"Happy Holidays!"

Many Christian folks are bothered that "Happy Holidays" is taking the place of "Merry Christmas" in our culture’s holiday parlance – especially in the retail sector, which can’t afford (literally) to offend any customers. It seems to me that this is not really anything new. It just continues the trend begun about a century ago when the "holy-day" became a "holi-day" with the increasing emphasis on retail – an emphasis we Christians, for the most part, have supported. When, as a kid, I noticed the Sears catalogue started arriving in the mail earlier and earlier every year, that was a clue.

How should we respond? As the Magi, with their desire to search out and join what God is doing in the world? Or as Herod, with equal and opposite power politics? I suggest we think about these things:

* Instead of complaining picking about what the retailer calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

* If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting Jesus’ birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all Christ’s followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

* Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was Christ who made all trees. You can and may remember Him anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: He actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who He is in relation to you and what each of our tasks were (John 15:1-8ff).

* Encourage people to, instead of writing George complaining about the wording "Happy Holidays" on the cards his staff sent out last year, write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up.

* Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of Christ’s love and why He came to live with us down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that Jesus loves them.

* Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

* Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this Christmas season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

* Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Christ, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in His presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of Christ’s.

Just a thought.