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Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays...people are offended by the well-wishing of this time of year. Is anyone else sick of the debate?
Should we really care about how people greet us in December?
People are offended by "Merry Christmas" because they are not Christian. Christians are up in arms when they hear "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings," believing that others are trying to take a Christ (that they don't believe in) out of Christmas! Really?!
As Christians, why should we expect people who do not share our faith to greet us in the way we desire?
As non-Christians, why should we expect people to not greet others according to their beliefs?
What annoys me about this whole offensive debate (because I am offended by everyone being offended!) are Christians going overboard and being un-Christian over the whole issue. Christ has called us to love, respect, speak the truth in love, and give an answer for the hope in us. Christians are called to share Christ, not force our culture to call itself Christian by demanding the world say "Merry Christmas." I am offended by Christians demanding to be greeted in their way of worship. Come on! Let's extend a little grace and not be offended by something so inconsequential. I am sure that God is not nearly as offended by people not saying "Merry Christmas" as by Christians who unlovingly demand others to conform to their desires for particular personal greetings. Are we so naive as to believe that the world is really going to be a better place if everyone just says, "Merry Christmas?" Wouldn't it be better for more believers in Christ to live like Christ and seek to share His message of love and hope? Does forcing the "Merry Christmas" issue really show people who Christ is and what He has done to save or does it drive unbelievers away from a fanatical, ungracious expression of Christianity?
On the other side of the issue, why are non-Christians so offended by someone saying "Merry Christmas?" I am totally open to some responses here but I've got to say that I have never felt intimidated, offended, or overly perturbed by others insisting on saying "Happy Holidays," "Season's Greetings," or even "Happy Hanuka" to me. Is it really a big deal? Can't we all just get along in the way we salute each other?
I'd say the bottom line of the issue is the very 'intolerance' that we are not supposed to tolerate in our mosaic Canadian and North American culture.
Seriously Christians, we need to relax and just live in obedience to God's commands and not make a commandment out of 'Thou shalt say, "Merry Christmas."'
Non-Christians, please be patient with me if I greet you with a "Merry Christmas." I'd be happy for you to let me know that you do not worship Christ and hear about what this season means to you.
May the best of the season be to each of you!
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