Bah Humbug!

Why are we so offended when someone wishes us a happy season of joy? I mean, it’s not like the police officer who tells you to “have a nice day” – we all know what that really means – rather, it’s possible a person really wants you and me to have a happy holiday season.

Happy Holidays! Happy Kwanza! Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! Happy Solstice! Merry Bodhi Day! Yule Tide! Super Saturnalia! Merry Krismas!

So what if WalMart requires check-out clerks in Timbuktu, Kentucky, to say ‘Happy Holidays’ instead of ‘Merry Christmas’? Is it at all possible the company wants to be completely inclusive of the forty some possible religious and cultural ceremonies that fall between November 15th and January 5th and truly harbors no ill will toward Christians? And why are we Christians so offended when someone who doesn’t believe exactly as we do wishes us a happy day?

The answer to all of these questions, in my opinion (and since this is my blog my opinion is what counts J), is that we don’t truly embrace Jesus’ philosophy of placing others first and tolerating God’s timeline for salvation. If your well being and the state of your heart really mattered to me, I would be concerned for you, not offended by your beliefs.

Philippians 2:3 says to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” (NIV) and Ephesians 2 reminds us that at one time, we who were not Jews were not acceptable to God. If God had a timeline for us to be saved, doesn’t it make sense He may have a timeline for someone else?

“Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called ‘uncircumcised’ by those who call themselves ‘the circumcision’ (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:11-13, NIV)

I say this from experience, as having been “offended” in the past by the phrase “Happy Holidays.” But in my own studies, I have to admit I was wrong. Living in these United States gives us the right and privilege to worship whichever god we choose, in whichever manner we choose, and to wish happiness on whichever holiday we choose. And for Christians, the Bible requires us to be tolerant of all peoples, religions, cultures and states of being. (Col 3:13-17) God’s purpose for tolerance isn’t to make you a better person, but to give peace a foothold. And that state of peace gives God’s good news of Christ Jesus the best and most fertile soil in which to grow. After all, you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar – the simple truth of daily proverbs is astonishing sometimes.

Put yourself in their shoes. If someone is required to say something other than “Merry Christmas” and you argue with them or chastise them for saying it, what kind of loving God does that represent to them?

So, “Be tolerant with one another” (Col 3:13, NIV) and enjoy the holiday season. When you hear, “Happy Holidays!” return the greeting with a smile and “Merry Christmas!” You might just be the bright spot that person needs today.

So Happy Holidays to all my friends, and a very Merry Christmas to you all!