Is it OK not to say Merry Christmas?

There’s a new “Holy War.” Like in the crusades of old, Christians have donned their armor, mounted their valiant steeds, and marched out to do battle with the enemies of Christmas. Or maybe it’s more like a huge ideological tug of war.

On one side we have a secular society that depends upon the economic surge that comes with Christmas. The commercial entities need the seasonal profits just to survive another year. Granted, there are plenty of “anti-christs” who are happy to avoid the use of the C-word. This side eagerly declares, “Happy Holidays!” and “Season’s Greetings!”

On the other side we have a broad spectrum of religious people who are sorely offended by such an obvious refusal to pay lip service to the religious roots of the season. So this side tugs on the “rope” crying “Keep Christ in Christmas!” and “It’s called Christmas with a Capital C!”

The secular side tugs on the rope because it fears offending people of non-Christians faith . . . Jews, Muslims, Atheists, etc. For many, profits are the real reason for the season.

I’ve had my turn tugging on the rope, but now I’m not wondering about our position. What does the world think while it watches the tug of war? Do they see angry Christians fighting about words? Does the world wonder why our “Christ” can’t defend himself?

Christmas has become a monster, and good “Christian” people have contributed to its creation. We put up our lights, decorate our trees, shop ‘till we drop, and exchange our gifts. We’ve sold out to the same secular impulses! Why are we fighting so fervently over what non-believers call a holiday that really seems to have very little to do with the Birth of Jesus!

We are supposed to be celebrating the birth of Jesus. Why don’t we get rid of all the commercial and cultural fluff that has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus? Why don’t we call it “advent” or “the nativity” and quietly honor the Lord with worship, adoration, and simple, heartfelt expressions of appreciation? Why don’t we focus on loving the Lord, then concentrate on showing the world around us that we are a gracious, loving people who can be wonderfully happy in our faith without freaking out when someone wishes us “Happy Holidays!”

I just don’t want to fight anymore!