customer service consultatns and the management.
So -what did so-called Christians accomplish by vocalizing their disappointment with Happy Holidays? Exactly the opposite of what Christ has called us to do. I had top executives look at me, as they know I am a Christian, as if to say “what are your people doing?”. And I just want to say to any of the emailers out there trying to “add Christ back to Christmas”… you failed miserably in this case.
You turned people away from the love of Christ and annoyed them with your insensitive, inpersonal, annoying emails.
Lets think about this for one second. Do Christians run the Gap? I dont think its the majority. So - why in the world would they want to say “Merry Christmas” any more than they would want to say “Happy Hannukah”? If you want to have debates with people, then have it with one another, where you might expect a Christian to remember Christ during the holidays. But stop expecting those who have not experienced yet the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ to act as if they have. Our job - love on them, be a light, show them something they dont normally get during Christmas -maybe patience, kindness, goodness, self-control.
Or, as many “Christians” have done, inundate secular work groups with silly emails, cuasing more workload for already stressed out workers. Im sure that will get them to convert, come to church, and repent for saying “Merry Winter” or “Happy Holidays”.
Lets just say… “Merry Happy Chrisma, Rama, Hanna, Quanaka”
Jade on Sun, December 11, 2005
Scott V,
You seem more worried about what the ex. of the Gap think than Christ. Hmm. Sorry that you got embarrassed. Heaven for bid you speak up tell what you believe. Or would that make you feel uncomfortable? We would not want that.
It is not like we Christians have a right to voice our opinion. Oh wait we do. Funny you would not think so though would you.
Wendi on Sun, December 11, 2005
Jade - I don’t think your criticism of ScottV is fair. Gap is not a “Christian” corporation. They do after all have just as much obligation to Muslim and Jewish and Buddist customers as they do to Christian. It’s as though we Christians think we “own” every element that has attached itself to the holiday which began as a celebration of Christ’s birth and thus should be able to govern how society celebrates.
If an atheist wishes to send cards once a year to friends, put up a tree and lights on their house, feel happy and cheerful, shop for and give gifts to their family at Target or The Gap or Macys - are they likewise obligated to acknowlege that God sent His son Jesus to be born in Bethlehem?
We can and should certainly keep Christ in every bit of what we do around Christmas, but since when do we have the right to impose Christ into what has admittedly become a secular holiday. Now I wish it wasn’t so secular - but I don’t think Christian fury is going to go very far in unsecularizing it.
You are correct, Christians do have the “right” to express their opinion. but personally, I don’t think Christianity is about exerting rights. Plus, I agree with ScottV, it’s just not an effective way to draw people who are completely unaware of the meaning of the season to the manger in Bethlehem or the foot of the cross.
Wendi
Jade on Mon, December 12, 2005
Wendi,
I don’t disagree with Scott necessarily. I was offended on how he put everything. As for can people celebrate Christmas and not be Christians, of course, although it is a good evangelistic tool to remind them why we celebrate. Christains should stand up and say Dec. 25 is Christmas the celebrating of Christ birth not Happy Holidays. Which basic means happy day off of work. Do we not see how our celebration every year is getting more and more reduced to a day off of work, and excuse to give and get presents.
What Scott could have said: “Although I don’t agree with how these Christians are going about what they are saying, we do need to understand this is not just a holiday to people, this is a religious celebration and Christians take it very serious.
What if the situation was reversed and it was a Muslim celebration instead of Christians celebration, do you think we would be having this conversation?
Lastly as I said before we a celebrating the birth of the world’s Messiah. It is the truth. We are not celebrating something false. We are not celebrating the birth of Santa Clause, but the birth of Jesus. We need to hang onto this truth and teach it to our Children. Over and over again God told Israel when He would save them from a calamity to tell their Children, so they would remember and worship the one true God. If we do not tell our Children what Christ did they will not know. We want them to look back each year with fond memories of celebrating the Christ child’s birth. We want this time each year to a spiritual experience for them. If we let them take Christ out of Christmas, we are letting them take something special from our children’s lives.
I know, I am sounding preachy, but I don’t mean to be preachy but passionate. This is something important to me. I want my Children to be able to say Merry Christmas in school. I want them to be in a School Christmas play. I want them to say the pledge of the allegence that include “One Nation Under God.” We are to win the world for Christ. We are to convert everyone, so no one is left behind on the day of judgement. We are not doing that, instead we are submissive, politically correct, tolerant, and not willing to fight. The Bible says, “The world will think it strange that we do not do as they do.” In America we don’t face hardships, because we are not doing too much to make Satan worry. The average (not all) American Christian sits in the comfortable pew, in their safe enviroment and does not care what happens to the people who are literally dying outside.
I am off topic some would say, but am I really. Ok I am done I hope you sense my passion, and I hope at the very least I made somebody think.
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