When I was a kid, I often heard people say "Merry Christmas" to each other. Since then the world has gradually removed "Christ" from Christmas. In our politically correct society, Christmas trees are now often called “holiday trees.” School districts refer to Christmas vacation as “Winter Break.” They also prohibit religious songs from their music programs such as “Silent Night” in favor of ditties like “Frosty the Snowman.”
2,000 years ago, the apostles were commanded by authorities “...not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:18) Today there are businesses requiring their employees to say "Happy Holidays" to customers instead of "Merry Christmas." Some city governments forbid Nativity scenes being on display but allow statues of Santa Claus.
Whose birthday are we celebrating anyway?
It's true that many of the traditions associated with Christmas have pagan origins. But rather than making a big fuss about that, how about coming up with new holiday traditions that glorify the Lord? One of my relatives insists on us singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus before we open up presents. That's a clever way to keeping Christ in Christmas.
A recent Rasmussen Reports survey revealed that 69 percent of Americans still prefer the greeting "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays.” Still when I encounter someone who says “Happy Holidays” to me, I respond with a big smile on my face and boldly reply, “Merry Christmas.” I encourage you to do the same. It’s one way to remind people of the reason for the season.
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12
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