Happy Holidays!

“Happy Holidays!”  I am more than certain that you will hear that soon, if not already.  The very phrase is an irritant to some.  They equate this greeting with a “war on Christmas,” and they are offended that folks don’t say the word Christmas.

            I get it. The truth is, in some places there is a war on Christmas. Quite frankly, it is a war on Christianity itself.  But the fact is that those of us who are Christians are probably not going to win this so-called culture war.  Not at this point. 

            Still, I want to share a couple of things with you that I hope will be an encouragement to you as you celebrate the season. First of all, if someone says, “Happy Holidays” to you, please don’t snap at them. It is possible that they are under orders to do just that.  It may be a person who is working a temporary job to provide food and presents for their family.  The thing is, if you say something mean-spirited to that person, you are hurting your testimony for the Lord. So, please be patient.

            Second, I want you to consider this. Do you know the meaning of the term, “holiday?”  Think about it a minute.  Holiday means holy day.  So, when someone says to you, “Happy Holidays,” they have indeed said, “Happy Holy Days,” even if they do not realize it.  Ironic, huh? 

            My wife has the best response I’ve heard yet.  She amazes me with her patience and attitude. Anytime she hears the phrase, “Happy Holidays,” she courteously and joyfully responds, “Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you.”  As Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” I’ve never yet seen anyone react angrily to her gentle and kind response.

            So, I say it again. “Happy Holidays.” And God bless us every one!