Why we say "Merry Christmas"
As we entered December this week, the AJU staff was busy preparing the holiday campaign and greetings. When we began putting the programs together, we started to debate whether or not we should say “Merry Christmas” or go with the more politically correct “Happy Holidays”.
Well, as a traditionalist I was firmly in the “Merry Christmas” camp. While it’s true that I have Christian beliefs - having grown up in a Catholic family and having been confirmed in the faith as an adult - my reasoning for choosing “Merry Christmas” as our greeting is not a faith-based decision. However, what I learned as a youth about Christmas has stuck with me today.
Christmas is about new beginnings. It’s about the celebration of life and hope. That a child was born on that day 2,008 years ago is nothing miraculous. Children are born every day. However, this particular child brought hope to a turbulent world. This particular child brought the world together - if for only a day.
Most people are aware of the wise men who followed the star, bearing gifts for the baby of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. For me, this is a symbol of hope. Hailing “from the east,” the magi represented the rest of the world, apart from those of Judeo-Christian belief. Their arrival on the scene shows a united world - a world of hope - yes, we all can get along.
So for me, when we speak of Christmas - we speak of global peace - we speak of us all getting along, united and with hope. We need Christmas now more than ever. A struggling economy; a change in leadership; terrorism and war - it seems the world still hasn’t changed. 2,008 years later, and we still need to hope for peace - hope to be united - hope to be one. The birth of Christ represents the true meaning of Christmas – the gift of hope and promise of a better world, a peaceful world. It matters not if you believe in Christ as the Son of God or as the savior of mankind – this is not necessary to believe in what his birth represents.
So – we wish a Merry Christmas to the world and we ask everyone to take that message everywhere…Take Christmas Everywhere.
Hope – Peace – Christmas,
Don
Well, as a traditionalist I was firmly in the “Merry Christmas” camp. While it’s true that I have Christian beliefs - having grown up in a Catholic family and having been confirmed in the faith as an adult - my reasoning for choosing “Merry Christmas” as our greeting is not a faith-based decision. However, what I learned as a youth about Christmas has stuck with me today.
Christmas is about new beginnings. It’s about the celebration of life and hope. That a child was born on that day 2,008 years ago is nothing miraculous. Children are born every day. However, this particular child brought hope to a turbulent world. This particular child brought the world together - if for only a day.
Most people are aware of the wise men who followed the star, bearing gifts for the baby of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. For me, this is a symbol of hope. Hailing “from the east,” the magi represented the rest of the world, apart from those of Judeo-Christian belief. Their arrival on the scene shows a united world - a world of hope - yes, we all can get along.
So for me, when we speak of Christmas - we speak of global peace - we speak of us all getting along, united and with hope. We need Christmas now more than ever. A struggling economy; a change in leadership; terrorism and war - it seems the world still hasn’t changed. 2,008 years later, and we still need to hope for peace - hope to be united - hope to be one. The birth of Christ represents the true meaning of Christmas – the gift of hope and promise of a better world, a peaceful world. It matters not if you believe in Christ as the Son of God or as the savior of mankind – this is not necessary to believe in what his birth represents.
So – we wish a Merry Christmas to the world and we ask everyone to take that message everywhere…Take Christmas Everywhere.
Hope – Peace – Christmas,
Don
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! It is refreshing to be politically incorrect. Jesus is the reason for Christmas. The founders of our country knew the importance of having faith in Jesus. The U.S. is still living off the blessings of our Christian heritage. It is time for America bless God.
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What an inspiring message Don wrote about the use of, "Merry Christmas"!! I applaud him and wish every one a Merry Christmas!!
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THANK YOU for sending such a wonderful and clear message! This country is 90% Christian, and I am dumbfounded that people are afraid to say "Merry Christmas" because it might offend someone. Is a Christian offended when someone says "Happy Hanukkah" or any other greeting? Jesus is the reason for the season. Thank you, Don, and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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