'Happy Holidays' or 'Merry Christmas'?

By Jim Killebrew

[December 06, 2013]  We all know what Christmas is about. For centuries we have celebrated the birth of Jesus, who claimed in Scriptures to be the Christ. We have celebrated His life, His miracles, His death and even His resurrection. Through the years He has touched so many people in ways that have changed their lives. People who were slaves to drugs, alcohol, abuse and hatred have changed by simply asking Jesus into their hearts.

Many of us have witnessed those changes and have stood in awe as men and women have been transformed from depraved individuals to persons filled with love, forgiveness and hope. Brokenness has been changed to fullness; hatred has been changed to love; despair has been changed to hope; and lost in darkness has been changed to the bright sunshine of salvation. But, just as when Jesus was making His entrance into our world to bring light and reconciliation to mankind, and there was no room for Him in the inn, our modern world continues to slam the door in His face.

Across our land, as usual, this has become the "Holiday Season." "Happy Holidays" is the oft-spoken greeting, along with "cash or credit?" Nativity scenes are barred from view; lawsuits are being filed to ensure the omission of the "J" word, songs that sing of sleigh bells, reindeer and snowmen crowd out songs that tell the story of a  "Silent Night" or angels celebrating a certain birth.

Jolly little elves can be seen dancing throughout, but many retailers have banned the red kettle and the sound of a ringing bell urging people to give from their abundance to share with those who struggle for a meal. Decorations are more often including the menorah and the crescent star instead of the Bright and Morning Star. The political correctness police are working overtime to ensure that references to Christ are removed from Christmas. Those who are offended by such references believe their rights are being curtailed.

But, for those having experienced the wonderful gift that God has given to all of us, and not willing to offend anyone at all, rather, as an expression of joy and excitement in response to the One who has been provided for personal redemption, there is no better time of year to say, "Merry Christmas, and God bless you all."

[By JIM KILLEBREW]