Have we forgotten that Jesus is the reason for the season? From outward appearances, it seems so.
As proof of my assertion, I offer three examples:
1. Merry Christmas has been replaced with Happy Holidays!
Retailers have been telling employees to greet customers with “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” for several years now. So, my wife and I make it a habit to greet retail employees with “Merry Christmas!” Most employees will respond with “Happy Holidays,” but some will meekly respond with “Merry Christmas.” It’s as if they don’t want to speak too loudly or enthusiastically in fear their bosses will hear them express their joy at the birth of our Savior!
The only places where we’ll hear happily and regularly exclaimed “Merry Christmas” is from Christian-owned retailers, and that’s a shame.
2. Another thing that bothers me is Christmas music!
Or should I say music the stores play during the Christmas season? I mean, I like “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Santa Baby” as much as the next guy. They’re catchy tunes, but they have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus, do they?! What’s wrong with blasting out “Hark the Herold Angels Sing” or “O Come All Ye Faithful?”
3. And last on my list of obvious signs that we have forgotten that Jesus is the reason for the season is Christmas cards!
My wife and I regularly exchange cards and enjoy giving cards to others, especially to celebrate Christmas. At the drug store recently, I was browsing the “wife” Christmas card section, and do you know I could not find one that said anything about the birth of Christ? Not one! Oh, they have pretty covers with winter scenes and lots of “I love you” and “I cherish you” notes on the inside, but nothing about celebrating Jesus together.
There is something terribly wrong with a whole section of Christmas cards that don’t recognize or celebrate the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus!
So, to get and keep myself in the Christmas spirit, I say, “Merry Christmas!” to all. I read and reread the story of the birth of our Savior in Luke 2. And finally, I listen to music that celebrates the birth of our Savior as much as I can.
A King Is Born
Recently, as I was listening to my Christmas song feed, a song popped up that brought back memories of a magnificent church service from years ago when our whole orchestra and choir performed this song. This song, “A King is Born,” written by Tom Inglis and set to a Calypso beat, presents a gospel message as it pays homage to the birth of our Savior and calls us to honor and worship Him.
Verse 1:A King is born this day in Bethlehem Hallelujah! (Halle, hallelujah!)No crown is worn but angels worship Him Hallelujah! (Halle, hallelujah!)Almighty God, He was meek and mild Salvation comes through this holy Child
Chorus: A King is born, (He is in the manger now)A King is born, (humbly come and humbly bow)A tiny Lord, (He’s reaching out His tiny hand)A King is born on this day, in Bethlehem
Verse 2:His palace is lowly, His throne is made of hay Hallelujah! (Halle, hallelujah!)Shepherds bow down to see His holy face Hallelujah! (Halle, hallelujah!)Heaven is singing of peace on earth Filled with the wonder of this birth
(Repeat Chorus)
Bridge: Come humbly and humbly bow; He’s in the manger now(Repeat 3 times)
(Repeat Verse 1)
Chorus 2:A King is born, (Everybody praise His name)A King is born, (We will never be the same)A tiny Lord, (He’s reaching out His Mighty hand)A King is born this day in Bethlehem
Ending: Come and worship Come and worship Come and worship Come and worship (Halle, hallelujah!)(A king is born) A king is born (Halle, halle)(A king is born) A king is born (Halle, halle)(A king is born) A king is born (Halle, hallelujah!)A king is born!
Let’s Celebrate the Reason for the Season!
This has been a year of highs and lows for many of us. After all, we endured a global pandemic. We suffered the loss of friends and family. But there has also been joy in celebrating new marriages, precious babies born, and opportunities to minister to God’s children.
As we close out this year and celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us not forget the reason for the season!
Merry Christmas!
More Articles
I have written several articles celebrating Christmas. You can find them by typing “Christmas” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #461: Silent Night and Christmas at Grandma’s
- #409: 9 Lessons and Carols from King’s College
- #357: Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men!
- #305: O Come All Ye Faithful
- #253: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. How have you experienced God’s grace and mercy in your life this year?
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Category: Personal Development | Dependence on God
I’m afraid, Ron, it’s the secularization of society, and political correctness at work. I remember the debate in the police department years ago about our Christmas cards. Some said, as reps of local government, we needed to be inclusive. Some people celebrate Hanukkah. Others Kwanzaa. Others are atheists and celebrate a secular holiday season (hijacking Christmas as a sort of St. Nick thing). So, begrudgingly, we moved to “Happy Holidays” the anodyne catchall. My wife and I still send out a family photo with “Merry Christmas” on it, but I always add “and Happy Hanukkah” for my Jewish friends.
I so agree with you, John. It is the secularization of society and political correctness run amuck! I just read an article this morning about a “diversity leader” in Kent County, Washington, that sent out emails to county employees prohibiting any Christmas decorations in employee’s cubicles and even Christmas decorations that might be visible in the background of private residences while an employee is on a zoom call working from home! Needless to say, greeting someone in the office with Merry Christmas is also prohibited! This is “diversity” in the modern age?!