FoxNews.com reports that the politically correct greeting “Happy Holidays” is on the decline. “In window displays and newspaper circulars, on websites and sometimes out of the mouths of sales clerks, more retailers are saying ‘Merry Christmas’ this year.” Also reported is the failed attempt in a city in Philadelphia to change the name of a yearly German market event from “Christmas Village” to “Holiday Village.” The mayor received many calls and emails protesting the planned change. And so “Christmas Village” was retained.
Many do welcome this “return” of Christmas. After all, the season is about celebrating the birth of the Christ, the Savior of the world. Yet, reading through the news report, one wonders whether the true essence of Christmas has indeed returned. When we consider background stories of this seeming return of Christmas, many of the moves to restore “Merry Christmas” appear to be driven more by monetary considerations rather than a serious recognition of the reason for the season. Retail stores, for example, have simply given in to the threat of boycotts by those offended by the removal of the word “Christmas” in their ads, décor, or the greetings of their employees.
One also wonders whether we, the champions and defenders of “Merry Christmas,” are still unknowingly under the clutches of the spirit of consumerism. We get pretty involved in the gift-shopping, gift-giving, and gift-receiving. We stress about the preparations for the Christmas celebration—the right (and enough) food, the right decorations, even the right games and activities. But just how is Christ actually involved or the primary consideration in all these?
Don’t get me wrong. I like Christmas trees and Christmas lights. And I enjoy Christmas food. And yes, I am particularly happy about the return of the use of “Christmas.” At least the unapologetic reference to Christ is once more in the public square. That’s a good thing. But is it enough for followers of Christ to be able to declare a victory in the Christmas greetings war? Shouldn’t we also seriously evaluate our celebrations? Do we only mimic the way of the world or do we purposefully seek to honor Christ in the way we celebrate the season? It’s more than just inserting some religious ceremony or devotional in the midst of the partying and the merriment. We must ask ourselves whether the tone and atmosphere of the celebrations themselves give due honor to the Christ we worship. The true return of Christmas is when Christ returns to the center of the celebration.
—Keith Y. Jainga