Another Christmas has come and gone and with it, at least for another year, the so-called controversy of the greeting, “Merry Christmas.”
Some are apparently uncomfortable with the phrase being used as a common exchange of pleasantries, preferring instead, the generic, “Happy Holidays.” I realize that the season contains other significant events both religious and secular. However, let’s get real.
This past week, on Dec. 25, I would imagine that 90 percent of all businesses were closed. I would also surmise that 90 percent of all employed people had the day off.
If that were true on any other day, it would be considered an economic and political catastrophe of cataclysmic proportions. But, on Dec. 25, it is considered normal.
For the most part, traffic was non-existent. Anyone wishing to drive during what would normally be considered rush hour could easily do so and the streets were virtually deserted. No one went to school — not to elementary school, middle school, high school, college, or graduate school.
Except for a skeleton crew of emergency personnel, the government was closed. Local governmental offices? Closed. State government? Closed. Federal offices? Closed. Congress went home and even the President took the day off. Doctor’s offices were closed as were dentists’ offices, lawyers’ offices, and … well, everybody, nearly, was closed. A few drug stores and convenience stores were open but not much else.
No, all this occurred because society, the church and, for that matter, the entire world recognizes that Dec. 25 is the traditional (though not literal) birthday of Jesus Christ.
Almost all holiday traditions stem from this fact, though some pagan traditions have been incorporated into the Christmas celebration. Not only that, nearly all the nation, every man, woman, and child, regardless of religious affiliation or lack of same, benefit from this long-held belief.
Oh, some people try to change the labels and call Christmas vacation, “winter break.” Others insist that the traditional foliage is a “holiday tree.” But most ignore the silliness and just enjoy Christmas.
In fact, one could argue that, if not for the birth of Christ, the economy would be in chaos. “Black Friday,” that all important shopping day that follows Thanksgiving, which often determines whether a business fails or survives, is utterly dependent on people shopping for — you guessed it — Christmas.
And Christmas is, has always been, and always will be about Jesus.
So, next year, if someone desires to wish me a “Happy Holiday,” I am fine with that. But I will return the sentiment with my own personal and deeply heartfelt, “Merry Christmas.” Because, like it or not … It really was and will be all about Jesus.
[David Epps is the pastor of the Cathedral of Christ the King, 4881 Hwy. 34 E., Sharpsburg, GA 30277. Services are held Sundays at 8:30 and 10 a.m. (www.ctkcec.org). He is the bishop of theDiocese of the Mid-South (www.midsouthdiocese.org. He may be contacted at frepps@ctkcec.org.
