It's Called CHRISTMAS!

I recently introduced Tom to the song, Christmas With A Capital “C” by GO FISH. Are you familiar with the song released in 2010? I should clarify, when I say I introduced the song to him, what I mean is that I started singing it in a Chili’s restaurant when our waitress said, “Happy Holidays” as we were getting ready to leave. I’m not opposed to hearing “happy holidays.” Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are also celebrated during this season, so I understand. In fact, I initially just smiled and responded, “Merry Christmas!” It was upon the waitress sharing with us that corporate headquarters sent out a memo telling staff they could ONLY say “happy holidays” that I decided to joyfully break into song. I certainly cannot carry a tune, but I am happy to report the waitress, other staff and those sitting near us chimed in with a Merry Christmas chorus of their own. It was a fun moment bringing us together.

Yet make no mistake, we are in a culture war! Charlie Brown, Baby It’s Cold Outside, Rudolph, Frosty, public restrooms, the American flag, and even how many genders exist are all under scrutiny. The list of what is now offensive is so long, I’m not sure how the offended keep it all straight! I was recently suspended from Twitter for saying there were only two genders. That’s right. You read that correctly. I received a message saying my comment that there were only two genders, male and female, was “hate speech” and violated Twitters policy. By stating the science of XX and XY, I had offended the Twitter community. Wow!


In I Peter 3:15, St. Peter says, ‘with gentleness and respect, always be ready to give reason for the hope within you.’  Always be ready to lovingly proclaim the truth of  Christ! Between unkind words thrown at us, and our reaction, lies our greatest power, CHOICE. We have the choice whether or not to be offended. In the current climate of ‘fear of offending,’ remember the example Jesus lived loving the sinner while never compromising His truth. An inoffensive gospel is no gospel at all. Standing on God’s word is not always popular. We need be less concerned with how many followers we have and more concerned that we are worth following.

So when someone says ‘happy holidays,’ there is an opportunity for evangelism. Share a sincere, loving “Merry Christmas,” or break into song if the mood strikes you. (Hopefully more in tune than I.)
“Keeping Christ in Christmas” is OUR calling as believers. It’s not the call of the non-believer. They may not know what that means. Our behavior should demonstrate a loving relationship with God. Your continued love, support, trust and partnership with Innovative Truth is the reassurance of Emmanuel in our world. Never forget OURS may be the word or action introducing others to Jesus. Will we frighten or invite them into a relationship with Him?

                                                                   MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!