Should we say “Merry Christmas” or just “happy holidays”? This issue has grown in intensity in recent years as our culture has simply become more godless… in the name of so-called “inclusion”. The saying goes: there are so many different kinds of people in our culture that it is offensive to wish others a “Merry Christmas”. What if they are not Christian? It has gotten to the point that at my daughter’s school, the kids have become so programmed that it was rare that anyone wished each other a “Merry Christmas” as they left for the “winter break”. What a shame.
I was thinking the other day…are they going to start calling December 25th “Winter Day” or some such nonsense?
All I will point out is that Jesus himself said in the Bible: "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. (Luke 12:8 NIV); elsewhere Jesus also said: If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38 NIV)
As you ponder at the next opportunity whether you should bury the urge to say “Merry Christmas” for fear of offending someone, give thought to the implication of offending Jesus in the process. Perhaps you might remember these additional words that He spoke as well: I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. (Luke 12:4-5 NIV)