When it comes to getting all uptight about the exact date of Christ’s birth, and what phrase you should or should not use, I don’t let it bother me.  The bigger picture is that Jesus was not only born, but he lived and carried out God’s plan of redemption for all of mankind.

And those who choose to accept Jesus as lord of all men, and believe that God raised him from the dead, shall be saved.

So, do you say, “Merry Christmas,” or, do you say, “Happy Holidays?”  Some people are furious that the word, “Christmas,” is being called politically incorrect.  Others, who are indeed Christians, for a long time have been fine with saying, “Happy Holidays,” instead.  But in the past few years, attacks on this long held holiday have frustrated many, and for some, caused a dilemma.

First of all, there are many people who do believe that Jesus was born December 25th, and that “Christmas” is a celebration of the savior of mankind, Jesus Christ.  For them, it is outrage to have the word, “Christmas” banned.  For years we have even seen shopkeepers, afraid of offending someone, put up “Happy Holiday” signs, instead of, “Merry Christmas” signs.

On the other hand, there are plenty of Christians who do not believe that Jesus was born on December the 25th.  They are aware that the Roman Church, in an effort to convert pagans, incorporated a new feast day at the same time of year that the pagan feast of Saturnalia was held.  The Roman Church introduced a special “mass” for Christ, and called it Christ Mass.

There are a number of scholars who point to a September birth for the Christ child.  There is historical, astronomical, as well as biblical evidence to support that as well.  Many theologians do not believe that Jesus was born in December.

Those Christians who don’t believe that Jesus was born in December have had a bit of a hard time for quite awhile with the word “Christmas.”  They know and understand the origins.  Some are happy to have their own beliefs, simply saying, “Happy Holidays,” during this time of year.

But things have changed in the “politically correct” arena, haven’t they?  Today, if a person doesn’t say, “Merry Christmas,” he must be a pagan, or an unbeliever.  In other words, if you really want to show that you are a Christian, then these days you need to belt it out with pride:  “Merry Christmas!”

But, there are many places that you are not allowed to say, “Merry Christmas.”  Government workers are not allowed.  Many non government workers face the same rules too.  For those who believe in the December 25th birth of Christ it is frustrating.

That’s really quite a dilemma, don’t you think?  If you don’t say, “Christmas,” you are somehow denying Jesus; but there are places that you cannot say it.  And if you don’t believe in the December 25th birth, and you know where “Christmas” came from, to say Happy Holidays makes you sound like an unbeliever.

What is one to do?  It is really quite a dilemma.  On the one hand, there are those who now feel compelled to shout, “Merry Christmas,” from the rooftops, to make a point, and show defiance to the entire politically correct crowd. Others now don’t feel so good about saying, “Happy Holidays,” like they used to.

If someone says, “Happy Holidays,” to me, I respond with the same.  If they say, “Merry Christmas,” I respond with the same.  The Apostle Paul said that he became all things to all men, that he might by all means save some.  For me, I find that is the loving thing to do.

However, there are times where I do draw the line.  There are those who do not recognize that Jesus is the Son of God.  They recognize him as a prophet and teacher, but not the Son of God.  If they tell me that, I will lovingly correct them, and tell them they are absolutely wrong.

Again, when it comes to getting all uptight about the exact date of Christ’s birth, and what phrase you should or should not use, I don’t let it bother me.  I know that the bigger picture is that Jesus was not only born, but he lived and carried out God’s plan of redemption for all of mankind.

And those who choose to accept Jesus as lord of all men, and believe that God raised him from the dead, shall be saved.

Michael Verdicchio
2010

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