How to Share Your Faith Using the Christmas Season
Have you been following the culture wars lately on the whole Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays controversy? In case you've been zoned out on this one, here's the recap. In recent years, some companies, schools and organizations have removed the word Christmas from their December activities in an effort to be inclusive of those who are not Christian. Some Christians and Christian groups have objected vehemently, arguing that the whole tradition of celebrating at Christmastime is rooted in the birth of Christ - so His name shouldn't be left out of the festivities.
Like many, many other issues in our modern culture, the courts and the cash registers seem to play a dominant role in the outcome of such controversies. Boycotts are being threatened and carried out. Law suits are being filed on both sides. More than 1500 attorneys stand ready to sue any city that prohibits Nativity scenes from public holiday displays. Thousands of public school teachers have volunteered to report efforts to remove traditional religious Christmas carols from Winter Concert programs across the country.
Perhaps part of the reason Christians can feel so incensed by the removal of the word Christmas from the season is because they have sensed (unconsciously or not) that the shopping and the decorations and the parties and the festivities can easily be exercises in missing the point. It's entirely possible to live through the entire month of December 2005 and never have the REAL meaning of the Christmas Season sink deep into your heart, regardless of whether you call it "The Holidays" (root word "Holy Day") or "Christmastime" (root word "Christ").
During Christmas Break, as you talk with friends around the Christmas tree, do Christmas shopping together, or comment on the Christmas decorations adorning many homes and businesses, discuss with them what the real meaning of Christmas is. Explain that the real focus of Christmas is the most incredible gift the world has ever seen - Jesus Christ. And share with them the free gift of salvation that he has extended to all mankind.
Here are some ideas to get your discussion started:
- Should retailers include the word Christmas in their seasonal advertising? Why or why not? Should Christians boycott them if they don't? In order to keep this topic from turning into a debate rather than a discussion, be sure to check your attitude, be kind, patient, and gracious, and respect different opinions!
- In a recent NBC News poll, when asked whether stores should instruct their employees to greet shoppers with "Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays", 42% of respondents chose "Merry Christmas" while 26% chose "Happy Holidays." Ask your friends how they would respond and find out why. Share your opinion.
- Is the message of Christmas really threatened by the removal of the word Christmas from the seasonal verbiage? Why or why not? Do you think materialism has already taken Christmas over for many Americans?
- Ask your friends for their perspective on why the Season that is supposed to be full of Christ and full of His peace, love, and joy has become divisive?
- Find out what they think the real meaning of Christmas is. Share what you believe.
As you start your Winter Christmas Break, there will be plenty of opportunities to express opinions about Christmas and its REAL significance! What do you think? Share your opinion by posting your comment below.
