Merry-Christmas   This debate comes up every year. Should we say “Merry Christmas” to celebrate this holiday – even though it might offend someone? I recently heard this issue discussed on a local radio talk show. It helped me realize the underlying problem: Many of us have actually forgotten what Christmas is all about. Some say that Christmas is a time to exchange gifts. Others are more noble, saying that Christmas is about family and good cheer. Is that why we should celebrate Christmas?

   Maybe we need to pause for a moment and think about why we have a Christmas Day. December 25th has been the traditional day set aside for hundreds of years to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ into this world. Christ’s birth, more than the birth of any other, has been celebrated because His birth was “good news of great joy which will be for all the people; . . . there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

   Jesus came so that He could rescue us from the punishment and from the effects of our sin. No one else has ever done that. Jesus Christ is also worshipped for another reason. He was God in human flesh.

   The Bible shows us that the birth of Christ marks the only time in history when God became a man: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which translated means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).

   Since Christmas is a holiday to remember Christ’s birth, why shouldn’t we mention His name? Let me picture it this way. Suppose you decided to remember your mother’s birthday by inviting friends over for special food and the giving of gifts. Wouldn’t it be odd if you said, “Now, just so we don’t offend anybody, please don’t mention my mother’s name on her birthday.” Those who didn’t want to honor your mother wouldn’t have to celebrate. Why would those who are enjoying the party be offended if someone mentions her name?

   This may surprise you, but the Bible does tell us why the name of Christ is often hated or ignored. It all comes down to what Christ’s name represents. Notice how the Apostle Paul explained it: “Being found in appearance as a man,

[Jesus] humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:8-11).

   In other words, because God became a man and then paid the awful price of our sin, Christ’s name forces us to either embrace Him, or ignore our sin problem and turn away from Him. When you understand who Jesus is you cannot remain neutral about Him. He is like no other.

   When I was just a young boy, someone showed me from the Bible who Jesus is and what He did for me. A few weeks later I turned my life over to Christ. That is a decision I have never regretted. This time of year I take every opportunity to say “Merry Christmas.” Why? Because I am so thankful that Jesus died on the Cross for me. I am not greeting the season of winter. I am celebrating the birth of the God-man who loved me so much that He died for me.

   If you don’t know Christ as your Lord and Savior, Christmas would be a wonderful time to begin that relationship with Him.

   If I can help you in any way, please let me know. Call me or e-mail me if you would like more information about how you can know Jesus Christ as your Savior. Beginning a relationship with Christ would ensure that you have a truly Merry Christmas. Your comments are always welcome at www.BethelChapelChurch.com.