It has been a while since I've taken a stab at blogging. Here goes.
All morning I've read the argument about saying Merry Christmas not only from the PC mind control freaks but also from those I recognize as presenting themselves as Christians. It isn't Christ's birthday, they say, Santa is pagan, trees and gift giving have nothing to do with Christ's birth and so on. It's a wonder anyone has the guts to say Merry Christmas anymore for the fact they are likely to be attacked by any side.
In an hour I am going to gather myself and a hand full of gifts up to head over to a family Christmas get together. Yeah I know it isn't Christ's birthday, I know the tree I will put the gifts under has nothing to do with it and I know the kids excited about Santa having come are living a lie. So what do I do? Do I walk in and shout Bah Humbug or Merry Christmas?
I'm not by any means what I would call a "Good Christian" but then I ask, are any of us? Didn't Jesus say let him who is without sin cast the first stone? I can't quote much scripture but even I remember that one.
After spending several hours so far considering the arguments, I decided I will walk in with a big smile and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Go ahead and shoot me for it. I don't care. These are the people I love and there aren't many in this world. If there is harm in sharing gifts and happy wishes on December 25th where family tradition and good will rules the day, I can't see it.
I recall what my father told me when I was finally barely old enough not to believe in Santa and asked how the culture stuff got mixed in with the spiritual. My father was one of the better Christians I have known. He said, "Son, if we were going to pick a day to share love and the feeling of wonder and excitement, what better day could we pick than the one we also picked to especially be grateful for the ultimate gift to mankind?"
I couldn't think of an answer then or now.
I will be saying Merry Christmas to the people who love me in spite of my warts and scars and I'm saying it to you who ever is reading. If that offends you, that's in your head, not in mine. If you want to gloat and look down on me for it because you see your choice of bah humbug as being the superior position then so be it. I won't be faking a smile when I say it and hug the people I care about. When the head of the house asks us to pray at dinner with him, and when he mentions the gift of Christ it won't feel out of place. If Christ doesn't appreciate the love around the table, then he isn't the Christ I grew up believing in.