What's Up With Merry Christmas?
67Do you prefer Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
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The annual nonsense is blooming on the vine, which should not shock us.
‘Tis the season for all the peace on earth platitudes to be pruned by the quarrel over the merits of Merry Christmas versus Happy Holidays.
All the antagonistic pundits are sharpening their blades to relentlessly hack away at the pseudo-controversy until it reaches its full flowering, which apparently is good for ratings, so advertisers yammering for sales are all ecstatically happy.
The argument rages on, but we ought not blink or be surprised.
Anyone who still considers America a “Christian” nation is at best sadly mistaken or at worse, somewhat delusional. Perhaps once upon a time, at its beginnings America may have been a “Christian” nation, but no more.
America has drifted on the ebb and flow of an increasingly hostile secularism; more recently a tsunami of multi-culturalism has eroded away the once solidly entrenched pilings that anchored our society on Biblical truth.
Christmas Is
This is not a rant against the obscene commercialization of the season, nor will it be a defense of Christmas because that'd be unnecessary. For anyone who has not yet been steamrolled by the stupidity of political correctness in hyper-drive, it is inherently self-evident that Christmas requires no defense.
The etymology of Christmas makes its meaning abundantly clear; Christmas is in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ. Period. Or as Archie Bunker would so eloquently bring closure to a bickering debate: “Case closed.”
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Extraordinary Events
There was something extremely unique about the child born in a stable. His parents, known to history as Joseph and Mary, were a peasant couple of no particular distinction.
By government decree they’d been uprooted from their obscure village and forced to travel to Joseph’s ancestral hometown. Perhaps that was best because there was some gossip about their relationship; Mary was more than just a little bit pregnant, and it didn’t take sophisticated mathematicians to figure out that the timeline was not kosher.
On the night of his birth, shepherds living nearby abruptly left their flocks. Chattering about angels appearing to them, they found the newborn baby lying in a manger, and then with great enthusiasm they proclaimed that this child was Christ the Lord.
Everyone who heard it was amazed by the supernatural story the shepherds told, but the unusual circumstances surrounding this birth were not confined to the dusty roads and back streets of Palestine.
Astrologers, likely from present-day Iraq and/or Iran, observed a celestial event that according to their charts had great significance. They set out on a journey which lasted nearly two years, and found Mary and the child at a house in Bethlehem.
Their response was quite staggering; these wise and highly educated men bowed and worshiped the infant, honoring him with expensive gifts. A local potentate, clinging to earthly power, was so fearful of rumors regarding his birth that he ordered the slaughter of any male child two years old or under.
The family escaped and after a sojourn in Egypt, they settled in Nazareth. Jesus learned the carpentry trade of his father, but he was also a serious student of the sacred scrolls, what we know as the Old Testament.
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Love & Grace
Around the age of thirty, possessing a sense of destiny and purpose, he set off as an itinerant rabbi. As he traveled about, he gathered a cluster of ne’er do well followers. He had an appeal to the masses for multitudes came from far and wide to hear him speak about love, grace and the kingdom of God.
His insights into the ancient texts were considered radical by the religious establishment, which ultimately sealed his fate. Jealous of his popularity and afraid of his vision, the Sanhedrin Council - akin to the Jewish Supreme Court - abused their authority and manipulated the system to have him executed by the Romans.
Normally, that would have been the end of it all, but not in this case. The borrowed tomb where his friends buried him could not contain him; he burst forth from it and in doing so, he destroyed death, and now grants eternal life to anyone who chooses to believe in him.
2000 years after his life, death and resurrection, he remains the centerpiece of many public discussions and is often something of a media star.
If Jesus was not the Son of the living God, then in a fundamentally secular America, why does he get so much press? If Jesus was merely a wandering rabbi from Nazareth, then why all this animosity about celebrating his birthday?
The Verdict
In referring to God’s visitation to planet earth, an eyewitness wrote: “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”
Then, while engaged in a nighttime discussion with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, Jesus - the One called Immanuel, which means God With Us - said: “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
What’s up with Merry Christmas is this: The profoundly clear verdict is in; the frequently angry aggression against Christmas is merely human-centric wisdom preferring darkness to light. May God help us; may we help ourselves with a hearty and authentic Merry Christmas to all.
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- Wanted Man
Wanted Man a.k.a. Ken R. Abell, seeks to be a blessing to others. He's a rake, a rambler, and a teller of tales who understands that there is strength in a story well told and well lived. To learn more, inquire or schedule him, visit this web site. - What's Up With The Ten Commandments?
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In a largely forgotten song, Bob Dylan growled: "But right now I'll just sit here so contentedly and watch the river flow." For me, there is great enjoyment, contentment even, in watching the river of life flow... - Let It Rain
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Joseph Stalin, General Secretary of the Soviet Union from 1922 until his death in 1953, shed the blood of those who opposed him with ruthless abandon. He said: "A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic."
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And yet another great hub which prompts us to think, and helps us to ground ourselves.Thank you
RevLady - Thank you for your great comments. You should turn that whole "a God who cares" line of thinking into a Hub. Wonderful stuff.
E. Nicolson - Thank you for your kind & encouraging comments. Blessings to you.
Ken, I have heard James Dobson remark in regard to the change of recognition by many in U.S. society for Christmas and other Christian Holidays as having occurred in some cases because Christians sat in observance of what was occurring in regard to the bans recognizing Christ without exercising their rights of objection. Had they done-so and used legal avenues like those who have exercised their perverted "polical correctness", some of these bans on recognition of Christ might not have occurred, including the bans in schools for teaching creationism, posting of the Ten Commandments and practice of prayer.
I do think a lesson was learned to some extent and hopefully enough of one to keep further expansion of anti-Christian movements from advancing further. We don't want to give the "Son of Perdition" an even bigger head start than he will already have. We'll win anyway - regardless, after all is said and done but in the mean time, we should remind ourselves of what we hold dear and see as our rights of worship, as you have done in this wonderful Hub!
Thanks, Jim. Good words.
The problem, as I see it, that the church faces today, is not much different than it has been over 2000 years: the church is far too NICE, and is unwilling to cast the wolves out, and so what the world sees is the very worst in the church. Peoples opinions of Christianity are clouded by the good folks at Westboro Baptist Church, or any number of Kenneth Copeland's acolytes, or by the disciples of Jerry Falwell and his ilk. And there are far worse/far crazier people out there, wolves among the sheep, not only leading the faithful away, but showing the world a far different image of Christ. Just as the world's general opinion of Islam is coloured by radical extremists who have become terrorists, the world's view of Christianity is that we are all intolerant bigots who cling blindly to superstition and roll around on the ground handling snakes or else are tucked away in a corner wearing all black and sans zippers.
SO, with this in mind, is it any surprise that Christianity takes attacks in all forms, including Christmas? People fighting on street corners over the right to erect a nativity scene? Seriously? This is worth fighting over? No one can stop me from saying "Merry Christmas", and if someone wishes me a Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa or even a Happy Festivus, I will gladly accept their well wishes, without taking offense that they don't recognize the reason for the season.
weepingfool - Perhaps all that is true enough, but then, it does not change these words of Jesus: “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
I enjoyed your hub.
it tears me, when I hear people screaming about the word Christmas. even if you are not of the christian faith, I would have assumed that the message, peace on earth, do good to and for others, and be kind to brother and sister humans would be a good thing.
I guess Semantic games, and screaming are the norm now.
I think Ill go light up the huge sign in my yard that says merry Christmas, just to tee off the passing paranoids. LOL
outdoorsguy - Thank you for stopping in & sharing. And yes I think screaming matches are the norm now.
Have fun teeing off the passing paranoids. :>)
Thank you for the voting. No one asked for my vote when a certain thousand decided it was politically correct to take Christ out of Christmas., so no one would get offended. They are fools. I do not think 'believers' were given a vote, so I appreciate your poll.
One day Ken every knee will bow, and know Jesus is Lord. As for me I will climb the roof top and shout to all the world who the Savior is. Forget our nation was founded on Bibical principals, just toss Christ aside. We live in a fallen world. There are believers that will tell and share the truth and NOT stay luke warm. Thank you for a powerful, heart felt hub. It is sad that many children are not sure why we celebrate Christmas. As believers we have much work to do for him. He is Lord. I have run across a few hubs on this topic. I get bloomin upset about the politically correct decision not to offend any one so taking Christ out of the picture is acceptable. Sure lets just throw rocks at the Savior. Not Me, no way no how. You are right on with your hub. Just dig nside and run things how mother earth directs, something of that agenda. We can see where that has taken us. Stay Blessed friend, keep sharing the truth.
Hugs Your friend
skye2day - Thank you for sharing your comments. Be blessed & encouraged.
Unfortunately in the politically correct arena of the media (i.e. television, radio, social websites, etc.) the squeaky wheel gets most of the attention. And again unfortunately, the squeaky wheels are usually the naysayers and antagonists that love to draw attention to themselves by ranting and raving about contentious issues. It could be any topic and Christmas just happens to be one of them. I agree wholeheartedly that as a nation we (USA) have lost sight of our Christian roots. One of the causes of that, is the dilution of real Christian values through the politically correct tolerances that have infiltrated our Churches in order to woo new members. The more we deviate from God's call for us as Christians to stand strong in our support of His commandments, the weaker His message becomes and the more likely we are to accept man's changes to God's laws. What does all this have to do with saying Merry Christmas? Well, if you examine the driving force behind this mob mentality to take "Christ" out of "Christ"mas you will discover that this is just one of a long list of "tolerances" that they want Christians to except in the name of love for the brethren. They want churches to change God's laws to conform to man's laws so that they don't have to be obedient to God, and changing Merry "Christ"mas is just another foot in the door to getting their way.
Ken,
"tis a fine hub and I can't add more than what has been said.
Other than I pray for the lovers of the dark and evil and maybe just maybe one will be turned from good efforts, and then much will be forgiven.
rocketjsqu - Thanks for stopping by & sharing your fine comments. I agree wholeheartedly.
50 Caliber - Thank you much.
Ken - congrats on this being a featured hub! I get so tired of this becoming a battle every year with Dobson and O'Rielly telling Christians to boycott retailers who do not allow their employees to say Merry Christmas. Is this really going to help? It's sad that in this country the darkness has managed to snuff out the light. I'm just glad I know how it ends!
Thank you, Cari Jean. Appreciate your words & yes, I too am glad I know how it ends.
Ken I applaud you on this excellent hub which has been featured by hubpages. You are so right. America has ceased to be a Christian nation. There is indeed an anti-christian spirit rampant.
You said it all in the words 'men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil'. We should not be too surprised because as we approach Jesus' second coming, things will get worse. However, one consolation we all have as Christians, is that regardless of what is being done to Christmas celebrations, and christianity in general, no one can ever take Jesus Christ out of our hearts. He is there to stay if we allow Him.
Congratulations, again, on a superb hub with an outstanding message for mankind. Merry Christmas!!!
create a page - Thank you for your affirmation & encouraging words. You are so kind. Merry Christmas.
This is a great hub and a much needed message. I work at the farmer's markets and around Christmas time a LOT of people say Merry Christmas to me, defiantly. As if to say, "that's right, I celebrate Christmas, something you want to do about that?" and I love it! People are fighting back in their own way and my hat's off to them.
Merry Christmas (a little early) and God Bless you :)
Thank you, Madame X. Sounds like fun working the farmer's market. I know I always enjoying visiting them. Blessings & Merry Christmas to you.
Hi Ken,
Well written, that is the reason our country is in the shape it is in because we have left out the most important part Christ birthday. I always want to acknowledge that I am nothing without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas to you, Anita, and Family.
Thank you, PinanShodan. Merry Christmas & many blessings to you.
Merry Christmas Ken! Enjoyed reading this hub.
Thank you, Ken.
Love in Christ
Glad you enjoyed it, Susan.
You are welcome, Ceilia.
Merry Christmas.
Great Hub, Ken. I think it is a shame that people in the U.S. fight against the words "Merry Christmas." All who do so have hearts of darkness. God help them.
Thanks, James.
Hi ken this is wonderful blog.. and not only Christmas but also all the big religious festival are commercialized like Diwali or Holi of Hindus and Id of Muslims. Everyone forgets this is the time to forgive and forget and hug your enemies. Spread love is replaced by spread gifts.
sweetie1 - Thanks for your good words. Especially like this line: "Spread love is replaced by spread gifts." It'd be great if that idea became contagious.
Brilliant-I thoroughly agree!
Thank you very much, itakins.
Simply profound; great hub about our great Lord! I cried. I do pray for that "authentic Merry Christmas"!
Thank you, Brenda. Peace, blessings & Merry Christmas to you.
Excellent hub! You are so right, commercializations greed has extended its ugly tentacles to squeeze the Merry Christmas right out of us. I sure miss the good old days.
Thank you, Bail Up. Merry Christmas.
Thank you Ken R. for this insightful Hub!! You know, I think America truly needs to take a stand much like the Swiss People's Party has recently done regarding banning the construction of minarets. I always thought the Swiss were "coined" as neutral, but this stand is one I admire. Christian Americans can learn a lot from the Swiss. If Americans would make a more adamant stand for our country's rights there would still be prayer in schools. Prayer was removed from American public schools in 1963 because the Court voted 8-1 in Murray's favor. According to my research, not one Christian voter opposed. Yes, we should continue to hold onto our American traditions and rights, and our freedom to be able to say; "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!" It's a great part of the nostalgic Americana! If we can all come together in unison and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, the act of selfless giving.....not in commercialized "Things," but of ones time, love and generosity, we won't lose heart and become overwhelmed by the media's mandates and fall short by wishing everyone "Happy Holidays, or Seasons Greetings."
peacenhim - Thanks for stopping in & for your good comments. Merry Christmas.
I learned a lot in this hub. I take so much for granted in this Holiday that getting this wonderful information is very helpful and timely. Thank you, thoroughly loved it.
Ladybird33 - Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Blessings to you. And Merry Christmas.
Ken, your hub is very well written and I see it has alot of support from those who voiced their opinions. As a Christian who does not celebrate Christmas, I can fist say, that I don't make any sort of judgment on those who do. I believe, not 'merely from a human-centric wisdom', that the truth will set you free. Christmas simply is not His birth, and there never was a call to celebrate it whenever it was. (mostly likely however it was Yom Kippur). The joy, charity and excitement of the season should not be a season, but a life, a way of living everyday, a remembrance everyday - the same today, tommorow and yesterday. I see Christmas as the continuing tradition of the Roman Catholic Church - early Lutherans did away with it upon their initial break. The Christian community and body is bigger than America - a nation that drove the Indians from their homes and enslaved a whole race of people. That was not a Christian beginning. Christians, I believe, need to see outside the box of tradition and country.
I don't think anyone should put a damper on their joy in being Christian - it just needs to be merry and happy all year long - never changing because of what the calendar says.
A M Werner - Thank you for stopping in & sharing very interesting comments. I certainly respect your view & you are correct that our joy ought to be yearlong & not dependant on the calendar. Blessings & peace to you.
Thank you for a great hub. Merry Christmas!
Thank you very much, Dao Hoa. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for discussing this issue. It just makes me angry that joyous words are now frowned upon by some. I look forward to reading more of your work.....Kim
You're welcome, Kim. I appreciate your visit & comments. Thank you.
Well I thought it only be appropriate to comment on this blog during this special time of year, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. This was an excellent article! I do agree that the nation has strayed away a bit from the importance of Christianity and celebrating the marvelous birth of Christ. But I do what to point out that there are many still out there that do recognize the most memorable story in the Bible. My family, since I can remember, gets together on Christmas eve and reads from the Bible the great story of the birth of our redeemer and friend. Which helps us remember the true meaning of CHRIST-mas.
DefyingGravity - Thank you for stopping in. I'm glad you enjoyed the visit & I appreciate your comments. Blessings.
RevLady Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
This hub is wonderful Ken, as always.
I believe, as you do, that our nation has succumbed to the vociferous call of materialism, commercialism and many other forms of "isms." Yet, I also believe that even in the midst of a country gone astray, believers everywhere rejoice and celebrate the true meaning of Christ coming into the world.
We rejoice not because we are perfect, not because we have been so good, not because we deserve God’s blessings, but because in the midst of judgment there is a God who cares. A God who cares about ordinary obnoxious people like you and me. A God who cares about error prone, disobedient, sinful, regular people with feelings like Jacob at the river knowing he had done wrong to his brother Esau, or like Moses with a disobedient people in the midst of a wilderness or like David at the time of Absalom’s death.
We rejoice because into the family of a poor carpenter, a Child is born, Christ Jesus our Lord, the glory of His people Israel and the glory of saints all through the ages.
Thank you for providing your fans with a fresh sense of the wonder and joy of Christmas.
Christmas blessings, love and hugs,