Some who would criticize those of us who continue to wish others at this time of year a “Merry Christmas”. They reason that there are many religions that celebrate something at this time of year, but they don’t want to think of it as a Christian holiday. And so it would not be politically correct to wish someone a “Merry Christmas” if they don’t believe Jesus is the Christ.
But we recognize that the very reason the holiday celebrated on December 25th exists is in commemoration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, born to Mary, conceived while she was espoused to Joseph, of the lineage of David. When Joseph found out the Mary was pregnant, he decided to break off the engagement privately rather than make a public example of her. But an angel from God appeared to Joseph in a dream to instruct him to take her as his wife, “because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus (from the Hebrew meaning “Salvation of God”), because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21 NIV)
That is what we celebrate. He will save His people from their sins!!! If we don’t wish the people who cling to other religions a “Merry Christmas”, then we in a sense show that we do not care whether He saves them. But we do care. We do not wish anyone a “Merry Christmas” to criticize their faith of lack of faith, but to share the hope of the salvation Jesus was born to promise all God’s people.
Merry CHRISTmas to all without exception.
Tracy Henness
